Jacques MERMILLOD 

Jacques Mermillod is based at the ‘Les Biolays’ estate in Collex-Bossy. His farm, spread across Collex, Vernier and Satigny, comprises large areas of cereal crops as well as a diverse vineyard. Formerly a breeder of Limousin cattle, Jacques has now handed over the reins to Laurent Vulliez. Laurent now looks after the herd with enthusiasm and in keeping with tradition.

In the early 1990s, Jacques was one of the very first to plant Merlot on the Vernier hillside at the ‘Canada’ site for the Cave de Genève. Alongside this pioneering venture, traditional grape varieties such as Chasselas and Gamay have been cultivated with expertise for several decades. We have to go back to the late 1950s to see the beginnings of the link between his family and the co-operative. It is a long-standing history, which has continued to grow ever since.

Jacques is a winegrower with a strong personality. As he puts it: “In this line of work, we all have our little quirks and our slightly unusual personalities. ” Above all, it is passion that drives our Collesian winegrower. Winegrowing is a demanding profession and very often involves a lot of administrative red tape, but “The pleasure of having done a good job in the vineyard is immeasurable; it’s a personal satisfaction.”​

For Jacques, working at the winery is a constant source of joy. What drives him is that positive feeling of being part of the same team. The atmosphere plays a part in this too. Indeed, there has been a wonderful atmosphere between the winegrowers and staff for many years now.

When it comes to his favourite wines, Chasselas takes pride of place. It is an essential grape variety for a winemaker who is its perfect ambassador.