Ludovic PENET 

Russin is a quiet and peaceful village in the Geneva countryside, home to lively locals such as the dynamic Ludovic Penet. This young winegrower divides his time between two estates: the family estate and Éric Porchet’s estate, both located in Russin. Dedicated and hard-working, Ludovic is fully committed to learning as much as he can, with the aim of taking over both estates in a few years’ time. Among the grape varieties grown there are Sauvignon Gris, Chasselas, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Gamaret and Garanoir. As well as tending the vines, he is learning about apple cultivation with Éric Porchet, as well as growing cereals on both estates.

‘When I start something, I like to see it through to the end!’

After chatting with Ludovic for a few minutes, you quickly realise that he is a winegrower full of energy and enthusiasm, and someone who loves a job well done. When he talks about his work, he does so with a smile on his face – and believe us, his zest for life is infectious! Both in his private life and at work, he tells us he’s a conscientious, respectful person, and he jokes that he’s usually punctual, except during very busy periods like the one we’re in right now.

‘I've been fascinated by the world of farming ever since I was a little boy!’

Ludovic says that to be a good winegrower, you have to love what you do and be fully committed to it. Of course, you have to love the vines, but above all, you have to love understanding them. He adds that you also need to be open-minded and flexible. For him, this passion for the fields and the vineyard began at a very young age. He fondly recalls childhood memories of running back to the estate to deliver the grapes with his father, Didier, who has been a winegrower at La Cave de Genève all his life.

But before he got to that stage, Ludovic graduated from business school and then completed an apprenticeship in winemaking. He then worked for two years with his apprenticeship supervisor before setting off on a backpacking trip to Argentina to explore farms and vineyards. On his return, he worked for a while in the canton of Vaud before coming back to Russin.

What Ludovic loves most about his job is the variety of tasks involved and the fact that he works from home and for himself, but he also enjoys the harvest seasons, which give winegrowers and farmers the chance to reap the rewards of their labour.

Looking to the future

When he thinks about the future of his trade, he tells us that it will be difficult and that it will be necessary to be open-minded, to keep up with new technologies and to engage with the local community – for example, via social media – in order to raise one’s profile. He remains confident, however, as he is pleased to see that the people of Geneva are becoming increasingly aware of and keen to buy local produce.

Finally, he is also delighted to see the commitment and enthusiasm of the young winegrowers at La Cave de Genève, who are taking over from their families.

And what about the wine?

He can’t decide between white and red! But when it comes to his favourite wines from La Cave, he has a soft spot for Syrah-Gamaret.