Sébastien FAVRE

Sébastien Favre’s estate is situated in the charming village of Meinier and comprises three different plots. Grape varieties such as Chasselas, Charmont, Sauvignon Gris, Gamay, Gamaret, Pinot Noir and Garanoir are lovingly cultivated here for the delight of our taste buds. As well as growing grapes, Sébastien also sells sunflower seeds for oil production through Affaire Tournerêve, of which he is a member.

“I grew up in it.” That’s how Sébastien became a winegrower. Indeed, his great-great-uncle, his grandfather and then his father had all owned the estate. But before taking over the reins in 2000 and registering the estate in his own name in 2009, on his family’s advice, he completed an apprenticeship as a watchmaker. He grew to love this trade and, in fact, still practises it today. In 2011, at the request of La Cave de Genève, he converted his arable crops to organic farming in order to qualify for the Bourgeon label for his wine.

According to Sébastien, because the profession is becoming increasingly challenging – both in terms of income and climate change – to be a good winegrower, you need to be mentally resilient and have unshakeable mental strength. As for his personality, a pinch of seriousness, a spoonful of sincerity and a good dose of simplicity are the qualities that best characterise this bon vivant.

His motto? “When you’ve got to go for it, you’ve got to go for it!”

This lover of the land and wholesome produce enjoys the grape harvest, especially when it is done by hand. A whole team comes together to harvest the grapes, and it is these wonderful moments of sharing – over a meal prepared by his mum or a good glass of wine at the end of the day – that he particularly cherishes. Winter is one of his favourite seasons, when he can prune his vines on his own, in complete tranquillity.

His favourite wine? Definitely Chasselas, which he loves to pair with a good sausage or a cheese dish!

He envisages the future of his profession as one that respects the soil and makes minimal use of synthetic products. He also foresees technological advances, with new electronic equipment becoming available and perhaps even… drones!