Berthet Laurent

OUR VINEYARD, YOUR PLEASURE

In the heart of the spectacular terraced vineyards of Lavaux—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Laurent Berthet, a passionate winegrower and oenologist, cultivates his 2-hectare vineyard.

For eight centuries, the Lavaux vines have been bathed in the sun that ripples over the vertiginous shores of Lake Geneva, sheltered by the nighttime warmth of the vineyard walls and nourished by morainic and mineral soils. Through his wines, Laurent Berthet tells this centuries-old, traditional story while incorporating cutting-edge, modern winemaking techniques.

His vineyard reflects the strong identity of the terroir and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. Thanks to integrated production methods that respect the ecosystem, Laurent Berthet wines are enhanced in taste and aroma.

TAKE THE TIME TO SHARE IN OUR CELLAR

We are delighted to welcome you for a few moments of authentic enjoyment
every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or by appointment.

Groups of up to 20 people are welcome for a tasting and/or an aperitif. They can choose from different packages depending on the number of wines tasted, ranging from CHF 12 to CHF 20.

OUR VINEYARD

The production area

Our vineyard is a Lavaux Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, and the production areas are Villette and Epesses.

A favorable climate

The low altitude of the plots (max. 450 m), the steepness of the slope, and the south to south-west exposure of the plots provide very favorable conditions for vine growth. In addition, the influence of Lake Geneva on the climate of Lavaux is of paramount importance. The region benefits, as they say, from "three suns": the sun itself, the reflection of its rays by the lake, and the nighttime release of heat accumulated by the vineyard walls.

Limestone soil

The entire Lavaux hillside has been heavily shaped by glaciers. The subsoil of our estate consists of compact moraines, laid over the underlying molasse (bedrock). The soils are limestone, medium-textured, and not very stony. Their depth varies depending on the area, ranging from a few dozen centimeters to several meters. As in any good vineyard soil, fertility is moderate: sufficient for good vine growth, but not excessive. The water regime is also suitable: underground reserves, no excesses that could harm the enrichment of the grapes with sugars and aromatic compounds.

Training on wires

The vines are grown on wire trellises, in rows spaced approximately 1.60 meters apart. This method of cultivation is the ideal compromise for ensuring optimal quality while facilitating work. The configuration of the terrain does not allow for the use of tractors, so much of the work is done manually. However, small tracked vehicles equipped with various tools allow for the mechanization of certain tasks.

• Come and discover our short film: Love is in the vineyards...