Domaine Saint-Sébaste

Domaine Saint-Sébaste

In a world where everything is in flux, where values change or disappear, Domaine Saint-Sébaste strives to remain a guarantor of authenticity.

It relentlessly pursues excellence, both in terms of ecology and the care taken in producing its wines. "Our pleasure lies in producing pure varietal wines, without any blending. Wines which, through their fruitiness, elegance and minerality, reveal the expression of our vineyard's terroir."

The estate's 24 plots cover 20 hectares across the Neuchâtel communes of Cortaillod to Le Landeron, passing through Colombier, Hauterive, Saint-Blaise, and Cressier. Its main grape variety is Pinot Noir, followed by Chasselas and specialties such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Gewürztraminer.

 

 A family

THE YEARS GO BY, IT'S TIME TO HAND OVER...

After producing 45 vintages, accompanied for many years by my wife Anja, who has supported me at the estate while bringing her feminine touch, it is time for us to pass the baton to the next generation. We have been sharing our expertise with our daughter Elodie and son-in-law Ludovic for six years now. During these years of collaboration, we have become convinced that they will be able to satisfy you at the highest level, while living out their passion for vines and wine. It is with some emotion and nostalgia that we would like to thank you for your many years of loyalty. But as the estate remains family-owned, we will certainly have the pleasure of sharing a glass of friendship at our various events.

Anja and Jean-Pierre Kuntzer

CONTINUITY, PASSION, AND DYNAMISM

Since 2016, Jean-Pierre and Anja have passed on all their knowledge to us so that we can be as well prepared as possible to take over the estate. From the vineyard to the cellar, including the administration, every moment we have shared has taught us the subtleties that have enabled this estate to offer quality wines and service. Respect for nature is a strong value that we have shared from the beginning. The family spirit and sharing our passion for this profession are an integral part of our vision. We look forward to bringing our skills and youth to bear so that this family estate can continue to inspire you. The customer will always be the focus of our attention, and we hope to continue offering you high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of our beautiful region, whether biodynamic or natural. We would like to thank you in advance for the trust you will place in us over the coming years and we are delighted to have the opportunity to write the next chapter in the estate's history. We look forward to seeing you again.

Elodie and Ludovic Kuntzer

 

Biodynamic Viticulture

The Kuntzer family has always paid particular attention to respecting the estate's land.

In 2012, Domaine Saint-Sébaste began its transition to organic farming. This change has been carried out with enthusiasm and success, and in 2015 the estate obtained Demeter certification, guaranteeing compliance with the strictest specifications currently in force. Biodynamics excludes the use of synthetic products; no fertilizers, weed killers, or pesticides are used in the vineyard. All soil work to reduce weeds is carried out mechanically or manually, requiring more passes, time, and effort to achieve the desired results. In the cellar, natural yeasts and indigenous bacteria are used to ferment the wine, resulting in greater complexity and lower sulfite content.

 

A region, a vineyard, the wines of Domaine Saint-Sébaste

 

For over a millennium, the Neuchâtel vineyards have stretched out at the foot of the Jura, between the lake and the mountains, on a strip of land rich in limestone and mineral salts.

All the wines offered by Domaine Saint-Sébaste not only comply with the "Neuchâtel AOC" appellation but are also produced using biodynamic methods. The diversity of the soils, the exposure of the hillsides and a climate tempered by the lake favor the production of wines that combine freshness, character, finesse, and complexity. It is by mastering all these elements that Domaine Saint-Sébaste is able to produce exceptional wines.

 

About Saint-Sébaste

The name Saint-Sébaste originates from Saint Blaise. Born in Armenia, Blaise was a doctor. Elected bishop of Sebaste, he performed many miracles. In 316, the governor of his province condemned him to renounce his faith. Tortured with iron wool combs, he refused to renounce his beliefs. He was executed on February 3.

In homage to his good deeds, several villages chose the name Saint-Blaise. As our vineyards extend over several municipalities, we decided in 1982 to market our wines under the Neuchâtel appellation d'origine contrôlée. To implicitly remind people that our cellar is located in Saint-Blaise, the name "Domaine Saint-Sébaste" was inspired by the historical note on the life of Saint Blaise.

Saint-Sébaste is therefore not a new "Saint" and will certainly not perform miracles. However, we hope that you will enjoy it every time you taste a bottle.