Domaine Croix Duplex

The story of Domaine Croix Duplex begins in 1929 when Samuel Vogel left German-speaking Switzerland and fell in love with Lavaux. He settled in the heights of Grandvaux, built his house, and then a cellar to vinify his wines. Samuel was a self-taught winemaker who learned his craft through extensive reading on viticulture and oenology. His dream was simple: to make wine in one of Switzerland's most beautiful regions. The estate sits in the heart of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where terraced vineyards cascade down to Lake Geneva.

The terroir here is something special. The vines benefit from three sources of heat: direct sunlight, reflection off the lake, and warmth stored in the stone walls that support the terraces. This unique microclimate gives the wines their distinctive character. Today, the domaine stretches across 30 hectares spread unevenly across various appellations in Vaud, including Villette, Epesses, Calamin, Saint-Saphorin, Bonvillars, Ollon, and Yvorne. Each parcel brings its own personality to the wines.

Jean Vogel and his wife Marlyse took over in 1973 and worked tirelessly to develop the family business. In 1975, they bought their first vineyard in Epesses, marking the beginning of real expansion. Now the third generation has taken the reins. Maude Vogel leads the estate, having worked alongside her brother Simon for over a decade. She's committed to maintaining the family philosophy while letting the wines express their terroir authentically. The approach is straightforward: sustainable methods that let the grapes grow at their own rhythm, with a focus on local Swiss suppliers and environmentally friendly practices.

The domaine produces an impressive range of 26 to 31 wines from 14 different grape varieties. Chasselas is the star here, with 10 different expressions from varied terroirs across Chablais, Northern Vaud, and Lavaux. You'll also find Pinot Noir, Gamaret, Garanoir, Diolinoir, Syrah, and Merlot among the reds. The whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner, and Riesling. There are even rosés, sparkling wines, and spirits in the lineup. The wines range from classic appellations to creative blends like Les Fleurettes aux 4 plants blancs, which combines Riesling, Sylvaner, Muscat Ottonel, and Chasselas.