Laurent Berthet

Laurent Berthet works his vines in the heart of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site where terraced vineyards plunge down toward Lake Geneva. This is Cully, a small village where eight centuries of winegrowing history live on. The domain sits on just over 2 hectares, a modest size that allows Laurent to know every corner of his land intimately. The soil here is glacial moraine, compact and mineral-rich, laid down when ancient ice sheets carved out the landscape. These soils rest on molasse bedrock and hold just enough water to keep the vines happy without making them lazy. The terraces catch three suns, as they say in Lavaux: the direct rays, the reflection from the lake, and the warmth radiating back from the stone walls at night. It's a natural greenhouse that helps ripen grapes in a climate that can be challenging.

Laurent is both a trained viticulturist and an oenologist. That double expertise shows in his approach. He's passionate about his craft but keeps his feet on the ground. His philosophy blends tradition with modern precision. He practices integrated viticulture, which means respecting the ecosystem while using the best techniques available. No unnecessary chemicals, just thoughtful farming that aims to keep the land healthy for future generations. In the cellar, Laurent combines time-honored methods with contemporary winemaking know-how. The result is wines that speak clearly of their origin while showing technical finesse.

The domain produces a range of wines that showcase both classic Lavaux varieties and some more unusual choices. Chasselas is the star here, as it is throughout the region. Laurent makes several expressions, including wines from the Villette and Epesses areas. Then there's Plant Robert, a high-quality selection of Gamay grown exclusively between Cully and Epesses. It's a local specialty with vivid violet aromas and a dark, almost purple color. Laurent also works with red varieties like Gamaret, Garanoir, and Gamay, which he blends into a cuvée called Mara. There's Pinot Noir too, and even some more unusual grapes like Cabernet Dorsa and Saint-Laurent. One of the domain's gems is Grains d'Amour, a rare sweet Muscat with intense floral and fruity notes. It's the kind of wine that makes you stop and pay attention.