L’Esprit de Genève – A bottle that brings winemakers and consumers together
The Spirit of Geneva embodies a set of values deeply rooted in the city’s history and culture. It is a reflection of the humanism, social justice and independence espoused by such iconic figures as Jean Calvin, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Henry Dunant. Inherited from a tradition of openness, hospitality and defence of human rights, this spirit manifests itself in Geneva’s international vocation as well as in initiatives for peace and diplomacy. Recognised as a living tradition in Switzerland, the Spirit of Geneva is also celebrated through a wine, a testament to the local identity and collaboration between the canton’s winegrowers.
Wine Esprit de Genève
The Esprit de Genève wine is a collective initiative that brings together passionate winemakers united by a shared ambition to promote the excellence of Geneva wines. The project puts the spotlight on Gamay (minimum 50%), a traditional grape variety that can be aged in oak barrels, giving the wine fruity aromas, spicy notes and a distinctive freshness. Alongside it, Gamaret (minimum 20%), with its tight tannins and assertive structure, and/or Garanoir, bringing roundness and finesse, enrich the blend to create a subtle, harmonious balance. Other grape varieties may be included in the blend (maximum 20%) to allow each winery to express its creativity and give its wine a unique signature. This richness translates into a wide variety of styles and flavours, while complying with strict production rules defined in a rigorous charter. Each cuvée also undergoes a final tasting to guarantee impeccable quality.
Each bottle of Esprit de Genève bears the stamp of its winemaker’s expertise, demonstrating a deep commitment to tradition and excellence. This collective wine not only celebrates Geneva’s winegrowing heritage, but also the collaboration and innovation that go into creating the diversity and elegance of the region’s crus.
A connected bottle to mark the 20th vintage
The Esprit de Genève project embodies a unifying initiative that brings together the canton’s historic wineries to promote and raise the profile of Geneva wines. To mark the 20th vintage, each bottle is fitted with an NFC tag, transforming the bottle into much more than just a container: it becomes unique, endowed with a real personality! By scanning the bottle, customers are redirected to a dedicated page where they can explore the world of Esprit de Genève through an explanatory video. They will also discover a second video specially dedicated to the winemaker, who shares his story, his vision and his expertise. It’s an immersive experience that combines innovation, tradition and discovery.
Users can not only learn more about the winemakers and their stories, but also buy their favourite bottles directly online. This interaction between producer and consumer creates an authentic and engaging link, allowing wine lovers to connect directly with the history, expertise and passion behind each bottle. It offers a new experience that enriches wine tasting, transforming a simple wine into a memorable encounter with its creator.
A monthly competition
To make the experience even more interactive, a competition is organised every month. By answering a question related to the wines or producers, participants can try their luck at being drawn from the correct answers and win exclusive prizes. This blend of tradition, modernity and fun strengthens the links between producers and consumers, while promoting Geneva’s wine heritage. It’s an approach that combines pleasure, discovery and local commitment.
A festive screen-printed design
For the bottles of Esprit de Genève wines, every detail of the packaging has been meticulously thought out to embody the soul of this collection. The aim is to weave an aesthetic and emotional common thread between the winemakers, giving each bottle a shared visual identity that harmoniously reflects their passion and expertise.
Each bottle features an elegant, refined silk-screen print inspired by the usual visual codes. Subtle nuances, enhanced by a delicate motif, underline the unique and symbolic character of this special cuvée, while respecting the timeless identity of Esprit de Genève wines.
Screen printing, a technique used to print directly onto the glass, gives an elegant, top-of-the-range finish that enhances every detail of the design. This choice of premium packaging enhances the sensory experience, transforming each bottle into a truly exceptional object.
Although the visuals are identical for all the bottles, each cellar is distinguished by the personalised inscription ‘L’Esprit de Genève par’, followed by the name of the producer. This aesthetic and technical choice reflects not only the collective identity of the project, but also the demand for quality and the attention paid to every detail, guaranteeing a packaging that is as refined as the wine it contains.
Spotlight on the winemakers:
Thierry Anet, Domaine de la République et Canton de Genève, Lully
The Domaine de la République et canton de Genève is located on the slopes of Lully. This 6-hectare vineyard, created in 1971 thanks to a donation from Mr Louis-Frédéric Eckert, stands out for the application of innovative, environmentally-friendly viticultural and oenological techniques. A pioneer in the introduction of new grape varieties, it has contributed to the development of Geneva winegrowing. The estate is also a key player in the research and development of sustainable solutions, such as the use of drones and innovative seeds. Representing a small proportion of the canton’s wine production, those who think that the wines are only tasted at official events are mistaken: they can be found in the cellar.
Florian Barthassat, La Cave de Genève, Satigny
La Cave de Genève, founded in 1994, is a wine cooperative that embodies the history and culture of the canton of Geneva. It is committed to producing quality wines, highlighting the local terroir and working closely with the region’s winegrowers. The company, which has evolved over the decades, plays a key role in Geneva’s viticulture, supplying almost 80% of the canton’s wine production in the 1970s. Since 2007, it has been based in Satigny, offering local wines from the ‘Entre Arve et Lac’ and Mandement regions. As part of its eco-responsible approach, it has joined the ECO21 programme to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.
Justine and Christophe Batardon, Domaine de la Mermière, Soral
The Domaine de la Mermière, located in Soral and Laconnex on 11 hectares of AOC Geneva, cultivates its vines organically and with respect for nature. The varied limestone soils provide a rich terroir, enhanced by natural preparations and balanced tillage. The grapes, harvested when fully ripe and sorted by hand, produce authentic, high-quality wines. In the cellar, a minimalist approach, with little or no sulphur, highlights the natural expression of the wines, a reflection of their terroir and the technical freedom to let go.
Bernard Bosseau, Cave de Sézenove, Sézenove
Bernard Bosseau, originally from Nantes, is a passionate winegrower who has managed to combine his Atlantic roots with his career in Switzerland. After an initial career in electrical engineering, he turned to winegrowing, studying in Bordeaux before settling in the Geneva region. After 20 years at the Domaine de la Planta, where he won a number of prestigious awards, he has been running the Domaine de Sézenove in Lully since 2018. Here, he produces exceptional wines, including Chasselas and Bartholie, a refined sparkling wine, on plots of land that are ideally exposed and conducive to quality vintages.
Nicolas Cadoux, Domaine des Graves, Athenaz
Domaine des Graves, in the heart of the Geneva Champagne region, has been run by the Cadoux family since 1918. Spread over ten hectares of varied soils, it cultivates around twenty grape varieties using environmentally-friendly integrated production methods. Nicolas Cadoux, the fourth generation, continues the family tradition while bringing innovation and meticulous care to his vines. With over 100 years of history, the estate embodies heritage and transmission, preparing a fifth generation to perpetuate this know-how.
Bernard & Olivier Conne, Domaine des Charmes, Peissy
The family estate at Peissy, situated on a hill with glacial moraine soil and an ideal south/south-east orientation, combines tradition and passion. Each stage, from leaf removal to hand-picking and on-site vinification, is meticulously carried out by Olivier and Bernard. Rooted in respect for the land and its terroir, the estate is certified Bio Suisse Bourgeon, and the wines are produced with an emphasis on authenticity and elegance, matured in stainless steel vats or oak barrels. Close to nature and to wine lovers, the family cultivates a strong bond with its environment and its visitors, sharing a sincere and convivial pleasure.
Jerôme Cruz & Tanguy Lenoble, Domaine de Beauvent, Bernex
Domaine de Beauvent, located in Bernex (Geneva), is a family business run by Bernard and Jérôme Cruz. Covering 16 hectares of 1er Cru vineyards in Lully and AOC Geneva, the estate cultivates 16 grape varieties with respect for the environment, following the principles of organic and integrated farming. No herbicides are used, and seasonal work and harvesting are done by hand to preserve the quality of the grapes. There is minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the wines to express themselves freely. GRTA-certified, the estate promotes biodiversity and produces wines of character from a rich terroir with an exceptional view over Geneva.
Céline Dugerdil, Domaine de la Printanière, Avully
Domaine de la Printanière is located on the banks of the Rhône in Avully. This family estate, taken over by Céline Dugerdil in 2015, covers 9.5 hectares and is spread over several neighbouring communes, Avully, Dardagny and Satigny. She has undertaken a conversion programme and since 2024 the estate has been fully certified organic. It produces 17 wines from 14 different grape varieties. Due to the topography of the vineyard, the grapes are harvested and many of the vineyard operations are carried out by hand. Some of the steep slopes are located on the ancient glacial moraines of the Rhône, enabling her to passionately produce fine, expressive and authentic wines.
Sophie Dugerdil, Domaine Dugerdil Dardagny, Dardagny
Domaine Dugerdil Dardagny (DDD), situated on 9 hectares in the Geneva countryside, is a vineyard committed to organic farming, with the Bio Suisse label. Managed by Sophie Dugerdil since 2004, the estate cultivates 15 grape varieties and produces around 25 authentic and varied wines. Combining tradition and innovation, Sophie makes unique wines, exploring the typicity of single grape varieties and reinventing blends, always with respect for nature and future generations.
Antoine, Lucas & Xavier Dupraz, Domaine des Curiades, Dupraz et fils SA, Lully
The Domaine des Curiades, located in Lully near Geneva, is a vineyard steeped in history, dating back more than 100 years. The first vines were planted here in the 13th century by Benedictine monks. Over the centuries, the estate passed through several owners before being acquired by the Dupraz family in 1909. Today, under the management of Jacques and Christophe Dupraz, recently joined by their sons Xavier, Antoine and Lucas, the vineyards are characterised by hand-picking and meticulous cellar work. Their production highlights the terroir through high-quality wines, some of which are unfiltered and sulphite-free. The Dupraz family passionately cultivates a deep commitment to wine and sustainability.
Stéphane and Léo Dupraz, Soral
The 8-hectare family estate in the hills above Soral is now run by Stéphane Dupraz, the fourth generation to cultivate the land. He arrived in 2008 and, unlike his father who sold the entire harvest, chose to make his own wine, guided by his passion and self-taught spirit. He has also transformed farming practices, diversified the grape varieties and encouraged the use of organic inputs to care for the vines. In 2020, the estate underwent two major changes: his son Léo joined the business, and together they began converting the vines to organic certification. The entire estate has also been awarded the GRTA (Genève Région – Terre Avenir) label.
Emilienne and Guillaume Hutin Zumbach, Domaine les Hutins, Dardagny
Domaine Les Hutins, run since 2008 by Emilienne Hutin Zumbach, represents five generations of family history. Spread over 20 hectares, the vineyard played a key role in Geneva’s wine revolution of the 1980s, focusing on quality by limiting yields and introducing new grape varieties. Passionate about viticulture, Emilienne took over the estate, now accompanied by her son Guillaume, in pursuit of excellence. The estate has the ‘bud’ organic label, and vinifies and markets its entire production, combining innovation, tradition and respect for the terroir.
Josef Meyer & Julien Morel, Domaine Château du Crest, Jussy
Château du Crest, which dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1624 by Théodore Agrippa d’Aubigné, has belonged to the Micheli family since 1637. Today, the Meyer family and Dominic Walter run the estate. The 20-hectare vineyard produces quality wines, while the 200-hectare farm grows cereals and beetroot, and processes green waste. The estate also houses a collection centre for cereals and rears more than 600 pigs under the ‘Genève Région Terre Avenir’ label, a product that is highly prized by local restaurants.
Philippe Meylan, Domaine de la Guérite, Gy
The wine estate, located near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, covers 9 hectares with a wide variety of grape varieties. Since 2019, it has held the Bio Suisse label and practises environmentally-friendly viticulture, using plant teas and compost to nourish the soil. The Meylan family farm in Gy also grows 86 hectares of cereals and houses a ‘guérite’, a convivial place in the heart of the vineyards. Philippe Meylan, a passionate self-taught winemaker, started making wine in 2016 for his wedding and became a winemaker in 2018. He experiments with various winemaking methods to create wines that are gourmet, precise and jovial.
Sarah & Roger Meylan, Domaine de la Vigne Blanche, Cologny
Since 2016, Domaine de la Vigne Blanche has been applying Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic principles to its vineyards, with its first vintage labelled organic in 2018. Located in Geneva, the estate covers 7.5 hectares of vines and 25 hectares of farmland, cultivated according to Bio Suisse standards. It offers diversified production, including cereals, native meadows and wines from 14 grape varieties. Passionate about the land, the Meylan family also supports local initiatives such as l’Affaire TourneRêve and local farming baskets. Their commitment to the environment and biodiversity is reflected in all their farming practices.
Nicolas Seiller & Guillaume van Berchem, Château des Bois, Satigny
Château des Bois, located in Satigny, 20 minutes from Geneva, is one of the few wine-producing châteaux in the region. The 115-hectare estate, including 4.8 hectares of vines, produces quality wines from nine different grape varieties, mainly AOC 1er cru. In addition to viticulture, the estate raises extensive Galloway cows and grows a variety of cereals and vegetables in an environmentally-friendly manner. The château’s history dates back to 1631, with a rich family tradition, and it has endured many trials and tribulations, including natural disasters. Today, it continues to combine passion, know-how and respect for nature to produce high-quality wines and agricultural products.
André Serex, Les Vallières, Satigny
For more than five generations, the Serex family has been cultivating vines, but it was in 1984 that Louis Serex created the first cuvée of Domaine Les Vallières, which was taken over by his son André in 2002. Located in Satigny, on the right bank of the Rhône, in the heart of the Mandement region, the 15-hectare estate, 8.5 hectares of which are owned, produces AOC Genève wines. The low-pruned vines are cultivated according to the principles of organic farming, without the use of synthetic inputs or herbicides. They benefit from a terroir shaped by the retreat of the Rhône Glacier, offering ideal conditions for the 18 grape varieties planted on the estate to flourish, some of which are matured in barrels.
Sébastien Villard, Domaine Villard & Fils, Anières
The Villard estate, marked by four generations of winemakers, reflects a constant evolution combining tradition and innovation. Albert, the founder, began to make wine in his café, on an agricultural estate that was still diversified. His son Pierre refocused the business on the vine, introducing new varieties such as Chardonnay and modernising techniques with the first high-clearance tractor. Philippe, after studying viticulture, diversified the grape varieties even further and innovated with barrel vinification, creating a range of exceptional wines. Under his leadership, the estate adopted sustainable practices, going organic in 2018. Today, Sébastien, firmly rooted in a vision that respects the environment and biodiversity, is perpetuating this heritage while enhancing the authenticity of the terroir.
The media are talking about it
The joint bottle has been given a festive and appealing design. Above all, however, it continues the innovative spirit of the Calvin canton. An NFC (Near Field Communication; contactless data transmission) chip integrated into the bottle transmits more information to consumers via their mobile phones.
