Domaine Guichard

Winemaker Profile | Zurich, Switzerland

The Domaine Guichard was founded in 2022 by Valentin Guichard and siblings Linn and Björn Thorsteinsen. Valentin Guichard, born in 1990, completed his training in Burgundy and gained international experience in the USA and New Zealand.

The Domaine cultivates approximately 1 hectare of vineyards on the Uttenberg in Knonau, Canton of Zurich. The primary grape variety is Pinot Noir, which includes some of the oldest vines in the vineyard. In addition to Pinot Noir, white varieties such as Pinot Gris and Müller-Thurgau are grown, covering nearly one-third of the area. The remaining land is planted with three red varieties: Cabernet Dorsat, Saint-Laurent, and Dornfelder, which are blended into a balanced assemblage.

The philosophy of Domaine Guichard is rooted in organic farming and minimal use of sulfur. The grapes are processed in Dottikon using traditional methods, with natural fermentation occurring without the addition of sulfur. The wine is moved exclusively by gravity and aged in Burgundian oak barrels. Plants like nettles and yarrow, which grow near the vines, are transformed into natural treatments to support the vines' natural defenses. This approach minimizes the use of sprays such as copper and sulfur. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a deep connection to the terroir, the Domaine creates wines that combine French artisanal expertise with sustainable winemaking on Swiss soil.