Domaine Wannaz

🍇 Domaine Wannaz – Gilles Wannaz

• Background:
Gilles Wannaz is a creative biodynamic winemaker based in Cully, Lavaux. He revived his family’s winemaking tradition and brought the production back to the terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva. His approach combines art, gastronomy, craftsmanship, and wine.

• Region:
Cully / La Tour‑de‑Chenaux, Lavaux, Vaud, Switzerland

• Altitude:
Terraced vineyards located around 400–600 meters above sea level, with panoramic views of the lake and steep slopes.

• Size:
Approximately 4.5 hectares spread across parcels in Epesses, Dézaley, Saint‑Saphorin, and Lutry. The wines are produced in many different cuvées with complex blends.

• Terroir / soil:
Limestone-rich moraine clay with sand and rock fragments on steep, UNESCO-protected vineyard terraces. The wines express clear minerality and precision.

• Grapes:
Primarily Chasselas, but up to 26 different varieties are cultivated – including Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret, and lesser-known white grapes. Blending is a house signature.

• Approach:
Fully organic and biodynamic farming. Strong focus on sustainability, artistic expression, and micro-vinification. Wines are seen as a continuation of the terroir’s natural art, rather than mass production.

• Vinification facts:
Spontaneous fermentation with native cellar yeasts. Hand-harvested grapes, minimal intervention, no fining or filtration. Some wines age in neutral barrels, others rest for months in stainless steel tanks for freshness.

• Interesting facts:
Gilles is also an artist and chef – events at the domaine often include tastings with small dishes cooked by him. Guests are invited to enjoy the wine and food in informal “buffetcave” gatherings. He also crafts biodynamic skincare products