Our story
Our Heritage
An essential part of the history of Domaine Bec d’Or lies in preserving the legacy of our predecessors. The journey of Domaine Bec d’Or, formerly known as Au Coeur de la Côte, began over 120 years ago with the Meylan-Faillettaz family, devoted Swiss owners and passionate winemakers. The family-run estate cultivated the cellar, nurturing three acres of Chasselas vines in Mont-sur-Rolle.
“Dieu n’avait fait que l’eau, Mais l’homme a fait le vin.”
– Victor Hugo
From the late 1980’s to 2020, Claude Berthaudin, an independent wine entrepreneur, took over the exploitation of Domaine Bec d’Or, which he incorporated into the family vineyard known as Cave Berthaudin SA established in 1936. As a successful leader in the wine industry and years of exploitation of Clos de Roussillon, Domaine Bec d’Or allowed to secure more grapes and diversify the varietals to increase wine production and offer a wider selection to the consumers. This is where the Viognier grapevines were added to the existing Chasselas ten years later in the 1990s.
“Le bon vin est le symbole par excellence de la nature.”
– Claude Berthaudin
We were fortunate to take over as new owners from a Swiss fervent wine enthusiast and a pioneer in growing the Bec d’Or vocation for 3 decades. Under Mr. Berthaudin’s tenure, the brand became a trademark in Switzerland and was distributed nationwide. Exclusive partnerships were also entertained with reputable wholesalers, hotels, wine stores and airlines. For instance, Bec d’Or wines were awarded as part of the First-Class cellar wine list on Swissair flights.
A FAMILY
UNDERTAKING
Our family, through its roots and history, has a deep attachment to the land and a great passion for wines. From the age of 15, Mr. Collardi started harvesting plots on the Côte Vaudoise where he grew up.
The wine-crafting journey started in 2008 after acquiring our first plot of the Bec d’Or Estate as new owners. Through our love of wine and travel, we wish to continue the family wine tradition by creating a multi-generational project where we sought out the best terroirs to produce grape varietals of la Côte Vaudoise. Each plot of land reflects our dedication and pride
The essence of our passion and know-how can be discovered behind each vintage. We invite you to experience and share in the joy we have found in crafting each bottle of our wines. Discover our exquisite range of varietals and wines from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir. Bonne dégustation !
Our team
A passionate wine enthusiast, especially when it comes to Swiss wines, Sébastien Fabbi is a natural entrepreneur. With a background in media (Journal de Genève & Gazette de Lausanne, SSR, etc.), Sébastien led Swiss Wine Promotion from 2010 to 2015. Creative and outgoing, he currently heads the wine division at Maison Collardi. His extensive experience and expertise in the wine industry, combined with his vision for the estate, bring significant advantages to the family. His approach? A profound respect for the vine, low yields, and premium aging processes to position the estate’s wines among the finest in Switzerland.
La Côte
“This region is arguably one of the most beautiful wine-growing areas in Switzerland, yet it remains undervalued.”
A young winemaker with a rigorous training background, Benoit Gmür embodies dedication and respect in every aspect of his work. Passionate about human connections and the art of wine, he brings a fresh perspective to the viticultural branch of Maison Collardi. His mission? To cultivate excellence through an unwavering respect for nature and viticultural practices, positioning Maison Collardi as a benchmark in Swiss wines.
“To make a good wine, one needs passion, love, and patience.”
Our Valuable Counsellor
MEET JEAN-CLAUDE VAUCHER
After extensive training in viticulture and oenology, Jean-Claude was hired as an oenologist (winemaker) at Schenk SA where he had the
opportunity to vinify numerous wines from all over the world. Active for 38 years in the international company Schenk, he rose through the ranks to become CEO of the Group which he led for more than 14 years. Very active in professional organizations, he is still today Honorary Governor of the Confrérie du Guillon and Vice-President of the Swiss Wine Control. We are delighted to have Jean-Claude part of the Domaine Bec d’Or adventure, being an expert in the industry, good friend, and mentor, he brings extensive experience and know-how.
“Wine is the healthiest and most hygienic of drinks”
– Louis Pasteur (French scientist and chemist)
The vineyards
“La Côte Vaudoise is one of the oldest and most significant Swiss wine regions. The area is famed for its wine-making fields which have a distinctive fizzy-fruit flavor. The entire village of Mont-sur-Rolle is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites”
The vineyards
“The Vaud region’s La Côte is a stunning area that produces exceptional wines. Its loose gravel soils at low altitudes near the lake yield very elegant wines, while the heavier soils at higher elevations produce more structured wines marked by floral and fruity notes.”
Nestled in the Jura hills of La Côte Vaudoise at an average altitude of 460 meters, the Bec d’Or plots have been carefully chosen and are set against the grand backdrop of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Warm, sunny days, refreshing mountain breezes, and the coolness of the lake create perfect conditions for our various terroirs, where we cultivate Chasselas, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
In the vineyard, meticulous care is given, and low to very low yields ensure maximum concentration and fruit quality. The grapes undergo an initial sorting during harvest and a second before pressing to ensure optimal quality.
THE TERROIR OF COINSINS
“Colombière”
Soil – Our Pinot Noir from 15-year-old vines, an over-70-year-old heritage vine, and our Merlot are cultivated on a parcel at the top of the hillside. Limestone, sand, gravel, and stony soil create an “inactive” and finely divided limestone, adding complexity and depth to our grape varieties.
“En Trecors”
Soil – This plot, home to old vines, is dedicated to our Chardonnay and consists of loess, a loose deposit of sediment formed by wind-borne silt. This exceptional terroir, comparable to the upper hills of Hermitage, imparts minerality, freshness, and depth to our Chardonnay.
THE TERROIR OF MONT-SUR-ROLLE
Soil – The basal moraine characterizes most of the slopes. The alluvial fans of Mont-sur-Rolle stand out from the generally limestone atmosphere of the moraines. The soil contains traces of granite stones, completely altered by acidity, gradually enriched with newly formed red clays that enhance the initial sandy gravel making up the subsoil.
Our Winemaker
Domaine Bec d’Or strives to find the best terroirs of the region and to produce unique savory and aromatic wines, which goes hand-in-hand in finding the best partner to do so. Acclaimed with over 300 regional and international medals and recognitions, Philippe has an unparalleled reputation in the Swiss wine industry thanks to his wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience. It was evidence that he would be a great partner. We are grateful to have Philippe part of this exciting Bec d’Or journey.
