Valais wine culture par excellence: a century of passion
Discover the history behind one of Switzerland's most renowned wineries. From the spectacular stone terraces of Valais straight into your glass – learn how tradition and innovation have been blending at Maison Gilliard since 1885.
A story that began in 1885
It all began with Edmond Gilliard, who laid the foundation for a success story over 135 years ago. He acquired the first vineyards above Sion, including the now legendary Clos du Mont. With the creation of "Dôle des Monts" in 1886, he created a wine that is now considered the benchmark for Valais red wines. These deep roots in the region make the winery an indispensable part of Swiss wine identity.
Manual labour at dizzying heights
The vineyards of Maison Gilliard are architectural masterpieces. Over 60 hectares of vineyards stretch across steep terraced slopes, supported by kilometres of dry stone walls. The Domaine Clos de Cochetta is particularly impressive with its walls reaching heights of up to 20 metres. As there is hardly any room for machinery here, cultivation is still done entirely by hand – a commitment to quality and respect for nature.
From the terroir straight into your glass
We invite you to experience this passion for yourself at this year's Giardina. The combination of calcareous soils, the Valais sun and the expertise of the team of oenologists produces wines that captivate with their elegance and strength of character. Learn more about the art of winemaking and how Maison Gilliard manages to combine the heritage of its ancestors with state-of-the-art cellar technology.
