Our story
THE LEGACY
A valued part of our story at Domaine Bec d’Or is about enduring the legacy of our predecessors. The journey of the Bec d’Or Estate, previously known as Au Coeur de la Côte, commenced over 120 years ago with the Meylan-Faillettaz family, Swiss owners and passionate winemakers. The family-owned estate exploited the winery with 3-acres of Chasselas grapevines in Mont-sur-Rolle, Switzerland, giving the wine unique elegance and complexity. All the grapes were harvested by hand, vinified in oak barrels, and bottled at the estate.
“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 !
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
“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 Côte Vaudoise produces a quarter of the country’s wine and is the second biggest wine-producing region of the country. The most incredible feature is the diversity of its viticulture producing a diverse range of high-quality wines and harboring 55 different varietals of grapes. Loose gravel soils at lower elevations near the lake yields very elegant wines while heavier soil at higher elevations produces more structured wines marked by floral and fruit notes.
Nested amidst the Jura hillsides of la Côte Vaudoise, at an average altitude of 460 meters, Bec d’Or wines have been carefully assembled on the awe-inspiring landscape of the Mont-Blanc and Lake Geneva. Warm sunny days with cooling mountain breezes and lake freshness make for perfect growing conditions on our 5-acre of vineyards, home to our Chasselas, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah wines.
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.
MEET PHILIPPE BOVET
Owner, acclaimed artisan winemaker and oenologist, Philippe Bovet, a native Swiss, has over 20 years of experience. Throughout the years, Cave Philippe Bovet acquired10-acre of land, and produces yearly 70’000 bottles offering fifteen grape varietals of white, red, and rosé wines, where Chasselas and Gamay are in the spotlight.
“Like the ocean, wine is synonymous to escape”
– Philippe Bovet
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)
