My name is Elisa, and as a journalist, I’m always searching for stories that reveal deeper meanings behind ordinary things. Travel is my passion, but I find true joy in discovering cultures not through tourist brochures but through meeting people who live and shape their own part of a grand picture. My love for wine began as curiosity about local traditions but grew into a real fascination after this encounter with Dubuis & Rudaz.
My first impressions of the Dubuis & Rudaz winery were as clear as the skies that day. We wound up a narrow road that curled through vineyards stretching across the sunlit slopes of Valais. Here, wine is born not only through the skill of winemakers but through the terroir itself — the unique interaction of soil, sun, wind, and water that shapes the grapes before they even reach the cellar. I felt as if I was standing between two worlds: the one dictated by nature and the one crafted by human hands.
Jacques, one of the founders of Dubuis & Rudaz, greeted us warmly and led us through his vineyards, sharing stories deeply intertwined with the history of Switzerland. He proudly showed us the stone walls built by his ancestors that surround the vineyards. Every stone was placed here with purpose, creating a microclimate that preserves heat and moisture to nurture the grapevines. “This is part of our cultural heritage,” Jacques said, “and we want this land to remain for our children and grandchildren.”
One of the biggest surprises was the dedication Dubuis & Rudaz has to biodynamic viticulture. For me, this was a new philosophy, one in which humans don’t just grow grapes but live in harmony with nature, becoming part of it. Jacques explained that biodynamics involves phases of the moon, special herbal teas, organic fertilizers, and even meditating with the vines. “We follow nature’s cycles, respecting its rhythms, so the wine carries the true strength of the earth,” he explained, gently touching the grapevine branches with reverence.
For Dubuis & Rudaz, biodynamic farming isn’t just a method; it’s a way of life. And that’s why their wines have such unique character. It’s not just “red” or “white” wine — it’s a story of the land from which it grows.
In the cellars of the winery, we encountered massive oak barrels where the wine matures. Each barrel felt like a treasure chest, holding flavors waiting to be discovered. And finally, the tasting began. Jacques poured wine into our glasses with a sense of ceremony, as if this were a sacred ritual. “This is our Petite Arvine,” he said, offering the first glass, “from our land, with our character.”
The Petite Arvine captivated me from the first sip. This white wine has a wonderfully complex yet elegant taste, with notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and ripe pineapple. Its distinctive mineral quality leaves a subtle salty finish — a sensation that felt like tasting the very earth of Valais, imbued with alpine streams. This wine felt fresh yet rich, embodying both depth and tradition.
Next was the Cornalin, a red wine that has long been a regional symbol. Its rich flavor profile revealed hints of ripe cherries, wild berries, black pepper, and spices, with a touch of dark chocolate and tobacco. In the glass, it appeared deep ruby-red with a slight violet tint. The Cornalin impressed with its structure — the tannins were soft yet left a pleasant astringency, giving the wine character and nobility.
As the day drew to a close, we raised our glasses once more, and Jacques shared his vision of their mission. For them, wine is more than a product. It’s a cultural symbol that connects past and future. Dubuis & Rudaz wines are what you could call “stories in a bottle.” Each bottle preserves a connection to the land, traditions, and culture that continue to live on with every new vintage.
By the end of the tasting, I realized I hadn’t simply tasted wine — I had felt the soul of this land, these people, and their philosophy. Dubuis & Rudaz became, for me, a symbol of Switzerland as I experienced it that day: a place where people and nature live in harmony, where traditions are passed down through generations, where even the simplest glass of wine holds a world within it.
This was more than a tasting. It was an experience that left a lasting mark on my heart, reminding me that true wealth lies not only in the quality of wine but in the people behind it. And each time I enjoy Dubuis & Rudaz wine, I’m transported back to those slopes of Valais, where wine and people intertwine in one great story of Switzerland.
