Behind the vine
Sandrine Caloz - Cave Caloz - Valais, Switzerland
When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?
Probably around 20, after leaving compulsory school. I had never thought of taking over the family estate, nor to be so passionate about wine. These are emotions that came very late.
What story does your wine tell?
The history of our Alpine valley, the history of our limestone terroir, of our climate which is particularly hot in summer and harsh in winter. It also tells our story of how we live with and experience the vintage with the vines and treat the fruits it gives us with the greatest possible respect.
“It tells our story of how we live with and experience the vintage with the vines and treat the fruits it gives us with the greatest possible respect.”
- Sandrine Caloz
What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?
That it is complicated and reserved for an elitist group.
What great things about wine do you think people should remember?
It is a wonderful and thousand-year-old drink that accompanies people through their daily life, at the center of the Christian liturgy, in the midst of our everyday lives or on special occasions. Wine takes us to where it was born and explains the climatological and human realities of its vintage.
What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?
Just listening to yourself a lot, wine is really about intuition and trusting yourself, these are probably two key factors!
Who is a woman in wine that you think everyone should know about?
Yes, Marie-Thérèse Chappaz. For her fantastic wines, her magnificent philosophy and above all for what, on a human level, she is truly someone unique!
Where can women find your wine?
In Switzerland, you can buy on our site and we are available at some specialized wine merchants or in restaurants.
In the US, you can find your local options here.