The Iconic Winemaker of Valais: Marie-Thérèse Chappaz
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is a legendary figure in Swiss winemaking, celebrated for her extraordinary wines, particularly her sweet dessert wines and Petite Arvine, a native grape of Valais that has been cultivated since 1602. Working from the steep, picturesque vineyards of Fully in Valais, Switzerland, her estate spans eight hectares, all farmed organically and biodynamically. A founding member of Les Artisanes de la Vigne et du Vin, Chappaz has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture.
Her accolades are as impressive as her wines. In 2015, Gault & Millau named her an "icon of Swiss wine," and she was honored as "Lady of Wine" at the prestigious Villa d’Este Wine Symposium. In 2023, the Robert Parker Wine Advocateawarded her sweet wine, Grain par Grain Petite Arvine Domaine des Claives, a perfect score of 100 points—a rare and exceptional recognition. Her wines are prized globally and feature prominently on the menus of the world’s finest restaurants.
A Legacy of Viticulture in Valais
The Valais region, with its rich viticultural history spanning nearly two millennia, has been a hub of winemaking since the Gallo-Roman period. Written records from the 11th century and grape varietals documented in the 14th century—such as Petite Arvine, Humagne Blanche, Rèze, and Cornalin—highlight the region's deep-rooted winemaking tradition.
Before the Rhone River was dammed, frequent flooding created challenges for the residents of Fully. Crops were often lost, leaving valley inhabitants dependent on chestnuts for survival. A barter system flourished, with wheat from the hills exchanged for vines from the plains. Over time, small hamlets emerged around Fully, their grain barns—used for storage with cellars below—becoming integral to the region’s viticultural infrastructure. Many of these structures remain, alongside vineyard sheds that once stored tools and bottles.
A Family Estate with Deep Roots
Marie-Thérèse’s connection to Fully and its vineyards runs deep. Her great-uncle, Maurice Troillet (1880–1961), a prominent Valais political figure, built the family estate in the 1940s on the La Fontaine hillside. The house became a gathering place for notable figures such as writer François Mauriac and Swiss General Guisan. Marie-Thérèse’s uncle, the acclaimed poet Maurice Chappaz, also frequented the estate, often writing alongside Corinna Bille in its inspiring surroundings.
After Maurice Troillet’s passing, the estate was inherited by the Chappaz family. Marie-Thérèse moved there in 1987, continuing her family’s legacy. Today, several wines from her domain carry the prestigious label “President Troillet” in homage to her great-uncle.
Crafting Wines of the Terroir
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz views winemaking as an artisanal pursuit, aiming to create wines that authentically express their terroir, climate, and vintage. Her philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, with a strong commitment to biodynamic principles.
In her vineyards, no chemicals or synthetic fertilizers are used. Instead, she relies on homemade herbal preparations, compost, and natural products like baking soda. Copper use is kept to an absolute minimum—less than three kilograms per hectare. In the cellar, her approach is equally natural: only indigenous yeasts are used, and no sugar or enzymes are added. Sulphites are employed sparingly and only for select wines.
Each year, Marie-Thérèse reexamines her practices, seeking innovative yet sustainable methods to honor the land and its history. As she puts it, “Biodynamic agriculture will not solve all the Earth’s problems, but it is a method for the future and one that will treat our planet.”
A True Artisan of Swiss Wine
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz’s dedication to her craft, her deep respect for the environment, and her ability to produce wines of unparalleled quality have cemented her reputation as one of Switzerland’s greatest winemakers. Her wines are not just beverages but a testament to the beauty, history, and potential of the Valais region—a legacy she continues to enrich with every vintage.
