After gaining valuable experience alongside biodynamic pioneers in Switzerland—Marion and Jacques Granges at Domaine de Beudon, and Marie-Thérèse Chappaz in Fully—Valentina felt compelled to carve her own path through the vineyards.

Hailing from Botosani, Romania, a region abundant with Chasselas, Valentina found herself naturally drawn to the Valais, renowned for its most cherished wine, Fendant—a Chasselas varietal beloved by Valaisans.

Her journey into winemaking began at the tender age of 12, working in vineyards to earn pocket money, a path she felt destined for. After mastering French during law school, Valentina ventured into the Valais, where she instantly fell under the region's spell, captivated by its terraced vineyards and majestic alpine landscapes.

Under the tutelage of Jacques and Marion Grange at Domaine de Beudon, where organic and biodynamic practices reign since 1993, Valentina honed her skills amidst vineyards that seemed like an "island in the sky." She furthered her education at the wine school of Châteauneuf and obtained an oenology degree from Changins.

For six years, she immersed herself in the craft as a cellarist at Marie-Therese Chappaz's domain before realizing her dream in 2015 by establishing her own winery. Embracing biodynamic principles, she exclusively employs the grapes' indigenous yeasts in fermentation.

Farming 3 hectares spread across 19 challenging parcels clinging to the Alps, Valentina faces steep slopes and rugged terrain, necessitating manual labor and horse assistance due to limited access.

My introduction to Valentina Andrei’s wines happened serendipitously five years ago at a Cave Ouvert; her Gamay Vieille Vignes stood out as the finest I've encountered. It didn't take long for sommeliers and aficionados across Switzerland to recognize her exceptional talent.