Valentina Andrei: A Rising Star in Biodynamic Winemaking in Valais

Nestled in the picturesque region of Saillon, in the heart of the Valais, Valentina Andrei’s biodynamic vineyards are rapidly making a name for themselves in the Swiss wine scene. With a deeply rooted passion for organic and sustainable practices, Valentina is crafting wines that embody both her rich heritage and the unique terroir of the Alps.

A Journey Rooted in Passion

Valentina’s path to winemaking began long before she took the reins of her own vineyard. Born in Botoșani, Romania, a country famous for its abundance of Chasselas, Valentina was drawn to the Valais for its similarities to her homeland. The region’s signature wine, Fendant — made from the Chasselas grape — holds a special place in the hearts of Valaisans, and Valentina felt a natural connection to the area.

Her winemaking journey began at the young age of 12 when she helped in local vineyards to earn pocket money. It was then that she realized her true calling: to become a winemaker. After studying law and learning French in Romania, Valentina moved to the Valais, where she instantly fell in love with the landscape — its terraced vineyards, steep slopes, and breathtaking alpine pastures. The region’s beauty and authenticity left a lasting impression and fueled her desire to pursue winemaking.

Learning from the Best

Valentina’s education in biodynamics began with the pioneers of the movement in Switzerland. She spent three years under the guidance of Marion and Jacques Granges at Domaine de Beudon, where the estate has been practicing organic farming since 1993 and biodynamic techniques since becoming Demeter certified. The steep, rugged vineyards of Domaine de Beudon, perched high above the valley floor, provided Valentina with the perfect environment to hone her craft.

She then pursued further studies at the renowned wine school of Châteauneuf, followed by an oenology degree at Changins. Armed with a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of winemaking, Valentina went on to work as a cellarist with Marie-Thérèse Chappaz in Fully for six years, where she refined her skills and learned from one of Switzerland’s most celebrated winemakers.

Establishing Her Own Estate

In 2015, Valentina realized her dream of establishing her own biodynamic estate. Today, she manages 3 hectares of vineyards spread across 19 parcels that tumble down the steep, alpine slopes of the Valais. Due to the challenging terrain, much of the work is done by hand and with horses, ensuring that each vine is tended to with the utmost care and attention.

Valentina’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in the principles of biodynamics. She works exclusively with native yeasts from her grapes, allowing the wine to express its true character and connection to the land. This commitment to purity and sustainability has resulted in wines that are not only delicious but also a true reflection of the unique terroir of the Valais.

A Wine That Captivates

Valentina’s wines have garnered increasing recognition for their exceptional quality and character. I first encountered her wines five years ago at a Cave Ouverte event, where her Gamay Vieilles Vignes stood out as one of the best I had ever tasted. It was clear that Valentina’s dedication to her craft was yielding remarkable results.

Her wines quickly caught the attention of sommeliers and wine enthusiasts across Switzerland. Valentina’s meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, combined with her passion for her craft, has made her wines highly sought after. In fact, her bottles often sell out within two months, a testament to their quality and the growing demand for her biodynamic creations.

Looking to the Future

With each vintage, Valentina Andrei continues to push the boundaries of biodynamic winemaking, crafting wines that are as innovative as they are authentic. Her dedication to sustainable practices, paired with her unwavering commitment to quality, ensures that her wines will remain a cornerstone of Switzerland’s natural wine movement for years to come.

As Valentina’s estate grows, so too will her legacy as one of Switzerland’s most exciting and visionary winemakers. With a deep respect for tradition and a forward-thinking approach, she is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of biodynamic wines.