Jordi RenardFrom Cannes to Chablais
From the French Riviera hotel industry to the steep slopes above Lake Geneva—taking over Domaine Crépon (est. 1984) in 2022, creating natural wines with zero sulfites from estate Pinot Noir and Valais négoce grapes.
From hospitality to winemaking—how a hotelier from Cannes became the guardian of Domaine Crépon.
Jordi Renard originally hails from Cannes in the South of France, bringing a background in the hospitality industry rather than traditional winemaking. After relocating to Switzerland in 2011 to take a position at a prestigious hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva, he eventually settled in the Vaud region. For years, he continued working at the Lausanne Palace Hotel while developing his passion for natural wine [^223^][^224^].
In 2020, Jordi embarked on a major new challenge: producing his own wine. Through encounters in the natural wine world, he developed a deep appreciation for the philosophy of "savoring the fruit of nature while treating it with respect." His first experiences came through La Riva, working with parcels in Valais before the opportunity arose to take over something more permanent [^223^][^228^].
In 2022, the "Maison Vulpin" project was born from the transformation of Domaine Crépon, established in 1984 by the Schenk family. This picturesque estate is perched on the heights of Villeneuve (VD), offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Rhône River's exit point. The estate comprises the cellar and two hectares of contiguous vines, including one hectare dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir at the highest point of Villeneuve [^223^][^224^].
Jordi continues to balance his hospitality career with winemaking, dedicating his holiday time to the harvest at his estate. Known for his approachable nature, he manages the cellar (shared with La Riva) while building a reputation for transparent, natural wines that honor both the Vaud Chablais terroir and his Mediterranean roots [^223^].
Read the full story about Jordi Renard and Maison Vulpin on The Grape Reset:
Read Article on The Grape Reset"Minimum interventions for maximum emotions"—lunar cycles, indigenous yeasts, and zero sulfites.
Jordi's philosophy centers on respecting the living ecosystem of the vineyard. The fruit develops in harmonious biodiversity where all species of fauna and flora live in symbiosis essential to the vine's good development. Being connected with the elements that Mother Nature provides is the foundation of natural winemaking [^224^][^228^].
In the vineyard, work is adapted to the lunar cycle—whether pruning, disbudding, or leaf removal. The soil is encouraged through plant manures and energized preparations. This biodynamic-influenced approach (without formal certification) ensures the grapes express the full potential of the Chablais terroir [^224^].
In the cellar, indigenous yeasts drive spontaneous fermentation. Grapes are harvested manually, carefully sorted, and pass through an electric destemmer-crusher before maceration. The juice is extracted using a manual or pneumatic hydraulic press. The wines are bottled without adding any inputs or sulfites and without filtration to preserve the purity of the terroir—true "grapes to wine" philosophy [^224^][^228^].
Indigenous Yeasts
Lunar Cycles
The Vaud Chablais—between the Swiss Rhône Valley and Lavaux, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Hectares Estate
The estate includes the cellar and two hectares of contiguous vines, with one hectare dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir located at the highest point of Villeneuve. Other varieties include Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chasselas, and Gewürztraminer [^223^][^224^].
Moraine
The Vaud Chablais terroir is characterized by Rhodanian moraine and clay-limestone soils. Situated halfway between the Swiss Rhône valley and Lavaux, these steep hillsides face the "cap" of Lake Geneva where the Rhône flows out—providing stunning views and unique microclimates [^224^][^228^].
Négoce
Through the Les Vins du Vulpin range, Jordi sources organic grapes from the Valais region (Chamoson, Erde, Conthey) at altitudes around 700 meters on Rhône moraine, schist, and scree limestone terroirs. This dual approach highlights both estate terroir and broader Swiss landscapes [^223^][^238^].
Two ranges—Maison Vulpin (estate) and Les Vins du Vulpin (négoce)—showcasing Swiss natural wine.
Maison Vulpin Pinot Noir
The flagship estate wine from the one-hectare Pinot Noir parcel at the highest point of Villeneuve. Grown on steep Chablais slopes with Rhodanian moraine and clay-limestone soils. Indigenous yeast fermentation, no sulfites, no filtration. Shows the elegant, lighter side of Swiss Pinot Noir with Alpine freshness [^223^][^224^].
Bonbon Sauvage
A 50% Gamay, 16% Gamaret, 16% Sylvaner, 12% Pinot Noir, 6% Chasselas blend from Valais vineyards. This négoce cuvée shows Jordi's playful side—wild, fruity, and approachable. Spontaneous fermentation, bottled without filtration or sulfites. A "wild candy" indeed [^225^].
Mixologie
A complex blend of Pinot Noir (20%), Syrah (15%), Gamaret (15%), Savagnin (15%), and Chardonnay (15%). This field blend approach creates a wine of depth and complexity, sourced from organic Valais vineyards. Shows the art of blending that Jordi brings from his hospitality background [^225^].
Syrah / Gamay / Alpin
Single variety or blended red négoce wines from Valais. The Syrah shows peppery, dark fruit character; the Gamay is light and fresh; Alpin is a blend of Shiraz/Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Humagne Rouge showcasing Alpine red varieties [^225^][^240^].
Tropical
A white blend of Pinot Gris, Chasselas, Muscat, Aligoté, and Gewürztraminer. As the name suggests, this wine bursts with tropical aromatics and exotic fruit notes. Sourced from various Swiss vineyards, it demonstrates the aromatic potential of Alpine white varieties when blended with a light touch [^225^].
Chasselas / Savagnin
Chasselas—Switzerland's most widely planted white grape—creates a refreshing, dry, light-bodied white with subtle aromatics. Savagnin (not to be confused with Savagnin from the Jura) offers more exotic, floral notes. Both are vinified with indigenous yeasts and zero additives [^225^][^246^].
Petite Fleur
A 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay blend from Chamoson, Erde, and Conthey plots in Valais at 700m altitude. Rhône moraine, schist, and scree limestone terroirs. Light, floral, and delicate—hence the name "Little Flower." Shows the ethereal side of Alpine reds treated with a white wine sensibility [^239^].
Maison Vulpin Whites
From the estate's Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chasselas, and Gewürztraminer vines planted on the steep Chablais slopes. These wines capture the fresh, mineral character of Lake Geneva's influence with the structure of Rhodanian moraine soils. All estate wines follow the same zero-sulfite philosophy [^224^][^228^].
The Hotelier Vigneron
Jordi Renard represents a new wave of Swiss natural wine producers coming from non-traditional backgrounds. His transition from the hospitality industry (Cannes to Lausanne Palace Hotel) to winemaking brings a unique perspective: an emphasis on approachability, emotion, and the experience of wine. The name "Maison Vulpin" (Fox House) suggests both cunning and charm—qualities evident in his wines [^223^][^224^].
By maintaining two distinct ranges—Maison Vulpin (estate wines from Villeneuve) and Les Vins du Vulpin (négoce from Valais)—Jordi bridges the gap between hyper-local terroir expression and the broader Swiss natural wine landscape. His collaboration with La Riva (sharing the cellar) and his commitment to zero sulfites, indigenous yeasts, and lunar farming place him firmly in the natural wine camp, while his hospitality background ensures his wines are always welcoming and emotionally resonant [^223^][^228^].
- From Cannes, South of France
- Background in hospitality industry
- Arrived in Switzerland 2011
- Works at Lausanne Palace Hotel
- Started winemaking 2020
- Took over Domaine Crépon 2022
- Domaine founded 1984 by Schenk family
- 2 hectares estate (Villeneuve)
- 1 hectare Pinot Noir (highest point)
- Vaud Chablais terroir
- Rhodanian moraine & clay-limestone
- Zero sulfites, zero filtration
- Indigenous yeasts
- Lunar cycle farming
- Two ranges: Maison Vulpin + Les Vins du Vulpin
- Négoce grapes from Valais (organic)
- Shared cellar with La Riva
- Holiday time dedicated to harvest
