Ô Fâya Farm: A Natural Wine Haven in the Swiss Alps

Nestled on the steep slopes of the Valais region in Switzerland, Ô Fâya Farm is a pioneering natural wine estate that blends traditional mountain agriculture with forward-thinking sustainability. Founded by Ilona Thétaz—a former actress turned winemaker—the farm is a testament to the revival of rural craft and the resurgence of low-intervention winemaking in the heart of the Alps.

A Name Rooted in Nature

The name "Ô Fâya" comes from the local Valaisan patois word for "sheep," a nod to the animals that play an integral role in the farm’s ecosystem. Sheep, along with donkeys and chickens, roam freely through the orchards and vineyards, where they help manage vegetation and enrich the soil. This biodiversity-driven approach reflects Ilona’s holistic vision of farming—where wine production is part of a larger, interdependent system.

From Stage to Soil

Ilona’s path to winemaking is unconventional. After a career in acting, she returned to her native Valais and founded Ô Fâya Farm on the terraces above Saxon. The farm moved in 2021 to Aven, a remote hamlet in the Conthey district, allowing Ilona and her partner Denis to expand and refine their agricultural philosophy. That same year, the estate achieved Bio Suisse certification, a benchmark for organic farming in Switzerland.

Winemaking Philosophy

Ô Fâya Farm focuses on natural winemaking techniques, with minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. Fermentations occur spontaneously, wines are unfiltered, and the use of sulphites is kept extremely low. This purist approach allows each wine to express its origin and the nuances of the Alpine terroir.

The vineyards produce a variety of indigenous and regional grapes, including Chasselas (locally called Fendant), Petite Arvine, Gamay, Cornalin, Heïda (Savagnin), Pinot Noir, and Syrah. The resulting wines are vivid, alive, and often surprising in their texture and energy.

Notable Wines

Ô Fâya Farm’s lineup includes several standout cuvées:

• Mirage d’Arvine – A Petite Arvine bursting with citrus zest and floral elegance.

• Seuf dê Fendant – A classic Chasselas with alpine freshness and a mineral backbone.

• Tinpéta dê Gamay – A juicy, aromatic Gamay that’s light on its feet but full of character.

• Jutz d’Heïda – Made from late-harvested Heïda, this wine shows ripe orchard fruit and a mouthwatering acidity that elevates its richness.

Each bottle bears a name in regional dialect, reinforcing the deep connection between the wines and their cultural landscape.

A Visit to Aven

The farm’s cellar, tucked into ancient stone vaults in the village of Aven, invites visitors to explore its wines in a setting steeped in history. It's a place where nature, tradition, and innovation converge—and where the craft of natural winemaking is celebrated with sincerity and heart.

To learn more about Ô Fâya Farm or to purchase their wines, visit www.ofaya.ch or follow their journey on Instagram at @o_faya_farm.

Ô Fâya Farm is more than a winery—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem shaped by the rhythms of the mountains and the passions of its founders. Through their wines, Ilona and Denis are not only cultivating vines, but reviving the spirit of a region