biologique.
valaisan.
polyCulture.
Ô Fâya Farm is a pioneering natural wine estate in the Swiss Alps, founded by Ilona Thétaz—a former actress turned vigneronne. Named after the Valaisan patois word for "sheep," the farm integrates biodynamic vineyards with apricot orchards, sheep, and ancient stone cellars, crafting vibrant wines from indigenous Alpine grapes [^15^][^20^].
From stage to soil, without compromise
Originally from Lucerne with dreams of acting, Ilona Thétaz found her calling in wine through training as an oenologist. After apprenticeships at Domaine de Beudon with Pierre Antoine Crettenand and time at the Provins cooperative, she launched her own estate in 2019. The wines are elaborated without inputs, with no or little sulfur, without filtration—free, frank, and fresh [^15^][^20^].
"Ô Fâya" — inspired by the Valaisan dialect for sheep, completed with a touch of English, a name that perfectly describes this atypical place, mixing traditions and innovations, isolated far from everything but yet so open and close to people.
— On the farm's identity and name origin [^15^]
Ilona started by gleaning grapes from friends for her first trials. In 2021, she moved the farm to Aven, a remote hamlet in the Conthey district, establishing her own winemaking and aging cellar in ancient stone vaults with support from a Yes We Farm campaign [^15^][^20^].
Spontaneous fermentations, unfiltered wines, extremely low or zero sulfur. Indigenous grapes from steep terraces, whole-cluster pressing. Certified Bio Suisse since 2021, guaranteeing production without synthetic pesticides [^15^][^25^].
Steep terraces, mica-schist, alpine altitude
The vineyards are situated in the heights of Fully and Saxon on steep south-facing terraces, planted on precious terroirs like Combe d'Enfer and Tassonières. Soils are rocky, well-drained, and imbued with the mineral intensity of the Swiss Alps—perfect for indigenous varieties like Petite Arvine, Heïda, and Fendant [^15^][^20^].
- Fully & Saxon Valais region
- Combe d'Enfer Steep terraces
- Tassonières High altitude
- South-facing Optimal exposure
- Bio Suisse Since 2021
Each bottle bears a name in regional dialect, reinforcing the deep connection between the wines and their cultural landscape.
— Valaisan patois in every cuvée [^20^]
Vivid, alive, surprising in texture
Ô Fâya Farm focuses on indigenous Valais grapes, creating wines that are vivid, alive, and often surprising in their texture and energy. The labels—designed by Ilona's daughter Emma—are as colorful and distinctive as the wines themselves [^15^][^20^].
Winemaking Notes: All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. No fining, no filtration. Aging occurs in the ancient stone vaults of Aven. Grapes are sourced from both owned and leased biodynamic vineyards in Fully and Saxon. Yields are kept low to ensure concentration and expression of the Alpine terroir [^15^][^20^].
Sheep, apricots, and polyculture
Ô Fâya Farm is more than a winery—it's a living, breathing ecosystem. The name derives from the Valaisan patois word for sheep, reflecting the integral role animals play in the farm's biodiversity. Sheep, donkeys, and chickens roam freely through orchards and vineyards, managing vegetation and enriching the soil [^20^].
Grazing the terraces, providing natural fertilizer
Free-range, contributing to pest management
Companions in the high alpine pastures
4 hectares of apricot trees supply Valais apricots as far away as Zurich—guaranteed without synthetic pesticides.
— Bio Suisse certified orchards since 2021 [^15^]