Cave La Liaudisaz — Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, an Icon of Mountain Wines

In the heart of the steep slopes of Fully, in the Valais, Cave La Liaudisaz embodies one of the most profound and distinctive expressions of Swiss wine. Guided by Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, a major figure in biodynamics and an ambassador for great mountain wines, the estate combines precision, spirituality, artisanal rigour and deep respect for the living world.

Born in 1960 and trained at the Changins School, Marie-Thérèse Chappaz settled at La Liaudisaz in 1987, at the foot of the Grand Chavalard. From this emblematic place, she has built a domaine now recognised well beyond Switzerland’s borders, with around 10 hectares of vines spread across several Valais terroirs, notably Fully, Charrat, Leytron and Chamoson.

Terroir: Fully, the Rhône and slopes of light

The vines cling to the steep slopes of Fully, on soils marked by granite, schist, scree and sometimes loess. Generously exposed to the sun, they also benefit from cool nights and air currents from the bend of the Rhône, preserving tension, aromatic brightness and precise balance.

This Valais mosaic allows for the expression of a wide diversity of grape varieties: Chasselas, Petite Arvine, Marsanne, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Humagne, Cornalin, Syrah and Païen. Each parcel is approached as an individual entity, preserving its relief, minerality and identity.

Biodynamics and precision viticulture

Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is one of the great pioneers of biodynamics in Switzerland. The conversion was gradual, until the entire vineyard was worked according to this philosophy in the early 2000s. Preparations, herbal teas, natural composts and manual work seek to strengthen soil vitality and the vine’s autonomy.

On these often difficult slopes, the work is demanding: constant observation, measured interventions, respect for natural rhythms and harvesting at precise maturity. This approach produces grapes of great intensity, but also remarkable freshness, essential to the balance of great Valais wines.

Vinification: gentleness, patience and sincerity

Vinification is carried out gently, in a low-intervention spirit. Fermentations take place with indigenous yeasts, sulphur use remains measured, and ageing is adapted to the character of each wine: tanks, large wooden vats, old barrels or vessels chosen to respect the personality of the cuvée.

Wine style

The Chappaz style is recognised for its vibrant energy, aromatic purity and texture that is both silky and taut. The dry whites combine freshness, salinity and mineral intensity. The reds favour pure fruit, fine tannins and great drinkability without sacrificing depth.

The rarer cuvées, such as the Grain series or the sweet late-harvest wines, express a more meditative dimension: concentration, light, complexity and precision. They rank among the most sought-after Swiss wines for enthusiasts and collectors.

Emblematic cuvées

Recognition and influence

Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is considered one of the great figures of contemporary Swiss wine. Named an Icon of Swiss viticulture by Gault & Millau, she has helped bring Valais to the attention of sommeliers, chefs and wine lovers around the world.

Her influence goes beyond the quality of her wines: she has opened a path for Swiss viticulture that is more attentive to the living world, more exacting and more expressive. Cave La Liaudisaz remains today a symbol of sincerity, inner strength and Alpine light.