Weingut Eichholz – Irène Grünenfelder

Located in Jenins, in the heart of the Bündner Herrschaft (Grisons), Weingut Eichholz – Irène Grünenfelder embodies one of the most refined and sought-after expressions of Pinot Noir in Switzerland. Founded in 1995, the estate has earned a stellar reputation for its elegant, deep, and precise alpine wines.

Key People

The estate is the vision of Irène Grünenfelder, a passionate autodidact who elevated Eichholz to the ranks of Switzerland’s most respected producers. She is now joined by her son Johannes Hunger, trained in oenology, who continues the estate’s rigorous, artisanal philosophy.

Terroir & Vineyard

Weingut Eichholz farms between 6 and 7.5 hectares of vines on well-exposed slopes in Jenins, near the renowned villages of Fläsch and Malans.

• Soils: alluvial cone, Grisons schist, deep clay-limestone
• Climate: foehn influence, abundant sunshine, cool nights
• Grape varieties: Pinot Noir (majority), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc

This unique combination of terroir, altitude, and dry alpine climate gives the wines remarkable aromatic purity and mineral tension.

Viticulture & Winemaking

The philosophy of Eichholz is based on meticulous vineyard work and a low-intervention cellar approach:

• Low yields (approx. 30 hl/ha for reds)
• Parcel-based vinification
• Measured, tailored élevage
• Respect for the identity of each site

The resulting wines are synonymous with finesse, precision, and balance, with elegant and racy Pinots and fresh, finely etched whites.

Signature Cuvées

• Jeninser Pinot Noir — the village cuvée and gateway to the Eichholz style.
• Pinot Noir Eichholz — flagship single-vineyard wine at the core of the estate’s reputation.
• Pinot Noir Alte Reben — old vines, deeper structure, refined texture.
• Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc — elegant, mineral-driven white wines.
• Micro-cuvées — Blanc de Noir and artisanal sparkling wines in selected vintages.

Production & Distribution

Annual production is deliberately limited to around 25,000 bottles, positioning the estate as a highly sought-after niche producer. Most of the wines are distributed in Switzerland, with a few allocations exported to specialist markets. Their rarity contributes to their reputation among collectors.

Style & Recognition

Eichholz Pinot Noirs are celebrated for their aromatic purity, natural elegance, and ability to reflect the nuances of Grisons terroir. Their balanced profile — delicate fruit, fine tannins, and a mineral backbone — makes them highly prized by both enthusiasts and sommeliers.