Switzerland may be better known for its cheese, like the Sbrinz, but the canton of Geneva is a hidden gem for wine lovers. With centuries-old traditions and a growing reputation for quality and sustainability, the region offers wines that are as refined as they are rooted in local heritage – including those from the Domaine Les Perrières. As one of the region's most esteemed wineries, the Domaine is nestled among gently rolling hills, benefits from a temperate climate, and cultivates a wide range of grape varieties.
230 years of history
The family’s winemaking heritage dates back to 1794 and is currently owned by the 8th generation of the family – standing for continuity, quality and tradition. Today, 35-year-old Frédéric Rochaix, together with his siblings, manages the vineyard and its over 100 hectares of viticulture. Taking over the family business has always been at the back of his mind. Just before he was born his parents set up a joint venture wine business in Tasmania, Australia. As soon as he was old enough, they took him on his first voyage there. As Switzerland and Australia are in different hemispheres, it allowed the family to be in each country for the respective harvest season. So not only vineyards, but also aircraft have been a part of Frédéric's life from the very beginning. The family adventure continued for the first seven years of his life until his family decided to move back to Switzerland permanently. This taught him from an early age the efforts required and challenges of producing and successfully operating a wine making business.
When he came of age, he attended the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), to further deepen his passion for hospitality, food and beverage. But it wasn't until 2018 that he joined the family business. Since then, the winery has entered an exciting new chapter, embracing innovation and enhancing every aspect of its production.
The estate’s vineyards are located on hillsides in Peissy and other villages of the municipality of Satigny, Geneva. The south-east facing plots of Peissy benefit from optimal sunlight. The soils are a unique blend of clay, molasse, and limestone – rich and varied, offering ideal conditions for both classic and lesser-known grape varieties. Combined with the mild climate of the Lake Geneva basin, this terroir allows the winery to produce wines of structure, balance, and elegance. Tradition, innovation, and respect for nature shape every bottle produced here – a reflection of the values that continue to guide Swiss winemaking today.
Alongside its dedication to quality, Domaine Les Perrières has made biodiversity a central pillar of its philosophy. The family is committed to cultivating a landscape where wines coexist with nature. Hedges and trees are planted between plots to encourage ecological balance, while ponds, birdhouses and beehives support local wildlife. These efforts go far beyond aesthetics – they strengthen the resilience of the vineyard and contribute to a vibrant ecosystem.
Assemblage de Romandie: harmony in a glass at 30,000 feet
In SWISS Economy and SWISS Premium Economy on long-haul flights, guests can now choose from three different wines. We offer the French Cuvée Mytique, the Swiss Chasselas de Romandie and now we are proud to enhance this selection with a new Swiss choice: The Assemblage de Romandie. An assemblage, French for blend, is a winemaking term that refers to the art of blending different grape varieties. The goal of an assemblage is to balance strengths and nuances – like aroma, body, acidity, and tannins in a way that a single grape variety might not achieve alone. Produced by the Domaine Les Perrières, it speaks to every taste and combines the best of three grapes. Our Assemblage de Romandie contains Gamay, Garanoir and Pinot Noir. It is characterized as a light red wine with a fresh character and fruity flavors of raspberry, cherry and red currant. Perfectly pairable with hearty meals and of course cheese, like the Sbrinz we currently offer in our new Apéro Service. The perfect choice for a taste of Switzerland's wine riches – above the clouds.
Diversity in every bottle
Domaine Les Perrières is able to tailor its wines to perfection. Each blend reflects the nuances of the Geneva terroir and the personal vision of Frédéric and his team. It's a process guided not only by technical precision, but also by a deep understanding of balance, character and the story the wine should tell. The over 100 hectares of vineyard allow them to cultivate more than 15 different grape varieties, which is rather uncommon in the winemaking world. This allows for interesting combinations and custom-made blends.
Two of the winery’s flagship wines are the Sauvignon Blanc and their oak aged Gamaret, l’Auriol. The Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine with aromas of citrus fruits, passion fruit and a hint of elderflower. It is characterized by its intense aromatics, freshness and balanced acidity. The Gamaret is a structured red wine with a deep color and aromas of blackberries, prunes and subtle spicy notes. It shows soft tannins and a well-rounded palate. They represent the broad spectrum of varieties cultivated at the Domaine and reflect the precision and variety that define the estate’s work.
In addition to the selection in SWISS Economy and SWISS Premium Economy, we also offer a wide choice of wines in SWISS Business and SWISS First – including, of course, a variety of Swiss wines.
Did you know?
Domaine Les Perrières is located just a short distance from the city of Geneva. Before your next flight from Geneva, or on your next visit to the city – why not stop by for a degustation, a stroll through the vineyard, or a friendly chat? Open six days a week, they offer a wide range of wines to suit every taste, thanks to their diverse grape varieties.
Find out more on: 🍇 Domaine Les Perrières
