Caves de la Béroche is one of Switzerland’s pioneers in organic viticulture and this summer celebrated its 90th anniversary on Saturday, August 16.
Founded in 1935, the cooperative has preserved the winemaking tradition of the region for nearly a century, while also leading the way in organic viticulture with their Domaine des Coccinelles.
Neuchâtel AOC. The Neuchâtel region, located on the shores of the lake that shares its name, is one of Switzerland’s most renowned controlled designations of origin (AOC). With a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, it is celebrated for its delicate and elegant Pinot Noir, its refreshing Chasselas, and specialties such as Œil-de-Perdrix, a rosé of international renown born in the region. Although Neuchâtel AOC is smaller in size than regions such as Valais or Vaud, it holds a key place on the Swiss wine map thanks to its quality. And it is in this privileged setting that Caves de la Béroche has written its history.
The “Ladybird Estate” (Domaine des Coccinelles) is more than just a charming name. Ladybirds, the tiny red guardians of the vineyard, are part of the domaine’s philosophy and labels. They feast on aphids and other pests, protecting vines naturally and keeping biodiversity alive. In 1992, the domaine became fully Bio Suisse certified, making it one of the first in Switzerland to embrace organic practices. Maurice Lambert began this journey, and his son Pierre carried it forward. Today, Michael, Maître de Chais, and Tania Gfeller, who leads the winery, together with the team, honor this heritage with remarkable finesse and savoir-faire.
So when you raise a glass of Domaine des Coccinelles, you taste more than grapes and soil. You taste a living ecosystem, where every small creature has its part to play.
With that spirit, the 90th anniversary celebration began in St. Aubin. A month and a half after returning to Switzerland, there couldn’t have been a better moment to join the party and discover their cuvées at their anniversary, right at the Place des Pêcheurs.
We arrived at 17h and found Daniel at the bar, the perfect host, multitasking like a pro, even when the counter looked overbooked. He welcomed us warmly, guided the tasting, and still managed to make sure I could photograph every bottle. There was even a blind tasting competition, so naturally, we tried all the wines in advance to sharpen our palates and improve our chances of guessing the grape varieties.
And so, the tasting began…
The wines we tasted
Whites & Orange
Chasselas Caves de la Béroche 2024 | 12,1%
Pale lemon yellow. Notes of fresh apple, pear, delicate flowers, and a subtle citrus touch. Smooth, balanced, and quintessentially a Neuchâtel Chasselas.
Solstice 2024 Souvignier Gris | Domaine des Coccinelles | 13%
Lemon yellow with golden reflections. Exotic fruit and floral notes, with a citrus accent, an attractive bitterness, and a light herbal hint. Broad on the palate, mixing ripe and green apple, with a saline-mineral finish.
Many of you may be wondering: what is Souvignier Gris? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! Souvignier Gris is a German white grape variety from the PIWI family, created in 1983 by Dr. Norbert Becker in Freiburg through the crossing of Seyval Blanc and Zähringer. It is notable for its strong resistance to fungal diseases such as downy and powdery mildew, making it an attractive option for more sustainable viticulture.
Pinot Gris 2024 Caves de la Béroche | 13,5%
Pale yellow. Bright and fresh. Stone fruit, delicate spice, and lively acidity. Precise and balanced.
Chardonnay Barrique 2023 | Caves de la Béroche | 13,5%
Medium golden yellow. Rich and creamy, with toasted vanilla, ripe pear, and a touch of spice. Medium-bodied white, marked by its oak aging.
Pulpe Vin Orange 2023 | Domaine des Coccinelles | Gewürztraminer | 13,5%
Deep amber, after 5 weeks of maceration. On the nose, dried apricot, orange peel, and warm spices. On the palate, surprising glyceric texture, light tannic grip, candied fruit, and a long finish.
Oeil de Perdrix L’Original 2023 | Domaine des Coccinelles | 13%
Bright salmon rosé. Notes of fresh strawberry, subtle raspberry, rose petals, delicate citrus, and a mineral touch. Fresh, delicate, and elegant.
Sparkling
Ladybird Petnat Rosé | Domaine des Coccinelles | Pinot Noir | 13,5%
Rosé and effervescent. Aromas of wild red berries, fresh yeast and light brioche, with hints of dried herbs and a lively sparkle. Dry, unpretentious, and a pét-nat de soif.
Fa’bulleux Mousseux | Domaine des Coccinelles | Método Charmat | 12,1%
Charmat-method sparkling from Chasselas, Muscaris, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer. Floral, citrusy, and crisp. Brut style with low dosage, highlighting its fresh character. Bubbles of freshness.
Red
Pinot Noir Tradition 2023 | Caves de la Béroche | 13,6%
Bright cherry red. Juicy cherry, strawberry, violet, and a touch of spice. Easy-drinking yet elegant.
Pinot Noir Les Sorcières 2022 | Caves de la Béroche | 14%
Intense ruby red. Black cherry, forest berries, and a hint of pepper. Structured, silky, with ageing potential to its benefit.
Saint-Roch 2022 Caves de la Béroche | Garanoir, Gamaret | 13,3%
Deep ruby-purple. Dark fruit, cocoa, and savoury spice. Full-bodied, with enveloping tannins and a persistent finish.
Encounters along the way
Halfway through, we met Ernst – or Ernesto – who was the cellar master at Caves de la Béroche for 25 years. I was the “Kellermeister,” as he proudly said, insisting that his old job it sounded better in Swiss German, like his origin. He retired twenty years ago, and he still experiments with fruit fermentations at home. Listening to him talk about enzymes, presses, and vintages was pure joy. Today, Michael, Maître de Chais, and Tania Gfeller, leading the winery, together with the team, continue the heritage with remarkable finesse and savoir-faire.
Later at the bar, I met Mari Trini, Swiss-born with Spanish roots. We talked about Alicante, music, and flamenco guitars while sipping bubbly – our conversation as sparkling as the Fa’bulleux itself.
And then – surprise! Sonia, part of the Béroche team, appeared. I’d seen her perform on stage with Conjonctive at Graenichen Festival, and now she was here, connecting dots between wine, music, and glass art in St. Aubin. Her handcrafted stained-glass pieces at Atelier Lavoliere in St. Aubin are as luminous as inspiring. Go and check them out -> Atelier Lavoliere.
A toast to 90 years!
Caves de la Béroche has been honoring the terroir of Neuchâtel for nearly a century. From the pioneering days of organic viticulture with Domaine des Coccinelles to today’s diverse, vibrant range, their wines tell a story of heritage, innovation, and community.
Nice way to spend a Saturday and beautiful way to celebrate 90 years.
A rock’n’roll playlist set the perfect mood. Congratulations on the great work and the party.
And lucky us, we’re just next door. Santé, et à bientôt!
