Bernard Fontannaz established the spearhead of his wine industry near the town of Stellenbosch, in the heart of the South African mountains.
Bernard Fontannaz. [RTS]
This native of Vétroz (VS) has been immersed in the world of wine since childhood, but it was 11,000 kilometers from Switzerland that he began his wine adventure thirty years ago. It was 1993, just as the country was breaking free from apartheid and Nelson Mandela became president of the Rainbow Nation.
“I said to myself that before I settled in Valais (…), I wanted to travel a little, I thought I would stay six months”, he says on Saturday in the 7:30 p.m. of the RTS. But “six months have turned into ten years, ten years have turned into twenty years, and thirty years later we are still in Stellenbosch!”
A real wine empire
Origin Wine produces 100,000 bottles a day. [RTS]
In 2002, he launched Origin Wine, his own company and the basis of his empire. This factory now produces 100,000 bottles a day for 600 different labels. These wines will be sent to the four corners of the world, and for some in cans or bottles of beer. Because for Bernard Fontannaz, there is no wrong way to sell wine.
“The young customer is sometimes intimidated by the wines, which are often a bit mysterious and complex,” he explains. “So we’re trying to demystify wine and make it affordable and accessible to everyone.”
Like his factory, the world of Bernard Fontannaz is active and colorful. But it’s not always easy for him to take a break. “I am always very critical, and even more towards myself”, he analyzes. “Sometimes I think it would be better to appreciate what has been done so far.”
From Stellenbosch to Oxford
Passionate about rowing, Bernard Fontannaz now lives in Oxford, England. And when he returns to South Africa with his wife, it is always the occasion for a party in his wine bar in Stellenbosch, where his origins stand out.
“Never insult a Swiss man or woman on this issue,” he told his audience in English. “Asking them if they are Romands or Swiss Germans is a declaration of war”.
The Valaisan also finds his relatives in his villa around a braai, famous South African grill. “It’s the emotion, the warmth of the wood, the smoke, talking, catching up with friends we haven’t seen for a long time”, he confides before enjoying a glass of red .
Gabriel Porrometo/oang