History - Domaine du Daley

1392-1937

Domaine du Daley – Fleuron de Villette, a story of families and tradition since 1392

The oldest documents date back to 1392, with a deed of gift of a vineyard located in Daley by a certain Gérard Mistralis to the Chapitre of Saint-Nicolas in Freiburg. The document is proof of grape cultivation on this location more than 600 years ago.For more than five centuries, the Domaine du Daley belonged to the Chapitre of Saint Nicolas in Freiburg. It was purchased in 1937 by Charles Bujard, who was a great lover of winemaking. He modernised the cultivation of this magnificent vineyard, which enjoys a full southern exposure halfway up a hillside above a beautiful lake.

The grapes were cultivated by two families of winegrowers. This tradition was kept alive for many years, a period of observation and reflection. Later on, just one winemaker, Julien Séverin, was given responsibility for cultivation and for the taking on of help for all of the work necessary. He had been working on the Estate since 1933 and participated in the major reorganisation of the vineyards (partly into terraces) and attended numerous winemaking festivals, always accompanied by his trumpet, bringing joy and good humour.

1937-1981

The area has undergone more changes than during the previous four centuries.

Since 1937, the area has undergone more changes than during the previous four centuries. As reconstructions as almost all the old walls were demolished and replaced with drains and pipes to prevent erosion due to heavy rains.

To improve the planting and cultivation methods, many tests have been conducted. The best selections of Chasselas and Chardonnay for whites, Pinot Black for red grape varieties are the primary domain and thus express their best flavors of this special land.

1981-2003

For the sake of tradition, the basement of yesteryear with eleven oak barrels with a total capacity of 50,000 liters was maintained.

Paul said Bujard operation of the Estate in 1981 and further diversified specialties by planting new varieties such as Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and Gamaret Garanoir. But Chasselas is our first production is a dry white wine and fresh produce of our soil.

Thus the yoke and screw presses have given way to a horizontal press – the first installed in Switzerland at the time – which has been replaced by newer models. But for the sake of tradition, the basement of yesteryear with eleven oak barrels with a total capacity of 50,000 liters was maintained.

On June 29, 1989, Jean-Pascal Delamuraz, President of the Swiss Confederation, together with six other federal advisers Arnold Koller, Otto Stich, Flavio Cotti, René Felber, Adolf Ogi and Kaspar Villiger, came in and stuck Daley a vineyard composed of 15 plants of Chasselas, Pinot Black 12 plants and 14 plants of Chardonnay vines which is today still dedicated.

1986

50th Anniversary of Fredy Girardet at the Domaine du Daley, surrounded by the top chef from Switzerland and France.

From left to right : Max Khel, Hans Stücki (2* Michelin), Joel Robuchon (3* Michelin), Bernard Ravet (2* Michelin), J.-P. Delamuraz (conseiller fédéral et président de la confédération en 1989), Alain Senderens (3* Michelin), A. Charial (2* Michelin), Fredy Girardet (3* Michelin), Paul Bocuse (3* Michelin), René Lasserre (3* Michelin), Roger Vergé (3* Michelin), Gaston Lenôtre, Paul Haeberlin (3* Michelin), more than 25 Michelin stars !

2003-2009

Marcel Séverin, Julien Séverin’s son, bought the winery and gave the management of the Estate to his son Cyril.

On June 30, 2003, Marcel Séverin, Julien Séverin’s son, bought the winery and gave the management of the Estate to his son Cyril. In late 2003, the estate acquires new vines in Epesses, Domaine de la Mouniaz, a little vineyard over one hectare planted with Chasselas and Plant Robert, expressing the terroir harder on clay-limestone with exposed south-East and also a little over one hectare in St. Saphorin on lighter land – sandy, recently replanted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

Cyril Severin is particularly proud of his recent original vinification of Chasselas, the traditional grape of the region. The expression of terroir, minerality and fruit wine, with some years of aging, surprise the most discerning tasters and give this white wine of the nobility of ancient lineage.

2009 with today

The area now produces over 80,000 bottles per year, sold direct from the cellar of the Domaine.

2009, construction of the new cellar on two floors inside and a roof terrace which can accommodate the harvest that follows a path for wine by gravity.

Everything has been done on the Domaine du Daley does only one goal: the quality of a great wine and respect a great terroir. Awards on numerous occasions at international competitions, selected by various guides, our wines are on the cards of the finest restaurants in this country and abroad.
We work 365 days a year, vine cellar, to get the best Domaine du Daley, all for the love of the vine, wine and this little corner of paradise.
The story goes on, day after day, constantly repeating this cycle of work of the vineyard and the cellar, with our vineyard manager, Mr Vito Ferilli.