10,000 vines for winemaking

Rima Fontana and Jürg Odermatt have already planted 8,000 fungus-resistant vines on their land in Meisterswil, and 2,000 more are to follow next year.

Rima Fontana and Jürg Odermatt stand on one of their fields in Meisterswil. The view over the plain of the river Reuss is impressive, and the Rigi and the Pilatus can also be seen. But that's not what the two of them are thinking about at the moment. They’re completely focused on the small vines that they have recently planted here in row after row.

Over the last few days, they and many helpers have been fitting supporting sticks for the 8,000 vines, so that they will grow straight. The first vines are now starting to sprout – and this is a small initial success. "2,000 more vines will be planted next year," says Jürg Odermatt. The 50-year-old and his partner have changed their careers in order to manage their parents' farm in the Hünenberg hamlet of Meisterswil. The planting of the vines represents a new adventure for them.

On a total of 1.5 hectares of land, fungus-resistant (Piwi) grape varieties are to grow and flourish. "We will probably already harvest something from the high-stem varieties next year, but not yet in the desired quality," explains Rima Fontana (43). The first "real" harvest, from which wine can then be produced on a larger scale, is expected in two to three years.

Patience is needed. "The next few years will be tough," says Jürg Odermatt. and adds: "It's a crazy idea to take on so much work”. He runs his own carpentry workshop, which he takes care of in the mornings, after which he is then busy on the farm in the afternoons and evenings. Rima Fontana has a similar situation. She also works outside the home and is busy with her own "Bäsebeiz", the fruit trees, the 30 chickens, 3 pigs and other work in and around the farm. Not to forget their two children (12 and 18 years old).

The idea came from the distiller
The "Bäsebeiz" (farm bar) is the actual reason for the vineyard – although not directly. Jürg Odermatt grew up on the Hofmeister farm in Miesterswil, but, after his parents retired, the farm was downsized and the land was leased out. So that the farm could stay in the family, Jürg Odermatt did an agricultural apprenticeship, and finally took it over with Rima Fontana in 2018.

In order to keep the "Bäsebeiz" running well, it was necessary to expand the farm. "Our schnapps distiller, some friends and our passion for good wine finally gave us the idea of trying our hand with vines," recalls Rima Fontana. "That got the ball rolling."

Rima Fontana and Jürg Odermatt have already planted 8,000 vines on their land in Hünenberg. 2,000 more are to follow               
They are currently busy "training" their vines.                      Photos: Matthias Jurt

Beat Felder, viticulture commissioner for the cantons of Central Switzerland, made initial investigations, and these were positive across the board: "Our location, the evening sun, the Reuss River nearby, all of that speaks in favour of growing vines," the 43-year-old explains. Soil profiles were carried out, the results of which were also promising: "The soil is multi-layered, and, because the land was previously used as a meadow, the vines will probably grow quickly."

The neo-vintners next teamed up with a nurseryman who raises the vines. "He recommended that we go entirely for fungus-resistant varieties. That way everything stays close to nature, and we can stay true to our organic philosophy," says Jürg Odermatt. "These still rather unknown wines have huge potential, especially in the organic sector. We want to market the wine locally and directly."

A viticulture course at the university
They work together in the field with the support of helpers, in particular Jürg's mother Margrit Odermatt. Jürg is responsible for the technical side, i.e., the machinery, while Rima is currently attending a viticulture course at the Wädenswil Weinbauzentrum (viticulture centre): "We visited many Swiss winegrowers to find out what we like and what can be grown well." They also consulted the vineyard commissioner (Rebbau-Kommissär), who is responsible for the cultivation of various vineyards in Canton Lucerne.

They have also been in contact with other farmers with vineyards in Hünenberg and the surrounding area. "We get along very well and support each other," Jürg Odermatt emphasises.

In the end, the two decided on six grape varieties, four white and two red, some of which are Swiss-bred. The white varieries are: Sauvignac, Souvignier Gris and Solaris, while the red ones are Divico and Satin Noir.

But the project is almost impossible to manage alone, both in terms of work and financing. "It wouldn’t work without the helpers, and we’re very grateful to them," says Rima Fontana. They were able to rely on many friends and family member, especially during the recent intensive weeks of planting.

Supporting the project with a sponsorship
It’s possible to support the vineyard project with a sponsorship. A ‘godmother’ or ‘godfather’ pays a certain amount for a grape variety that he or she can choose. There is a year-round right to visit, and there is also the possibility of participating in the care and the harvest. The godparents receive one bottle of wine per year and vine from the beginning of the harvest, and are invited to the subsequent winegrowers' festival. The 10-year sponsorships cost CHF 250.00 per vine.

8,000 to 9,000 bottles per year will be produced on the farm in Meisterswil. Rima Fontana and Jürg Odermatt are already very excited about how their own wine will taste. And also about what else can be developed from it. But they are only moving forward one step at a time: "The training of the vines will be our central concern in the near future," says Jürg Odermatt.

Further information is available at: www.zumhofmeister.ch.