Les vins suisses : Des origines à l'horizon 2050 (French Edition) by Jean-Paul Schwindt

Swiss Wines, from Origins to the Horizon 2050 is an essential book for all wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. Through meticulous research, Jean-Paul Schwindt traces the evolution of Swiss wines over nearly 1700 years, offering a unique perspective on the future of this constantly evolving sector.

The book begins with a captivating genesis: when and how did wine appear in Switzerland? It reveals the central role of the medieval Church in the development of vineyards before the lands were transferred to laypeople. It also mentions the forains, those daring mountain dwellers who came down to cultivate vineyards in the plains, a story often unknown but crucial for understanding the roots of Swiss viticulture.

The golden age of viticulture in the 19th century is another key point of the book. At that time, the vineyards of Vaud and Zurich were recognized and respected throughout Europe. Jean-Paul Schwindt accurately recounts how this period shaped the reputation of Swiss wines on the continent.

In the 20th century, the transition from subsistence viticulture to more intensive and commercial production marked a decisive turning point. Swiss wines then became synonymous with quality and diversity, a trend that continues to this day.

However, the book does not just look back. The current and future challenges facing Swiss viticulture are analyzed in depth. Climate change, in particular, occupies a central place in the concerns of Swiss winemakers. Jean-Paul Schwindt discusses with clarity how the industry is adapting to these upheavals and anticipating changes to come.

The increasing feminization of wine professions is also highlighted, a phenomenon that is profoundly transforming the dynamics of the wine industry in Switzerland. This book shows a Switzerland looking towards the future, where innovation and respect for the environment are the watchwords of sustainable and responsible viticulture.

Finally, the author offers a vision of Swiss viticulture by 2050, based on recent data and studies. This forward-looking reflection allows readers to understand the ecological and economic challenges that will shape Swiss wines in the coming decades.

Jean-Paul Schwindt hails from Sierre in the canton of Valais. An economist and sociologist by training, active in the book industry, he has held leadership roles in auditing and market strategies within national and global agri-food companies (Zweifel, Nestlé, Danone) and the media (Tamedia and Gassmann). He directed the weekly Terre et Nature and worked closely with the Schweizer Bauer newspaper. He is also the author of "The Smartphone, an Object That Can Conceal Another," which analyzes how this device reconfigures social links.

Table of Contents

1. Genesis of Swiss Wines
2. Highlights of Swiss Viticulture in the 20th Century
3. Quality, Terroirs, Varieties, and Winemaking
4. Changing Viticultural Paradigms in the 21st Century
5. Ecological Challenges
6. Swiss Wines by 2050

Product Details:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782889156221
• ISBN: 978-2-88915-622-1
• Publisher: Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes
• Publication Date: 06/27/2024
• Collection: LE SAVOIR SUISS
• Number of Pages: 168
• Dimensions: 18 x 12.1 x 1.1 cm
• Weight: 157 g
• Language: French