The Wine Press of Hérémence

The press exhibited at the Hérémence Museum has never left its original home. Built in the sixteenth century, it is the last of its type preserved on-site in Valais. Used until the beginning of the twentieth century, it was rebuilt at its current location in 2010. Imagine the importance of tending the vines for our mountain dwellers, carrying the precious grapes from the plain in ‘bosses’: waterproof leather bags carried by mules. 

Pressing began every year on 16 October and for the members of the consortium sometimes continued up until February. Come and contemplate this lever-press, known as ‘à grand point’ and the last of the four used in our village, and you will discover a milestone in the winemaking process of yesteryear.