Luga
Article in the 2021/2022 annual report of Luga Messe Luzern about the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery from Salgesch.
The Mathier family business in Valais is known for its first-class wines. Nadia and Diego Mathier also attach great importance to quality when it comes to customer care – and Luga plays an important role in this.
The term “degustieren” is derived from the Latin “degustare”, which means to taste, to try. The Duden dictionary describes this term as “particularly Swiss”. This is fitting, because according to statistics from 2020, Switzerland ranks fourth in the world in terms of wine consumption. And wine enjoyment is often preceded by tasting. Diego Mathier, owner of the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery, knows exactly what it takes: “You have to have time and concentrate on your eye, nose and palate. And of course it’s nice to be in good company. Tasting is a multi-sensory experience that we can’t digitize.”
Arouse emotions
This is one of the main reasons why Mathier Winery is at Luga 2022 and not just relying on its online store. The large stand at the entrance to Hall 1 is decorated with many small Valais flags. The display cases contain fine wines and the numerous round tables are already occupied at 11 am. People are tasting, discussing, advising and buying – there are 55 wines to choose from. “During Luga, we use around 1000 bottles for the tasting,” says Diego Mathier. The winery thrives on direct customer contact: “We are very happy that there are finally trade fairs again. Only when we meet our customers in person can we offer experiences and create emotions.” As the owners of the winery, Diego and his wife Nadia are always there in person – at practically every trade fair. “We have built up very good relationships over the years. Just yesterday, two young visitors to Luga told me that their grandparents had already enjoyed our wines,” says the Valais native proudly.
Living tradition, peppered with innovation
The Mathier family has a long history of wine-making. Diego’s great-grandfather laid the foundations for today’s quality business in the 19th century. Since then, the Mathiers have been a sure value in the Valais wine village of Salgesch. In 2001, Nadia and Diego Mathier took over the winery and run the family business with great success and woman power – the winemaker couple’s five daughters put their heart and soul into their work. The handwriting of the new generation is already visible, as Diego says with a wink. For example, the company’s own podcast offers wine enjoyment for the ears, the Mathier app keeps customers up to date at all times and Mathier TV and the wine blog give wine lovers exclusive insights into the Mathiers’ world of wine. Pretty innovative for a traditional company? “I always say that we have to do one thing and not leave the other behind,” replies Diego, but emphasizes: “We need digital channels. But they’re useless if you can’t taste the wine or if there’s no personal contact.”
From the vineyard to the sale
The Mathiers live and breathe emotions, traditions and innovations. You can clearly sense this at their Luga appearance. A “hello” here, a “thank you” or “see you soon” there. Nadia and Diego are two sought-after people and feel they know all their customers personally. This is appreciated – just like the quality of the wines. “We have been coming to Luga for many years to taste – and of course buy – Mathier wines. Everything here is just right from A to Z,” says a Luga visitor who is having his glass refilled. The Mathier family accompanies their wines all the way – from the vineyard to the point of sale. And that is a great advantage, as the passionate winemaker says: “We can turn all the screws to make fine adjustments. We pay a lot of attention to the grapes. We only use the really good ones for production. But you have to be prepared to make sacrifices.” A strategy that works: the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery has already been named Best Swiss Winemaker of the Year three times and even Best of the Decade in 2016. And customers appreciate this. Because shortly before the trade fair closes, the Mathiers’ stand is still very busy. Much to Diego’s delight: “It’s great to be back at Luga.”
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