Pierre Keller

Swiss viticulture loses one of its spearheads for developing its wines. Pierre Keller, honorary president of the Office des Vins Vaudois, has passed away at the age of 74 years. An unconventional and sparkling personality, he developed a new style of communication to promote the wines of the Vaud region, which was resolutely modern and artistic. His plain speaking and his devotion to the wines of his canton, made Pierre Keller a vital person in the world of Swiss wines.

Swiss Wine Promotion joins with the Office des Vins Vaudois to announce the death of the honorary president of the Office des Vins Vaudois, Mr Pierre Keller, who passed away on Sunday 7 July after some months of illness, which he endured with calmness and dignity.
 
In the course of the seven years that he spent at the helm of the Office des Vins Vaudois, Pierre Keller made a strong impression at the Office with his personality and ideas. Never holding back with his spirit and creativity, he completely reshaped and transformed it into a dynamic, efficient and winning organisation, whilst at the same time ensuring the promotion and distribution of our vintages.
 
His successor Michel Rochat emphasises his qualities in a personal tribute: “Pierre Keller revitalised all activities and created a solid, credible and forward-looking structure. His fundamental standpoints and concepts appealed to the emotions and made a great contribution to increasing the awareness of Vaud wines and the canton. He was an energetic, loyal and accessible president. His personality, charm and the fittingness of his words, which were always coloured with a slightly biting humour, will be sadly missed.”
 
Although he leaves a great void, the impetus he left behind, the memory of what he taught us, his feats and his generosity will remain with us for a long time to come in the cause that we are striving to promote. Along with the entire Swiss wine community, we wish to express our profound recognition for all that he gave us.
 
We extend our sympathy to the family and loved ones of Pierre Keller at this sad time of loss, and we express our sincerest condolences. Once the sorrow has started to dissipate, the finest moments will remain.