Zurcher Gehrig AG

Zürcher-Gehrig AG is a Swiss-based importer and distributor specializing in grower-producer Champagne. Established in 1987, the company is recognized for sourcing Champagne directly from small, independent wine producers in the Champagne region of France.

History

Zürcher-Gehrig AG was founded in 1987 by Hans Zürcher with the goal of introducing the Swiss market to grower Champagne—wines produced by individuals who both cultivate their own grapes and make Champagne from them. At the time, the Champagne market in Switzerland was dominated by large, well-known houses that operated on a much larger scale, often purchasing grapes from multiple growers. Hans Zürcher sought to develop a niche model by forming direct partnerships with small-scale producers. His approach emphasized quality, traceability, and authenticity. This early focus on grower Champagne positioned the company as one of the first in Switzerland to concentrate exclusively on this category. Following Zürcher's tenure, the company was acquired by Jens and Sarah Behrendt. Under their leadership, Zürcher-Gehrig AG expanded its operations while maintaining its original commitment to independent Champagne producers. The Behrendts broadened the company’s reach within Switzerland and implemented organizational updates including logistics optimization and digital cataloguing systems.

Operations

Zürcher-Gehrig AG functions as both a wholesaler and distributor. The company bypasses intermediaries by importing Champagne directly from grower-producers. Its portfolio includes wines sourced from family-owned estates in the Champagne region, where the producers are responsible for both viticulture and vinification. These grower-producers differ from larger Champagne houses, which frequently purchase grapes from numerous vineyards and produce Champagne on an industrial scale. Grower-producers typically own and cultivate their own vineyards, allowing them to exercise direct oversight over all aspects of production. This model often emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, minimal chemical intervention, and a focus on terroir—the unique characteristics imparted by the geography, soil, and climate of a particular site. Zürcher-Gehrig AG maintains a curated catalogue of Champagnes, emphasizing vineyard-specific or village-specific wines. The selection process for producers is selective, with the company working exclusively with those who meet specific quality and production standards. This approach aligns with the company's long-standing commitment to highlighting Champagne as a product of origin and producer.

Industry Context

The grower Champagne segment remains a relatively small part of the broader Champagne market but has gained increasing recognition among wine professionals and enthusiasts. The movement is characterized by its emphasis on terroir expression, transparency, and artisanal methods of production. Large Champagne houses continue to dominate global markets through branding and scale, but grower-producers appeal to a niche audience that values provenance and individual craftsmanship. In this context, Zürcher-Gehrig AG has contributed to increasing awareness and availability of grower Champagne in Switzerland. The company’s role has been particularly important in introducing consumers to the diversity within Champagne—beyond well-known labels—and helping shift perceptions toward understanding Champagne as a product tied to specific vineyards and individual producers rather than solely as a celebratory beverage.

Leadership

Jens and Sarah Behrendt currently serve as co-directors of Zürcher-Gehrig AG. Since assuming leadership, they have maintained continuity with the company's original mission while implementing strategic enhancements. These include the modernization of logistics systems, expansion of partnerships with new grower-producers, and development of outreach initiatives aimed at wine professionals and consumers. The Behrendts have also placed an emphasis on educational efforts within the Swiss wine community, including participation in tastings, seminars, and industry events focused on Champagne. This engagement has helped reinforce the company’s role as a specialist in grower Champagne.

Recognition and Influence

Although Zürcher-Gehrig AG is not widely known outside wine industry circles, it is recognized within the Swiss wine trade for its specialization in grower Champagne. The company has been cited in industry publications and featured at wine events that focus on artisanal producers. Its sustained commitment to working exclusively with grower-producers has earned it a reputation for consistency and expertise in a specialized area of the Champagne market. In Switzerland, the company is considered one of the early proponents of the grower Champagne movement and remains among the leading distributors in this niche.