Portrait of Marc Ramu
i. Biography
Marc Ramu has led Domaine du Clos des Pins as vigneron and cellar master since 2000 in Dardagny, in the Canton of Geneva. A member of a family associated with Domaine du Clos des Pins for centuries, he works at the point where lineage meets the practical demands of the vineyard and cellar. The estate’s link to the Ramu family since 1321 gives that work a long frame, but the craft itself is renewed in each harvest.
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Training at Changins gave Marc Ramu the technical base that still shapes his work at Domaine du Clos des Pins. Since 2000, he has held both the vigneron and cellar master roles, carrying that early discipline into the day-to-day decisions of vineyard and cellar. His method reads as controlled and exact, with attention to balance, texture, and restraint. Over time, he has become closely tied to the estate’s identity through a practice that relies on judgment as much as repetition.
Where They Are Now
Since 2000, he has remained the estate’s vigneron and cellar master, continuing to guide the wines with the steadiness that comes from long familiarity. In the cellar, Marc Ramu points to pigeage as a part of the work he values most. The technique is direct: push the marc back into the liquid during maceration, then work toward extracting what the skin can give.
Signature
Marc's signature dishes include Mandragore and Bec à miel. The names are compact and specific, which is often how a house style announces itself. Here, they function as markers of the identity he has built at Domaine du Clos des Pins.
In Their Words “Le domaine avait déjà une certaine notoriété et le chasselas et le gamay étaient une bonne base, mais mes vignes se trouvent sur les coteaux. Je voulais donc trouver les cépages les mieux adaptés à ces terres spéciales et graveleuses.” “J’apprécie particulièrement le pigeage, qui consiste, lors de la macération, à enfoncer le marc dans le moût liquide afin d’extraire le maximum de saveurs de la peau du raisin.”
Honors
Marc's honors include Grand Prix du vin suisse, first place in its category for Gamaret Mandragore. The award points to disciplined work in the cellar and to the consistency behind his wines at Domaine du Clos des Pins.
FAQ
Asked of Marc
What is Marc Ramu's current role?
As of 2026, Marc Ramu is vigneron and cellar master.
Where did Marc Ramu train or study?
Marc Ramu trained at Changins.
What recognition has Marc Ramu received?
Grand Prix du vin suisse, first place in its category for Gamaret Mandragore (2019).
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Marc Ramu in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.