Beat Thommen: A Psychologist Turned Winemaker

Beat Thommen, a PhD-educated psychologist, sought a new challenge at the age of 58. After several internships with various winemakers, he embraced the opportunity to manage vineyards at the Kalchrain correctional facility in Thurgau. There, he tended to 3 hectares of vines alongside young inmates, initially selling the grapes for vinification.

From Psychology to Natural Winemaking
With guidance from Markus Ruch, a winemaker in Neunkirch, Beat produced his first wine in 2013, dedicating himself to natural winemaking. This transition marked a significant shift from his previous career, blending his passion for nature with his expertise in psychology. His experience at Kalchrain, where he reorganized organic production, laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Establishing Weinbau Beat Thommen
Upon retiring from Kalchrain in 2018 at 65, Beat did not settle into retirement. Instead, he founded his own company, "Weinbau Beat Thommen." He now produces natural wines mainly from Pinot Noir at Lake Biel and from his vineyards in Leuk Valais.