Klus 177 — The Kind of Organic Wine Switzerland Deserves

Klus 177 —The Kind of Organic Wine Switzerland Deserves

In a quiet, sunlit valley just minutes from Basel, Antoine Kaufmann is cultivating more than just wine, he’s cultivating a vision.

A vision of organic viticulture rooted in biodynamics, harmony with nature, and a deep respect for all living things. At KLUS 177, every sip tells a story of land, purity, and dedication.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Antoine about his journey and what it means to produce natural wines in Switzerland today.

A Passion Shaped by Experience

Antoine didn’t stumble into winemaking by chance. Though he grew up in a neighboring village, it was his love of authenticity, real food, and healthy soil that pushed him to leave home at 19. “Back then, people here were more focused on quantity than quality,” he says.

He moved through Italy, French-speaking Switzerland, Provence, Australia, and California, absorbing techniques and philosophies along the way. That’s when he discovered organic agriculture and, later, biodynamic farming, and he never looked back. What he found was not just a method, but a new direction rooted in respect, health, and a living ecosystem.

Klus 177 wine bottle with two filled glasses

A Vineyard with Soul

KLUS 177 is more than a vineyard — it’s a life project. “To respect nature is to respect people,” Antoine tells us.

In 2017, he and his wife returned to Switzerland and discovered a forgotten valley nestled between Alsace and Germany. They restored an old estate — house number 177 — and KLUS 177 was born.

Powered by solar panels, with buildings carefully restored instead of rebuilt, the estate reflects a strong commitment to sustainability. The vines are grown without pesticides, herbicides, or prohibited chemicals. Everything is done in step with nature’s rhythms, reflecting the essence of organic wine in Switzerland.

Biodynamics in Action

Certified Demeter, KLUS 177 goes beyond organic. “It’s not just about what we don’t use, it’s about the whole vision,” Antoine explains. Sheep graze among the vines, moon cycles guide the work, and herbal teas are used instead of copper to support the health of the plants. This is true biodynamics: farming that encourages complexity, life, and purity from the soil to the bottle.

Human connection is also essential: the small team eats lunch together daily, apprentices learn by doing, and there’s an openness to new ideas. “It’s like an old-fashioned farm with a modern mindset,” Antoine says, a place where winemakers live their values.

A Different Idea of Wine

The wines of KLUS 177 are pure, elegant, and expressive of their terroir. “They’re not big, bold wines,” Antoine explains. “People are looking for something more personal, more real — more authenticity.”

The vineyard grows a wide range of grapes: Pinot Noir, Riesling-Silvaner, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, as well as disease-resistant varieties like Cabernet Jura and Sauvignac. These grapes reduce the need for treatments and respect the environment. Their red wines offer fruity aromas of raspberry, cherry, and earth, with a soft texture and fresh palate. Each wine is a reflection of the land, the fermentation process, and the emotions behind it.

A Long-Term Commitment

Organic winemaking requires time, precision, and patience. Weather changes, seasonal work, and physical effort make this a demanding job. But Antoine remains hopeful: “Wine is a long-term investment. In the earth, in the people, and in the direction we want to go.”

Visitors who come to KLUS 177 often leave inspired. Whether you’re a casual taster or a passionate gourmet, these wines invite you to discover something deeper, a glass that speaks of respect, flavor, and a strong sense of place.

Where to Find KLUS 177 Wines

You can find and buy KLUS 177 wines directly at the estate. A scenic walk from the train station and easily reachable by public transport. They’re also available at values-driven shops like Ulrich, Vive le Vin, and Le Local.

At Kozak Buvette, we’re proud to serve the wines of KLUS 177. They pair beautifully with our dishes, complementing flavors with their light intensity, natural complexity, and elegant characteristics.