Women in Wine
Please start by introducing yourself in a few sentences:
My name is Francisca Obrecht Lustenberger. I was born and raised in Gran Canaria to Swiss parents. Back in Switzerland, I was drawn to agriculture; to this day, I am fascinated by how life emerges from soil and light. My personal motto is: Recognize and strengthen character—that’s what’s exciting about wine and life. I raised three children and, together with Christian, opened the winery to stories and new ideas. This year I will turn 50 and I am delighted that two of our three children will be getting their first taste of family business this summer.
How do you usually introduce yourself when you’re not talking to other wine professionals?
As Francisca Obrecht: a middle-aged woman with three grown children, who lives between her career, family, and hobbies such as cooking and sports — always with a little too little time, but all the more curiosity for new ideas (I’m convinced that in a previous life I was the Energizer Bunny, where else would my boundless energy come from?!?)
Do you remember the moment when you thought:
“Yes – that’s exactly what I want to do”?
Yes. Shortly before harvest time, my husband took our young children on a cycling holiday for a few days, and I worked day and night on a university project. In that intense silence, I felt: I want to devote my energies to the vineyard and work in tune with the steady rhythm of the seasons. In short, I quit my job as a biotechnologist at the University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil in 2005.
If your wines had a personality, how would you describe them?
They are idiosyncratic, deeply rooted, and tell the story of the place that shaped them. Each glass is a diary of the vintage: honest, changeable, authentic.
What often surprises people about your wines, your region, or your everyday work?
The diversity: I am the “mother” of 48,000 vines, manage a team of up to 40 people, think strategically, cook with passion, am a sparring partner for Christian, develop products, spot trends—and occasionally party hard.
Your favorite way to enjoy your wines:
Preferably in the late afternoon or evening, in good company. When soft beats fill the room and the food harmonizes, every glass feels like a little celebration.
A food combination you love—beyond the classic or expected pairings?
Brut Nature Blanc with creamy sauerkraut and crispy-skinned coriander zander!
Do you have a small ritual or habit that is part of your daily routine, especially during the harvest?
Morning yoga and a beer after work.
What does “Women in Wine” mean to you personally?
As a “Woman in Wine,” I seek authenticity and connection at the winery. When my team and I dance to the rhythm set by Mother Nature, we create wines that tell the story of the soil, the weather, and the time—and touch the soul.
Complete the sentence:
A great glass of wine should make you feel…
…its unique origin…
