Couvet · Val-de-Travers · Switzerland

Distillerie Wanner

A family distillery rooted in Couvet, where absinthe tradition is transmitted across generations while opening itself to new expressions. Through absinthes, gins, and original creations, Distillerie Wanner combines inherited knowledge with a contemporary spirit of exploration.

Our Story

In the heart of Couvet, the birthplace of absinthe, Distillerie Wanner embodies a living continuity between heritage and renewal. The story began with René Wanner, a native of the Val-de-Travers, who learned the art of distillation from clandestine distillers. Over the years, he developed a distinctive range of spirits based on family recipes, botanical expertise, and a constant desire to innovate. His work has been recognised with more than 170 medals in national and international spirits competitions.

In 2022, a new chapter began when his son, Romain Wanner, took over the distillery. Building on the pursuit of quality established by his father, he has added his own personal vision. From the family premises in Couvet, he continues to produce premium absinthes inspired by inherited recipes while exploring new directions through gin, barrel ageing, floral distillations, and original creations that reflect a contemporary vision of artisanal spirits.

Savoir-faire

Every spirit crafted at Distillerie Wanner begins with a careful selection of botanicals and a commitment to artisanal production. Distillation takes place in Couvet using traditional methods and small-scale equipment, with a preference for natural ingredients and, whenever possible, locally sourced plants. Romain Wanner is also committed to using 100% Swiss neutral alcohol, produced from Swiss sugar beet and the Swiss sugar industry.

The family's inherited recipes remain at the heart of the distillery's identity, particularly for its absinthes, where generations of knowledge and local tradition continue to guide production. At the same time, the distillery embraces experimentation, exploring new botanical combinations and contemporary interpretations of classic spirits.

This dual philosophy—remaining faithful to tradition while embracing innovation—defines Distillerie Wanner today. It is a house where the heritage of the Val-de-Travers is not simply preserved, but actively carried into the future by each new generation.