Definition: Gobelet

Unlike trellising, goblet training involves training the shoots of each vine onto a stake. Each vine is isolated from the next. In French-speaking Switzerland, this type of vine training remains very traditional (goblet training).

The goblet ritual

The goblet is also a conical drinking vessel, usually without a stem or handle, and its contents. It can be made of glass, pewter, etc. The goblet does not allow the finesse of today's wines to be appreciated. It should be reserved for water and other fruit juices. Goblets were once very common in French-speaking Switzerland for wine tasting in the winegrower's cellar. A single goblet was used, from which everyone drank in turn to speed things up, hence the quip to anyone who took their time: "Praise the Lord, but not the glass"!

At the time, to make it more chic when invited to someone's house, this cup was often made of pewter. Its thick rim, which felt cold against the lips, was not pleasant. And above all, you never knew how much it could hold!

Now, with the introduction of stemmed glasses, which are better suited to tasting, this custom is tending to disappear. It never caught on in Valais, where everyone had their own glass. They served themselves from the channe or directly from the tap on the barrel (the quillette). In the past, the cup was made of wood and taken to the vineyard where the winegrowers ate their meals, which were generally frugal. The basket contained only a few potatoes, some alpine cheese, sausages and wine.