Definition: guardhouse

Taking an interest in vineyard huts, their history and architecture: this had never been done before. With a book and an exhibition, the Valais Museum of Vine and Wine lifts the veil on these tiny structures, which played a fundamental role in the development of the vineyard and the hearts of men. This research was based on archives, observations and interviews. We learn, in particular, that the sentry box enabled winegrowers to combat disease, that it served as a shelter and even temporary accommodation for workers, and that it is still today an important place for socialising and conviviality.

Endearing landmarks

Architect Charles-André Meyer, one of the authors of the study, appreciates the spontaneous nature of these structures. The sentry boxes not only inspired him to create a typology, but also to produce drawings and texts that bring poetic touches to this historical and ethnological work. "It is a very humble and endearing style of architecture because it is unpretentious. The sentry boxes are landmarks in the landscape. If they were removed, the vineyard would lose all its charm!" Whether a ruin or a comfortable chalet, a cave or a solid residence, the sentry box comes in many forms.

A heritage in danger

"We were surprised by the beauty and richness of this heritage. Our goal is to draw attention to these huts, because many of them are falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance," adds Augustin Schmid. Together with Anne-Dominique Zufferey Périsset, director of the Valais Museum of Vine and Wine, the former head of the Valais State Office of Agroecology visited dozens of sentry boxes and met their owners. Their stories are fascinating and rich in information about the uses of these places. "These little houses could play a major role in the development of agri-tourism. Some of them have already been converted into reception rooms or refreshment bars," says Anne-Dominique Zufferey Périsset. Building a sentry box is almost impossible today. The tightening of building regulations has given unexpected value to vineyard huts and could encourage their owners to restore and enhance them.

See also Cabinet de vigne.

"Guérites, ces cabanes dans les vignes" (Guérites, these huts in the vineyards), published by In Folio, 176 pages. By Anne-Dominique Zufferey-Périsset, Charles-André Meyer and Augustin Schmid. Photographs by Étienne Roux.

Contact: Anne-Dominique Zufferey-Périsset, 078/770 04 66.

Photos available at www.museevalaisanduvin.ch or on request by email to museeduvin@netplus.ch