The wine industry is currently facing stronger headwinds. In Switzerland, wine consumption declined by nearly 8 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Around 218.4 million liters of still wine were consumed; including sparkling wine, the total market amounted to just over 250 million liters.

Swiss wines were under particular pressure. Consumption fell to 77.4 million liters in 2024, a drop of 16 percent. Market share declined from 38.9 to 35.5 percent. Sparkling wine consumption also weakened, totaling 22.8 million liters, down 2.5 percent.

Trusted wine brands

These figures suggest a more selective market. Consumers are buying more consciously. This increases the importance of brands that have built trust over time, convey continuity, and do not reinvent their identity with every shift in the market.

It was precisely at this point that a recent evening in Zurich resonated. At Casa Aurelio, Sebastian Seubert of Mövenpick Weine hosted a dinner featuring wines from Tempos Vega Sicilia. The Spanish group includes not only Bodegas Vega Sicilia, but also other notable names such as Tokaj-Oremus, Alión, Macán, and Pintia.

People and places: Vega Sicilia owner Álvarez with Casa Aurelio host Arif Gjukaj. (Image: Peter Jauch for finews)

An evening at Casa Aurelio

The presence of Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz, owner and CEO of Vega Sicilia, added a distinct layer of credibility to the evening.

More important, however, was the context. Casa Aurelio is the only official brand ambassador for Vega Sicilia in Switzerland. This means the wines are not presented as isolated references, but as part of a broader, coherent universe. At a time when the industry is relying more on stability than on noise, such a setting feels particularly relevant.

Built over generations

In conversation with Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz, it became clear that Vega Sicilia is not simply a famous winery, but a brand built over generations. Together with his predecessors and his team, he has shaped a house that remains stable even in more challenging times.

That is far from a given in today’s wine world. After all, consumers are not simply trading down to cheaper options, as Vega Sicilia convincingly demonstrates.

Tokaji paired with sea bass in saffron citrus sauce, Turkish-style rice, and asparagus. (Image: Peter Jauch for finews)

Well-balanced pairings

With Arif Gjukaj, chairman of Casa Aurelio, acting as host, the evening also had a credible local anchor. Casa Aurelio played this role without overstatement, but with quiet confidence. The shared table felt intimate, the atmosphere warm, attentive, and relaxed.

The cuisine matched the tone. As always, it was precise and consistent with the house style: clear, well-balanced, and free of unnecessary embellishment. The pairings were natural and thoughtful. It became evident that the dishes were designed to work with the wines, not against them.

A cross-section of the portfolio

The wine selection illustrated why Vega Sicilia is more than a single iconic label. The evening opened with 2021 Tokaji Furmint Dry Mandolás, followed by 2021 Macán Clásico Rioja DOCa and 2020 Macán Rioja DOCa alongside shrimp pastries.

Ravioli with butter and sage were paired with 2020 and 2021 Alión. Sea bass in saffron citrus sauce with Turkish-style rice and asparagus was accompanied by 2021, 2020, and 2018 Tokaji Furmint Dry Petrács. The centerpiece was 2015 Único, served with roasted beef fillet, winter truffle, pommes croquettes, and broccoli with pine nuts. The evening concluded with a cheese selection and fig tart, paired with 2017 Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos.

A great name, convincingly translated. (Image: Peter Jauch for finews)

A coherent symbiosis

This sequence made the evening particularly compelling. Vega Sicilia was not reduced to its iconic status, but presented as a complete universe. From a brand perspective, this is a smart approach—and for guests, a convincing one.

In a more demanding market, it is not enough to have a great name. Success will belong to those who can translate that name into a credible experience.

On this evening, Casa Aurelio was precisely such a place. A host where Vega Sicilia’s wines in Zurich are not only presented, but understood and enjoyed. Perhaps this points to a broader answer to current market conditions: In more challenging times, it is not only product and prestige that matter, but the places, people, and formats that give both substance.