Interview with Johann Glaes, tractor operator and winegrower

From his first steps on a village farm to his wine-growing adventures in Italy, Johann, our tractor driver, has always been driven by his passion for agriculture. It was in Italy that he discovered the art of viticulture. He also learned to appreciate wine. Today, Johann puts his know-how and enthusiasm to work in our beautiful Walloon vineyards.

1/ Johann, can you tell us more about your career path?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been passionate about the world of agriculture. I spent a lot of time working on a farm in my village, which naturally led me to study agricultural engineering. I graduated from Gembloux in 2014.

I started my career as a miller. I produced organic flour for a year and a half. In 2017, I moved to Italy to work in the vineyards for two years, first as a Wwoofer, then as a seasonal worker. I had the opportunity to travel through several regions: Trentino, Valle d’Aosta, Tuscany, Marche and Sicily. This incredible experience allowed me to discover the world of winegrowing.

In 2019, I returned to Belgium and started by working for a few months as a seasonal worker here in Bousval, before moving on to different wine estates across Wallonia. Since February 2024, I’ve been back at the Château de Bousval vineyard, this time on a full-time basis.

2/ Can you tell us about your experience in Italy? What did you learn from working in these different wine-growing regions? Is there a particular region or estate that has made a particular impression on you?

I was starting from scratch. I didn’t drink wine and knew nothing about the wine world. So I learnt everything from scratch. Viticulture, cellar work, marketing, etc.

My two favourite regions are Trentino and Marche. And the estate that has made the biggest impression on me is Eredi di Cobelli Aldo in the Dolomites.

3/ What is your role in the vineyard?

I’m the vineyard tractor operator, but the work is very varied. In winter, my days are taken up with pruning and tying. In season, I get back on my tractor for organic and biodynamic spraying, tilling the soil, maintaining the machinery, and so on.

4/ In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of your job? And what’s your greatest pleasure?

The main difficulty is maintaining concentration when I spend long hours on the tractor. With our high-density vines and narrow row spacing, I have to be constantly alert. My greatest pleasure is to be part of a team project whose common goal is to grow the best grapes possible.

5/ Outside winegrowing, what are your passions?

I have a passion for discovering European wines, and I’m part of a wine-tasting group. I also love cooking and good food. Another of my passions is Italy: I go there two or three times a year. I just love that country! I love taking photos there. Italy is an inexhaustible source of magnificent landscapes.

The place I love most is in the mountains of Trentino, with my friends, the Cobelli family. They passed on to me their passion for vines and wine. It really changed my life!

6/ Had you already worked biodynamically before discovering the Château de Bousval vineyard?

Yes, four of the five vineyards where I worked practise biodynamics. It was in Italy that I discovered this method, which was totally unknown to me at the time.

7/ What types of European wine are you most interested in? Are there any regions or styles that have particularly struck you during tastings?

I have very varied tastes, and what I enjoy most of all is discovering new wines. Every glass is an invitation to travel.

8/ Do you have a favourite dish that you like to cook, perhaps to go with a particular wine?

Sardine and fennel pasta with a good Verdicchio des Marches!