Erich Meier Winery: Maximum Hygiene for Maximum Quality in the Glass
From the vineyard to the glass. At the winery of Erich Meier on Lake Zurich, quality is born from passion, precision and uncompromising hygiene. In his Uetikon cellar, the Wetrok Discomatic Bolero plays a vital role.
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A winemaker with a commitment to quality in every detail
Overlooking Lake Zurich, the Erich Meier Winery sits idyllically on Reblaubenstrasse in Uetikon. For generations, this family-run estate has turned carefully selected grapes into award-winning wines.
Fifth-generation winemaker Erich Meier follows a clear philosophy: wines with a distinctive character and absolute cleanliness at every stage of production.
Step into his cellar, and you would hardly believe it is over twenty years old. Every tank, pipe and floor shines as if brand new. For Meier, this is simply part of his craft. “I spend more than half of my working time cleaning. Hygiene is the foundation of quality.”
Cleaning as a key to success
While many winemakers rely on high-pressure cleaners, Meier takes a different approach. He uses pressure for barrels and equipment, but when it comes to floors, he relies on Wetrok’s scrubber dryer technology.
“The water jet from a high-pressure cleaner would spread dirt rather than remove it,” he explains. “With the Wetrok machine, the floors stay dry, clean and hygienic, even in the corners.”
The Bolero proves itself in every respect
Meier’s previous Wetrok machine had served faithfully for many years. To find the ideal replacement, he tested the Wetrok Discomatic Bolero for a week in all areas of his cellar. The result was clear.
“The Bolero has impressive suction power and is so compact that it moves easily between the wooden barrels. I particularly appreciate that the brushes lift automatically when the machine pauses, so no marks remain on the floor.”
He is also impressed by the low height of the machine. “I can even clean under the tanks. That allows me to reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible.”
For the winemaker, this is crucial. Moisture is the biggest enemy of cellar hygiene. It creates an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, a real threat in wine production. “The fact that the Bolero also vacuums in reverse is fantastic. Not a single drop of water remains under the tanks,” he says with satisfaction.
«As a producer of premium wines, I also need premium equipment for cleaning. Quality is never a coincidence. It is the result of care, discipline and passion.»
Innovation and sustainability hand in hand
The cellar houses forty-two stainless steel tanks. Yet Meier is as mindful of water as he is of wine. The Bolero is the only machine equipped with two interchangeable tanks of 10 and 20 litres. “A very clever idea,” he remarks.
For his daily cleaning, he uses Wetrok Polex, a non-perfumed cleaner that is mandatory in food production environments. Fragrances must never come into contact with wine.
In the tasting room, he recently tried something new: cleaning with Wetrok Granufloor, an innovative granulate cleaner. “The sachets are already perfectly dosed. I just pour the contents into the tank. It saves time and prevents overdosing.”
Excellence in wine, excellence in cleaning
For Erich Meier, one thing is certain: quality does not stop at the wine.
His enthusiasm for technology and precision is evident in every step of his work. Even the smallest details in the cellar are planned, structured and meticulously maintained.
Before replacing his old machine, he is already preparing for his next step: switching to organic production. For him, sustainability and quality are inseparable.
A craft driven by heart and passion
Erich Meier’s philosophy is as clear as his wine. “My wines are meant for the small, special moments in everyday life.”
He stands for honest craftsmanship, perfection in detail and genuine passion for his trade.
