Driven by this early calling, the young Vaudois began his apprenticeship as a winemaker in 1987 with Paul Tille & Fils in Aigle, then the owner of Clos du Crosex-Grillé. With his Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) in hand, he spent a year at the Orsat cellars in Martigny, Valais. "The company's winemakers made it clear that I was a little Vaudois novice without experience. It was a difficult time
but an excellent learning experience that confirmed my ambition to study oenology."
In 1992, Bernard Cavé obtained his oenology diploma from the École supérieure de Changins. He was immediately hired by Louis Serex of Domaine Les Vallières in Satigny. "I remained there until 1995. For the first time, I was alone in the winemaking process. This autonomy appealed greatly to me and convinced me to start my own business."
During his years in Geneva, the winemaker and oenologist interacted with several heavyweights of the local viticulture scene, such as Jean Hutins, Bernard Bosseau, and Jean-Daniel Schlaepfer. "They allowed me to develop, and I learned a lot," he acknowledges, gratefully.
In 1995, the Chasselas craftsman established his own custom cellarwork and oenological consulting business, while simultaneously crafting his own wines. In 2002, he acquired the Paul Tille & Fils cellar and could finally vinify within its walls. The same year, together with his friend Philippe Gex, he acquired Clos du Crosex-Grillé. The estate was bought by the Hoffmann family in 2017, but Bernard Cavé continues to oversee the vinifications.
A renowned technician, Bernard Cavé continued for several years to offer his services as an oenological consultant in numerous cellars in Vaud and Valais. Since 2018, he has focussed his energies entirely on his own domain and the Domaine de la Pierre Latine. Since 2023, he has expanded his repertoire: a gourmet at heart, he collaborates with his partner Denise Crettol, who offers catering services on the premises of the Ollon cellar.