Europe’s hidden wine gem
Switzerland’s grape harvest season bursts with vibrant color, celebrations, and fine local flavors. Often overlooked on the wine map, Switzerland offers an intimate wine experience rooted in tradition and framed by breathtaking vistas, from terraced vineyards above lakes to alpine slopes and hidden valleys.
The Swiss love their wine so much that only about 1% is exported, making every glass in Switzerland truly a local treat.
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Vaud: vineyards with a view
Home to UNESCO-listed Lavaux, the canton of Vaud boasts terraced vineyards cascading dramatically to Lake Geneva. Stroll between the vines and enjoy panoramic views over the water. Don’t miss the Fête de la Vigneronne, a summer celebration honoring Switzerland’s female winegrowers with tastings, music, and storytelling.
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La Vigne-Vinothérapie Spa
For a unique sensory experience, head to La Vigne-Vinothérapie Spa. Here, grape-based treatments use wine’s antioxidant power to nourish body and soul. Try treatments using unique products like massage oil infused with red vine leaves or scrubs made with grape marc, while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Geneva and terraced vineyards.
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Valais: alpine wines and grand views
With more sunshine than anywhere else in Switzerland, the Valais region produces expressive wines grown on steep alpine slopes. The towns of Sion and Salgesch offer tastings and cellar visits, while Europe’s highest vineyards are in Visperterminen.
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Ticino: merlot and Mediterranean flair
In the sunny south, Ticino offers a taste of Italy. It’s known for its smooth merlot, including the unique white merlot, best enjoyed over rustic meals in traditional grotti. Combine Wine with Biking: scenic cycling routes wind through vineyards and villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop for tastings.
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Grisons: high-altitude elegance
The canton of Grisons boasts refined wines and scenic beauty. The Bündner Herrschaft region links its cellars via the Bündner Weinweg, a scenic trail perfectly combining wine and landscape.
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Wine hikes
Across Switzerland, wine hikes combine nature, culture, and culinary fun. Be it the vineyards of Lavaux, the sun-kissed slopes of Valais, or hidden gems in Eastern Switzerland, well-marked trails guide hikers along vine-covered hills to cellars and tasting stops. These experiences, self-paced or guided, invite guests to walk from glass to glass, always with a view.
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At the Heart of the Harvest
In early fall, the event series “At the Heart of the Harvest” opens up Swiss vineyards to the public. Visitors can meet winemakers during the grape harvest, take part in the picking, and taste fresh must straight from the press. The initiative celebrates the hands-on effort behind every bottle, offering an authentic glimpse into the rhythm and spirit of the vintage.
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Sleep among the vines
Switzerland’s “Grape Escape” accommodations offer unforgettable nights in the vineyards. Whether in boutique wine lodges or cabins fashioned from barrels, guests can savor tastings, meet passionate vintners, and fall asleep in the quiet of the vines.
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