Let’s go on a pleasure tour: Switzerland’s most beautiful wine regions

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1. Purely in the footsteps of the VS – Petite Arvine grape variety

The local grape variety, Petite Arvine, is grown on the sunny slopes of the region where viticulture is carried out entirely. The grape has been considered a Valais specialty since 1602 and is pressed into dense, dry white wines with a delicate, slightly salty flavour. All of the quality wines of 20 wine producers carry the “Fully Grand Cru” quality seal. If you want to combine tasting with some exercise, it is best to explore the wine and vineyard route around Fully, which passes through dry-stone wine terraces and offers unique views of the Rhone plain.

2. Salgesch, VS – the largest wine-growing region in the Valais

With over 5,000 hectares of vineyards, Valais is the largest wine-producing region in Switzerland. The largest viticultural community in the Upper Valais is Salgesch. More than 40 wineries shape daily life here. Different microclimates and unique soil diversity allow the cultivation of red wine, which is exceptional for the Valais. Strict quantity restrictions and consistent pruning of the vines produce fewer but more aromatic grapes. As Salgesch writes on his website, “Great wines always come from damaged vines.” It is also recommended to visit the fascinating Salgesch Vine and Wine Museum; preferably before tasting!

3. Lavaux, VD – Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vaud is the second most important wine canton in Switzerland, with approximately 4,000 hectares of vineyards. The viticulture region consists of six different regions; one of them is Lavaux: it stretches on impressive, steep terraces on the shores of Lake Geneva, between Lausanne and Vevey. The beautiful terraced landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth the trip, not only for a tasting with one of the wine-growing families, but also for a walk along one of the well-marked paths offering breathtaking views of the lake. Alps. You can taste the quality dry white wines of the famous Chasselas, which accounts for almost 70 percent of the total viticulture area.

4. Chablais, VD – In the world of Chasselas

Chablais, a diverse wine-growing region, is located between Lake Geneva and the foothills of the Vaud Alps. There is a wide range of varieties and wine styles in the small area: winemakers grow Pinot Noir grapes as well as Chasselas and produce excellent wines from them. You may also come across Merlot and Syrah; They thrive here thanks to the blow-dry effect coming from the south. The different Chasselas crus of Chablais have special character due to the different soils that give the wines a delicate, racy or elegant character. What associations do different regions trigger in your taste buds?

5. Geneva – almost like France

The Geneva viticultural region covers an area of ​​approximately 1,400 hectares, making Geneva the third most important viticultural canton in the country. In 1988, Geneva was also the first canton to introduce the designation of origin (AOC) for its wines. An impressive variety of grape varieties grow in the region; most importantly, the Gamay grape, which is used to make the prestigious grape of Beaujolais. Geneva wines are undeservedly little known in German-speaking Switzerland – in terms of quality they are certainly comparable to their French neighbours. Our advice: It is worth stopping by at a good restaurant in Geneva and tasting the wine list. In many places this is exemplary, topped with local wines.

6. Ticino – Round taste of Merlot

Ticino winemaking tradition has a long history dating back to the Romans. Towards the end of the 19th century, almost all of the vineyards in the region were destroyed due to phylloxera and mold. Various Ticino grape varieties were examined using scientific methods on behalf of the cantonal parliament, and it turned out that Merlot in particular could bring winegrowing in the south of Switzerland out of its existential crisis. Today Merlot is actually grown in more than 80 percent of the vineyards in the canton. Our recommendation: a tasting at the Fa’wino wine cellar of young oenologist duo Claudio Widmer and Simone Favini in Mendrisio.

7. Schaffhausen wine country – you can’t go any further north in Switzerland

The most important region of the Schaffhausen winegrowing region, which includes 20 communities, is Klettgau. The largest contiguous vineyard in German-speaking Switzerland lies here on gentle hills. The lime-rich clay soil offers the best conditions for the Pinot Noir grape variety, making it the flagship of the region. The heart of the region is the winemaking village of Hallau; Here the landmark St. Moritz mountain church adorns the labels of Hallau’s red wine, known throughout Switzerland. If you want to combine wine tasting with walking, we recommend the meditation path above Hallau, which encourages you to think about life and nature at various stations.

Source : Blick