The most beautiful wine walks in Ticino

Medieval castles of Bellinzona

The capital city of Ticino scores not only for its accessibility from German-speaking Switzerland, but also for its castle and three medieval castles. In just an hour and a half you can explore Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro on a circular route. This route is therefore also suitable for unsportsmanlike persons.

The starting point is the Via Portone roundabout. After a short climb, you reach the first castle. The elevator in Piazza del Sole provides an easy shortcut to Castelgrande. The ring wall is partially accessible on foot.

The route continues until Piazza Collegiata and then Montebello Castle. After visiting them, the ivy-covered path leads to the village of Artore.

The paved Via alla Predella descends to the next castle, Sasso Corbaro, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the city. The descent heads towards Montebello, where you can end the afternoon with the Boccalino Merlot.

Wine-themed trails in Mendrisiotto

The heart of Ticino viticulture is in the Mendrisiotto region. Not surprisingly, there are three themed trails dedicated to wine. We recommend the various “Man and the Grapes” circular route in Mendrisio. In a little less than four hours, you will tour the vineyards and get an idea of ​​the history of viticulture and its importance for the people of Mendris.

You start at a central place in the old town, next to the church of San Giovanni Battista and follow the yellow signs. The first stop is the promising village of Salorino, which still belongs to the city. Then we continue to Castel San Pietro, the largest viticulture community in the canton of Ticino, via Obino. There you will pass the famous red church of the community.

The well-marked road will take you via Vigino to Corteglia. With quick steps, you return to the village center of Mendrisio. If you’re traveling in a group, seize the opportunity and book a wine tasting at one of the 11 wineries along the way.

Original Blenio Valley

Valle de Blenio is also known as the Valley of the Sun. Sun-kissed vines thrive here among barren rocks, sometimes on chestnut posts called arbors. Here at Sopraceneri, Merlots are slightly more angular and thinner than in the south, but captivating with their mineral spice.

The walk starts in Loderio, which is easily accessible by bus. The trail runs along the banks of the Brenno River, where many birds nest.

It goes to Ludiano on the north side of the valley. The special charm of the original village consists of rustic houses with stone roofs.

The rustic Grotto Sprüch carved into the rock invites you to dinner. Here you should not miss the Ticino wine specialty Bondola. This local blue grape variety produces flowery, light wines with pronounced acidity and has almost been replaced by Merlot. Fortunately, it’s getting more attention today. You continue the fortified hike on the south side of the valley via picturesque Malvaglia back to Loderio.

Panoramic walk to Morcote

The nearly two-hour hike to Morcote, seven kilometers from Carona, is a sight to behold. Carona belongs to the municipality of Lugano and is located on the ridge of the Ceresio Peninsula between the San Salvatore and Arbostora mountains. The magnificent view of Lake Lugano offered on this excursion amazes every hiker.

The tour starts at the Paese bus stop in the city centre. It goes past the swimming pool to Parco San Grato. This botanical park is worth a visit for its diversity of plants and is ideal for a long photo break. From here there is a road to Alpe Vicania. This green oasis has a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano. Afterwards, you can collect chestnuts in the forest you pass to reach the stairs leading to the lake via Vico di Morcote. Numerous riverside restaurants await you in Morcote where you can enjoy the lightness of being with a sparkling Merlot di Bianco. If your eyes have wandered enough of the idyllic vineyards of Castello di Morcote, a boat trip to Lugano is a good idea.