Ever wanted to bike through a picture-perfect vineyard or overnight in a giant wine barrel? Now’s your chance
Unless you live in Switzerland, you might not know just how superb its wine can be, but in recent years the country has seriously boosted its reputation when it comes to premium-quality wine production. And let’s remember this isn’t a new pursuit; Switzerland has been cultivating grapes for quite a while now – since the times of the Roman Empire, in fact – so it’s safe to say a decent amount of knowledge on the subject has been accrued over the centuries by the winemakers.
Below, we’ve set out some of the key reasons why Switzerland has grown into such a haven for wine-lovers, and we’ve also packed those reasons with experiences that are sure to delight those who enjoy a drop of the good stuff. If you’re searching for even more activities and tasting opportunites, simply click here for more wine-spiration.
Before you get started on your wine adventure, consider the following impressive stats to ready your palate. In total, there are 252 types of grape being cultivated across the country, which help produce a whopping 148 million bottles of wine per year from around 1,500 producers. Switzerland also boasts both the world’s smallest vineyard (Saillon in Valais) and Europe’s highest vineyard, situated between 650 and 1,150 metres above sea level.
Although wine is cultivated in all 26 Swiss cantons, the country’s winegrowing industry is divided into six separate regions, each with its own distinct geographical character and strengths. For example, while the canton of Vaud (the oldest and second-largest wine region in the country) specialises in Chasselas grapes (which produce a fruity white), Ticino’s nearby Mediterranean climates mean that it produces an abundance of rich Merlot. Some of the other grape varieties include Gamay, Chardonnay, Gamaret and Müller-Thurgau, meaning there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the perfect bottle.
As enjoyable as it is to enjoy the finished product in a bar or your own home, part of the magic of Switzerland’s winegrowing industry is the ease with which you can see the process in action at every stage. The best way to do this, of course, is on some of the numerous wine tours available across the country. A few of the many tours available include taking a walk through Uri from Altdorf to Bürglen with winemaker Paul Arnold, before clambering up into the vineyards and then heading down into his wine cellar for a sample or two. Or you could embark on a hunt for the mythical dahu (a creature from French and Swiss folklore) by roaming the grounds of the Clavau estate, accompanied by three different wines. If you prefer travelling by two wheels, hop on a bike for a gourmet tour around the Medieval town of Murten and its beautiful lake, including the Mont Vully winegrowing area.
If you’re wondering how you can possibly travel around so much to experience Switzerland’s wine wonders, fear not. The country’s public transport system is blissfully easy to use and book, and it’s also incredibly efficient, meaning that travelling from one great wine region to another really couldn’t be simpler. Trains, buses and boats will be your super-comfortable chariots on this journey, and as a wonderful bonus you’ll be able to marvel at dreamy views of the epic Swiss landscapes as you complete your trip.
Why worry about hurrying home at the end of a gloriously fun day of wining and dining when you can overnight at a cosy wine lodge instead? Once again, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as Switzerland is packed full of specialist accommodation dedicated solely to wine. Step back in time at Domaine de Châteauvieux, a 14th-century manor house where you can sample the estate’s wines on a cooking course. Alternatively, try out a quirky lodging courtesy of Schlaf-Fass Maienfeld (a giant Riesling barrel converted into a bungalow) or the Bubble Hotel in Weinfelden, providing stunningly clear views of the sky. But whatever you do, don’t miss the magnificent Colline de Daval in Sierre, a former vineyard water tower transformed into a smart, atmospheric castle-hotel. The five well-equipped rooms are named after different grape varieties and you’ll be able to indulge in various delicious wines grown around the region. The hotel even offers free luggage transport, making a stay here ultimately hassle-free.
