Caves Ouvertes Vaud

One of the most satisfying events in Lausanne’s summer calendar – if you like wine, that is – is this open cellars event when winegrowers in the canton of Vaud throw open their doors to wine aficionados (and other, less knowledgeable, wine drinkers) for one weekend. Buy yourself a ‘passport’ comprising a wine glass and a handy cloth pocket enabling you to hang it round your neck (increasingly wise as the day goes on) and hit the wineries. Up high in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux there can scarcely be a more beautiful place to drink a glass of Plant Robert or Chasselas on a fine summer’s day. Choose your route and take a stroll from vineyard to vineyard, or opt for the free shuttle bus if you’re feeling lazy. All wine tasting is included in the price of the passport, while most vineyards also sell Swiss snacks to soak up the booze. The passport also includes a booklet with the names of the vineyards and space to write tasting notes, and you can order your favourite bottles for delivery to your home.