Sip, sample and savour the wine regions of Switzerland with Watch and Cow
Do you have wine-loving clients looking for a new and unique destination to explore? Swiss wine is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, and the team at Watch and Cow would love to help you explore the variety of regions and wines on offer as well as the culture and gastronomy that is interwoven into its production and consumption.
The Swiss guard the secret of their fabulous wines fiercely, releasing only around 1% for sale on the global market and keeping the rest for their own enjoyment. On a trip to Switzerland, your clients can taste their way through the earthy, late-ripening reds of Valais and the wonderfully light Chasselas wines of Vaud; the rare, rich pinot noirs of Graübunden and the merlots of Ticino (the best of which are virtually impossible to buy anywhere else.) Let us take you now on a journey around Switzerland's wine regions with Watch and Cow.
Switzerland's Wine Regions
With regions gathered mainly around three large river valleys (the Rhône in the west, the Rhine in the north and the Po in the south), Swiss wine country is some of the most beautiful in the world, and your guests can revel in vineyard walks nestled amongst stunning landscapes, with towering mountains, verdant valleys and glittering rivers and lakes as the backdrop.
But, with 6 wine regions to discover and a huge diversity of terrains, languages and cultures to explore, how can your guests be sure they’ll be stepping off the tourist trails of the busier spots to experience the best of the best And more, how can they interweave their tour with fabulous experiences that tick the boxes of Swiss scenery, culture and gastronomy too? They can turn to you and our friends at Watch & Cow, the brilliant Swiss DMC who know the country like no other and love to help guests discover Switzerland in epic, tailor-made style.
In fact, that’s precisely what we’ve done here! Join us as Watch & Cow guides us through the perfect wine-tasting tour around the stunningly scenic, uniquely delectable wine regions of Switzerland.
German-speaking Switzerland - Graubünden, the Burgundy of Switzerland
Graubünden is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering a playground for skiing, hiking and mountain biking against a backdrop of 1,000 snow-capped summits, 150 verdant valleys and 1,038 shimmering lakes. This is also a place of impressive cultural diversity, with Romansh, German and Italian influences that flavour its cuisine and its culture. Home to Zurich, Lucerne and the famous resort town of St. Moritz, Graubünden is where the Engadin Valley enchants with its glacial lakes and traditional houses, historic landmarks like the Benedictine monastery in Disentis stand proud and countless stunning natural features weave together for a quintessential Swiss experience.
Visitors mustn’t miss the opportunity to ride the UNESCO World Heritage experience of the Rhaetian Railway, which weaves through the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps, passing a number of engineering marvels, including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and providing passengers with a scenic journey through alpine valleys, charming villages and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Travellers looking for a touch of respite should head for the Tamina Thermal Bath, a public spa oasis whose pure thermal waters are perfect for regenerating mind, body and soul and whose contemporary sauna and wide range of beauty and massage options offer something for everyone!
Most importantly, wine lovers should prepare for a wonderful surprise!
Far lesser known than the dominant French-speaking regions, Graübunden or Grisons as it is known in the French-speaking areas of Switzerland) has slowly but surely built a deserved reputation as the Burgundy of Switzerland. Here, as well as being far quieter and more off the beaten trail than its western counterparts, the viticulture is strongly sustainable, with winemakers respecting the soil, the environment and working to achieve their “Biovision 2020”, a transition to organic wine production across the region.
Although small (the wine-growing region is around 400 hectares), the slatey, lime-rich soil, mild climate and “foehn wind” of the Rhine Valley has proved just perfect for the Pinot Noir shoots planted by mercenaries and farmer’s sons in the 17th century. And there are other national and international grape varieties to explore, too - from the very old, native white grape they call Completer to the light red “Churer Schiller”.
Wine experiences in Graubünden
Neubruchtorkel, also known as the Torculum, is a vinicultural gem in Graubünden. This historic winery, with roots dating back to the 16th century, showcases the enduring traditions of winemaking in the region, where modern techniques harmonise with time-honoured practices to produce exceptional wines using the largest wine press in eastern Switzerland.
Stunning Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland. Here, a guided wine tour takes visitors from the Bishop's Court to the Wine Museum, with a wine tasting and the opportunity to sample some of Graubünden’s snacks offering an amuse bouche for what follows - a fabulous, traditional Graubünden meal in Chur Old Town.
The Graubünden Rhine Valley is the ideal place to explore by bike, or on foot. A wine trail connects Chur with the wine-growing communities of the Bündner Herrschaft, with three circular walks through the vineyards of Trimmis/Zizers, Malans/Jenins and Maienfeld/Fläsch to keep even the most energetic guests busy - all roaming through picturesque villages and vineyards in glorious colours.
Those who wish to blend a wine and food experience will love a culinary cycling tour through the Fünf Dörfer region that takes in the wine-growing villages between Chur and Landquart before heading along the Rhine back to the city, with a fine 3-course menu served along the way.
And culture vultures can’t miss a tour of the von Tscharner winery at 13th-century Reichenau Castle. Perched majestically on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Rhine and Hinterrhein rivers, the castle is surrounded by lush vineyards - a testament to the enduring historical links that the country has with the art of viticulture.
And where should your guests stay in Graübunden?
There are lots of excellent accommodation options in the region, but our three picks are:
The Waldhaus Flims, a luxurious mountain retreat renowned for its Belle Époque charm that offers an opulent haven with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
The Kronenhof, an exquisite grand hotel in Pontresina, which exudes timeless elegance with its neo-Baroque architecture, impeccable service and proximity to the stunning Engadin mountains.
The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, a legendary alpine resort with a rich heritage dating back to 1856, where guests can revel in sophisticated surroundings with Michelin-starred dining and access to the world-class winter sports of the Engadin valley.
The wines of French-speaking Switzerland
Let’s now journey across to the easternmost wine regions of Switzerland - Geneva, Vaud and Valais - which together produce more than 70% of the nation’s wines.
Cosmopolitan Geneva
Rising from the shimmering shores of the city’s eponymous lake, the wine region of Geneva is a hidden gem. This cosmopolitan city boasts a wine culture deeply rooted in its diverse terroir and a microclimate ideal for grape cultivation - and here, the iconic Chasselas grape, so synonymous with Swiss whites, thrives to produce wines of unparalleled elegance and crispness.
Geneva’s wine heritage dates back to Roman times, and today Geneva's vineyards embrace both tradition and innovation, with winemakers experimenting with varieties from Gamay to Pinot Noir, bringing depth and range to the region's repertoire.
And of course, there’s that scenery! With panoramic views of the Alps as a backdrop, Watch & Cow loves to invite guests to explore Geneva’s villages and vineyards on an authentic and utterly unique private e-Tuk Tuk tour, accompanied all the while by an experienced guide. Soaking up the vista en route, your guests are driven to one of the region’s finest vineyards, where they can taste a selection of wines curated and presented by the winemaker himself as he reveals the secrets of their creation and the hidden treasures of Geneva’s winegrowing terroir. This experience is a wonderfully personalised way to enjoy a behind-the-scenes reveal of winemaking and savour the richness of the region in perfect harmony with the incredible setting.
Ranging further around the lake, your guests travel through a fairytale setting of quaint villages and ancient castles on the way to Lausanne. Here, a stop at one of the main vineyards of the Genevan “mandement” sees your guests learn all about wine production, with an expert local guide taking them through the fascinating process from grape to glass - samples included! - before a restful and delicious lunch at the 2-Michelin-starred Domaine Chateauvieux of Philippe Chevrier.
And at La Côte, a stop in Féchy allows a visit to the family-run vineyard of the Paccots, where guests meet with owner Raymond Paccot and his daughter Laura, and discover the vineyard’s biodynamic approach to winemaking before lunching at a 19/20 Gault & MIllau restaurant, l’Hermitage des Ravet at Vufflens-Le-Château.
Where to stay? How about a stopover and an exploration of Lausanne? The historic luxury of the Hôtel Beau-Rivage Palace makes the perfect base, with its stunning five-star setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, world-class facilities and service and 2-Michelin star restaurant.
Culture lovers are spoiled for choice here, with the Old Town’s charms, the Olympic Museum and the unique Collection de l’Art Brut all within easy striking distance - not to mention Lausanne’s wonderful food scene just waiting to be discovered! And of course, there’s also Montreux, that magnet for music lovers, with its picturesque lakeside promenade lined with vibrant flowerbeds, historic chateaux and the inviting aroma of Swiss cuisine.
Vaud and the terraces of Lavaux
Cascading down to the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, the emerald-green, sun-drenched terraces of Lavaux cradle vines that produce wines of exquisite finesse and beauty and stretch a whopping 30 km from the mediaeval beauty of the Château de Chillon to the easternmost part of Lausanne. With protected UNESCO status, Lavaux is probably the best-known wine-growing spot in Switzerland, and with good reason - even aside from the breathtaking scenery!
Established by monks in the 11th Century and still harvested by hand, these highly prized, small-volume wines (dominated by Chasselas, Pinot Noirs and Gamays) are the height of exclusivity - in fact, they can only be drunk in Lavaux, so a visit is a must for any dedicated connoisseur.
Here, there are just five wine estates to explore.
Watch & Cow’s perfect pick is the Domaine Christophe Francey in the beautiful village of Chexbres, a family estate which has - incredibly - been passed down through the generations since 1384!
Those in need of a restful retreat will find just what they crave with a unique vinotherapy experience - a guided wine tour and sampling followed by a spa treatment with a wine-themed twist, a hot bath among the vines, and a massage using vine products!
After, a trip to Vevey sees guests visit Chaplin's World, where they can immerse themselves in Charlie Chaplin’s life, work and legacy in the mansion where he and his family once lived. Prefer to take in more of the scenery? Head to Montreux to ride the panoramic cogwheel train to the top of Rochers-de-Naye, with its incredible panoramic views across Lake Geneva and to the mountains beyond.
And where should your guests rest their weary heads after a long day of wine discovery? In Montreux, we recommend the Hotel Fairmont Montreux Palace, an elegant five-star on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by soaring Alpine peaks and boasting a spa, swimming pool, gym, restaurant and bars - all with excellent service.
The sun-kissed hills of Valais
Diverse, dramatic and completely captivating, sunny Valais is home to a spectrum of iconic grape varietals that reflect the region's rugged charm and offer a sensory journey through flavour nuances and textures that derive from the mountainous soil. Home to Swiss grape icons like Fendant (Chasselas), Petite Arvine, Cornalin, and Syrah, this is the largest wine region in Switzerland - a place where guests can kick back with a glass of something truly special and a breathtaking Alpine backdrop.
Here, tradition blends seamlessly with modern innovations and intriguing contrasts abound! At Plan-Cerisier, guests can walk in the footsteps of nomadic winegrowners and visit their homes, the quaint, wooden chalets known as “mazots” which dot the vineyards. After this morning filled with an authentic connection to olde worlde village culture, before an afternoon spent sampling Valais vintages and hiking through spectacularly pretty villages. Lovers of modern ways can learn more about biodynamic wine production, which is strongly on the rise in the region, before stopping at Vetroz to visit the Domaine Jean-René Germanier and Gilles Besse.
After, lunch is taken on a terrace where an old winegrower’s hut, the “Guérite Brulefer” has been transformed to receive guests eager to learn about local wines and dishes. Tucked away in the sleepy village of Saillon, guests can explore the world’s smallest vineyard, which is owned by the Dalai Lama. Gifted by the former owner in the summer of 1999, the tiny vineyard of Farinet has just 3 vines, whose produce is blended with good local vintages offered by other owner-winemakers to create around 1,000 bottles a year, which are sold to raise funds for children's charities.
Here, you’ll also find Europe’s highest vineyard at the beautiful village of Visperterminen. From 650m to 1,150m above sea level, this is an incredible landscape of alpine majesty - and the production of wine here is a high-altitude labour of love, albeit one which reaps an exceptional reward! Here, the unique St Jodern winery is ancestral, with a rare characteristic - they are all “free-standing vines”, i.e. not grafted.
And Alpine adventurers will find their experience is far from over here, with Zermatt, the Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine countryside tantalisingly close, offering endless trails, hikes and adventures for the intrepid and elegant opulence of the luxury-loving all through the year.
The Tavolata experience
Available in both the Valais and Vaud regions, a Tavolata is a fabulous gastronomic experience that connects guests over good food and fantastic wines in the spirit of conviviality and good humour. Held in the heart of the vineyards with the mountains rising all around, your guests will join a selection of other visitors around a huge outdoor table to enjoy a fabulous 5-course menu and celebrate good times and fine wines!
Accompanied by a guide, the experience begins with a walk in the vineyard and the discovery of the Clos du Mont, followed by a wine tasting where visitors can experience an assortment of wines from the cellar. Depending on weather and timing, the meal itself might begin at sunset - or even commence with a torchlight descent to the table for a truly unique and atmospheric dining experience that blends the magic of moving through the vineyards as part of a sea of tiny lights with the warmth of shared food and camaraderie.
The standout wineries of Ticino - Italian-speaking Switzerland
Looking for an add-on to the South? Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, sits below the Alps and boasts unique weather for Switzerland - warmer and wetter than the higher Alpine regions with azure lakes, rolling hills and a unique Mediterranean ambience that brings the warmth of Italian hospitality to the region’s gastronomy, festivals and vibrant local traditions.
Wine-wise, bold, sun-kissed, easy-drinking merlots are the main offering - but there are some exceptional vineyards that are well worth the trip on their own; think picturesque cellars, sought-after varieties and Ticono’s most peculiar offering, the Bianco di Merlot, a white wine crafted from red grapes that’s light, crisp and virtually colourless.
Are the wine regions of Switzerland beckoning your guests with their unique blend of topography, culture and flavours?
If you’re ready for an intro to Watch and Cow, let us know, and we’ll be delighted to put you in touch.
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