Swiss wines to enjoy on holiday

Switzerland might be famous for its chocolate, cheese and mountains, but did you know it also produces some seriously impressive wines? 

Swiss wine is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Made with care and tradition, it reflects the country’s incredible variety of landscapes, languages and climates.  

In short, Swiss wine is as authentic, varied and full of character as the country itself, and best enjoyed right where it’s made. You’ll rarely find Swiss wine abroad, as most of it is enjoyed right here by the locals.  

Domestic demand for its own wine is so high, that little is left for export.In fact, only about 1% of Swiss wine is exported, according to official data from Swiss Wine Promotion and the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW, 2022). 

Read on to uncork everything you need to know about Swiss wine culture, where it’s made, and what to taste. 

Over the centuries, the craft of viticulture evolved alongside Switzerland’s culture, landscapes and traditions. 

In 1420, Marie of Burgundy, who had fled to Saint-Prex, gifted Pinot Noir vines to local winegrowers, a gesture that helped shape the country’s red wine story.  

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Swiss wine production faced one of its biggest challenges.  

Sustainability then took centre stage. In 1993, the Swiss Association for Natural Production in Viticulture, known as Vitiswiss, launched the Vinatura label, recognising wines produced using environmentally friendly methods and responsible farming. 

Innovation continues to drive Swiss winemaking today. In 2013, the Swiss Federal Agricultural Research Centre, Agroscope, in Pully created Divico, a new-generation hybrid grape designed to blend natural resistance with high quality.  

It is a perfect example of what makes Swiss wine so special, a mix of tradition, craftsmanship and forward thinking. 

Source: Swiss Wine Promotion (SWP), the national organisation for the promotion of Swiss wines. 

Now that we’ve uncorked a little history, it’s time to clear up a few common myths. 

Swiss wine is full of surprises. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of vineyards, but once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why locals are so proud of their bottles. 

Wine in Lucerne and central Switzerland 

Lucerne may be better known for its lakes and mountain views, but it’s also part of a quietly thriving wine scene.  

Vineyards here are scattered across steep, south-facing slopes where mineral-rich soils and cool alpine nights help the grapes develop depth and flavour. The result is high-quality, expressive wines that truly reflect their surroundings. 

Local producers focus mainly on Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau, while innovative PIWI varieties (hybrid grapes that are naturally resistant to disease) are becoming more common as winemakers adapt to the changing climate.  

You’ll find vineyards in Seetal, Lake Sempach, and around Lake Lucerne, where wine-tasting often comes with panoramic views and a peaceful alpine breeze. 

Chasselas: The taste of tradition 

Delicate, floral, and quintessentially Swiss, Chasselas is the country’s signature white wine, especially loved in Vaud and Valais. With gentle notes of pear, apple and citrus, this wine pairs perfectly with the region’s signature dishes: fondue and raclette. It’s light, dry, and refreshing, just the thing to enjoy after a lakeside stroll or mountain walk. 

Perfect pairing: cheese fondue, freshwater fish, and good company.

Chardonnay: Elegant and expressive 

While it’s known the world over, Swiss Chardonnay shines in its own right. Found mainly in Vaud, Geneva and Valais, it balances crisp freshness with creamy complexity, depending on whether it’s aged in oak. 

Perfect pairing: grilled fish, shellfish, or poultry in sauce.

Gamay: Light, fruity, and fun 

If you prefer red wine that’s bright and easy to drink, Gamay is your go-to. Popular in Geneva, Vaud and Valais, this variety bursts with cherry and raspberry flavours, often with a little hint of spice. It’s the ideal companion for lighter dishes or for sipping as you watch the sun dip behind the mountains. 

Perfect pairing: roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or soft cheese.

Pinot Noir: The elegant all-rounder 

Pinot Noir (or Blauburgunder) is Switzerland’s most planted grape. It’s delicate but full of personality, offering everything from light, fruity styles to complex, oak-aged wines. Try a glass in Neuchâtel, where it’s also used to make the elegant rosé known as Oeil de Perdrix. 

Perfect pairing: salmon, duck, or mushroom risotto.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and beautiful 

For those who like their reds rich and powerful, Cabernet Sauvignon from Switzerland is a hidden gem. Expect blackcurrant, cedar and peppery notes, perfect with a hearty meal after a day on the slopes or trails. 

Perfect pairing: steak, lamb, or a square of dark Swiss chocolate. 

Choosing the perfect Swiss wine is all part of the experience. Start by thinking about what you enjoy most, whether that is a crisp white to sip in the sunshine or a smooth red to unwind with after a day of exploring.

If you like something light and refreshing, Chasselas is a wonderful choice. For a versatile red that pairs with almost anything, you can rely on Pinot Noir.

Also, consider what you will be eating. A delicate, fruity wine is perfect with grilled vegetables or lake fish, while a rich, full-bodied red pairs beautifully with hearty mountain dishes such as game stew or roast lamb.

Switzerland’s wines might not be widely known, but that is what makes discovering them so rewarding. Every region has its own story to tell, shaped by the landscape, the language, and the people who make it their craft. What you find in the glass is quality, character, and a real sense of place. 

Take the opportunity to taste local varieties while you are there. Whether it is at a vineyard, a mountain restaurant, or beside one of Switzerland’s beautiful lakes, each sip offers a little insight into the country’s charm. It is these small moments that make a walking holiday in switzerland unforgettable.