Swiss Fine Wine

While Switzerland only produces a small amount of wine – most of it consumed domestically – it boasts a diverse landscape of styles, regions and native grape varieties. And, in line with several European regions, those wines have enjoyed a quiet renaissance in recent years, emerging from local pride to wider recognition.

The country’s mountainous terrain and cool climate are well suited to fresh, precise wines, with the main wine regions stretching along the country’s western and southern borders. Vaud, in the French-speaking west, excels with Switzerland’s most famous native variety, Chasselas, a delicate, aromatic, light-bodied white prized for its white flower-and-citrus freshness. Neighbouring Valais, the largest and sunniest region, is known for Petite Arvine, which offers a more expressive profile, with vibrant acidity and racy grapefruit, green apple and salty minerality. The country also produces a handful of characterful reds, often from Pinot Noir, its delicate nature well-suited to the cooler climate.