In Switzerland's wine-producing regions, which include Valais, Vaud, German-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Ticino and the Three-Lakes region, over 2,500 winegrowers cultivate 14,696 hectares of vineyards.
The special relief of the Swiss vineyards leads to viticulture on a human scale, where the winemaker's hand is the most important tool in helping the grapes to ripen.
Switzerland offers numerous wine tourism destinations and activities in the heart of the Alps. A wide variety of landscapes and grape varieties ensure exciting experiences.
Pairing wine and food doesn't have to be complicated. We show how the right wine can perfectly round off a dish.
From the grapevine to the wine glass: discover fascinating insights about wine, learn technical terms, and deepen your knowledge with our wine courses.
Wine hiking
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Vineyard paths give hikers the opportunity to learn a great deal about the landscape and the history of viticulture. There is also always the opportunity to stop off at local cellars and taste their wines. It’s generally advisable to book your visit in advance.
On open wine cellar days, which take place in all of Switzerland's wine regions in May, it is particularly easy to combine an outdoor activity with a visit to a vineyard.
But there are also numerous beautiful routes to choose from year-round. A hike through the vineyards has its charm in all seasons – when the vines are just budding in spring, the grapes are ripening in summer, or when the leaves change colour in autumn and even when the vines are covered in snow in winter.
While all the wine walks can be done on foot, some routes can also be travelled by bike or scooter. Whatever your choice, you won’t be bored on a tour through the Swiss vineyards.
Hikes for all six wine regions of Switzerland include these suggestions:
The wine trail in Valais
In Valais, the wine trail winds its way over 65 kilometres through the picturesque vineyard regions from Martigny to Leuk. It takes four days to complete the whole route, or you can choose to do just one stage. Along the way, you pass vineyards, historic villages and small wine villages that invite you to sample their wines. There is also an 83-kilometre cycle route that is part of the "Cycling in Switzerland" network.
Through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux
The Vaud region offers a classic hike through the Lavaux wine terraces. It leads through a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting from Saint-Saphorin, hikers can expect a varied route up- and downhill through the vineyards to Lutry. Plan about 3 ¼ hours for the 11 kilometre route – but there is a good chance that you will spend longer in this enchanting landscape.
Graubünden Rhine Valley Wine Trail
In German-speaking Switzerland, the Bündner Rheintal wine trail connects the city of Chur with the wine-producing communities in the Bündner Rheintal and Bündner Herrschaft. It leads through pretty villages and to old wine cellars, known as Torkel, in this region. Thanks to the valley’s sun-filled location, wine hikes are possible almost all the year round. The route, nearly 30-kilometres, can easily be divided into separate stages.
Hiking through the Geneva vineyards
An easy hike through the beautiful Geneva countryside, between the Arve river and Lake Geneva, alongside the vineyards. From Choulex to Hermance, you walk past information that explains the grape varieties cultivated and oenological technologies used. The small village sits at the edge of Lake Geneva and enchants with its old alleyways, harbour, beach and terraces where you can enjoy a cool glass of wine.
Wine trail in Mendrisiotto
The heart of viticulture in Ticino is located in the Mendrisiotto region. Hikers can choose from three themed trails, all of which are dedicated to wine. The "Man and grapevine" route leads to the discovery of several places in Mendrisiotto that are closely linked to viticulture and wine production. The loop trail starts in Mendrisio and is suitable for families.
The Lake Biel vineyard trail
The popular vineyard trail in the Three-Lakes Region leads hikers and cyclists from Vinelz near Biel through the vineyards to the cosy village of Twann. The trail offers wonderful views of the lake with St. Peter's Island and, on a clear day, the Alps. In Twann, there are various places to stop for refreshments at local wineries. Or you can extend the hike to Ligerz to pay a visit to the idyllic church in the middle of the vineyards.
To visit our site, you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence.