A UNESCO-Protected Vineyard Route: Lavaux (Switzerland)

Swiss wines haven't been heard much worldwide due to being neighbors with 2 giant wine countries like France and Italy. Although their own people consume their own wines plenty, we can say that it's not really possible to see Swiss wines in other countries. We too were unaware of Swiss wines until our visit to the region. While visiting our close friend who lives in Geneva, a trip we had been planning for a long time, we found the opportunity to taste the country's wines with our visit to the UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyard region, which is only a 2-hour distance away 🙂

In Switzerland, wine is basically produced in 3 separate regions. In the regions neighboring the Italian, French, and German borders, production similar to the viticulture styles of their neighboring countries is carried out. In general, Swiss wines stand out with their local grape varieties and small producer tradition. During our trip, we saw so many different producers of all sizes that we were quite surprised by the number of producers in a country whose name isn't very well known in this regard.

The Lavaux vineyards, which entered the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 2007, are located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The route passing through vineyards established on quite steep slopes left us in awe by combining the unique views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. So much so that even the uphills we climbed didn't stop us from completing the route. We started our route from the lakeside town of Cully. Our advice for those who will visit on the weekend is clear: Don't go on Sunday, many places are closed. It makes much more sense to go on Saturday. We can say we were a bit victim of our friend's planning on this one 🙂

Our second advice would be to definitely take the elevation into account when designing the route. Our route was to walk from Cully through Riex and Epesses to the Gaillard et Fils SA wine house, and from there to the village of Chexbres. However, this route was quite tiring; we climbed approximately 180 meters. If you're planning this route, it would make much more sense to do it in the reverse direction. Still, the views were so beautiful that they made us forget our fatigue.

Our notes on the wineries and other touristic spots we had the chance to visit (Click to add to Google Maps):

Les 11 Terres

This charming wine bar located in Riex was one of the best venues we visited in Lavaux in terms of price/performance. This bar, which had 3, 5, and 6-wine tasting options on its tasting menu, offered a total of 6 to 7 different wine alternatives. We paid 12 CHF per person (1 CHF = 1.07 EUR) and did a tasting of 3 wines at 5 cl each, with each glass being generously filled during service. The accompaniments that came with the wines were also quite carefully prepared. The smoked fish and cheeses served with the white wine were both local and very successful as pairings.

This quite charming venue, with its attentive staff and local grape options, allowed us to make a wonderful start to our route.

Gaillard et Fils SA

This winery near Epesses enchanted us with its view. For the tasting, they serve 3 different wines at 10 cl each; the price is 19 CHF. Snacks are available as extras, there is no pairing menu. The dried meat platter we ordered was large and filling.

We had a bit of difficulty communicating in English with the people serving at the venue 🙂 However, both the different local grape varieties and the beautiful view made all the misunderstandings forgotten. An ideal stop for getting an idea about classic Chasselas examples and local red grapes.

Le Deck

This was the gastronomic peak of our journey. This restaurant, with a chef's restaurant concept, located right in the middle of vineyards in the village of Chexbres, offers a very enjoyable experience with its menu and views. They have a tasting menu with wines paired with local dishes. Although prices are a bit high compared to the regional average, it's definitely a worthy spot for its views and food quality.

Additionally, the fact that sparkling wines made from local grapes, which we couldn't find at other venues, are on their menu is a bonus. We especially recommend completing your day by having a glass at sunset.

General Comments and Notes

• The Lavaux vineyard route offers wonderful views but it's a physically somewhat challenging route. The route planning needs to be done well, especially if you'll be walking with a stroller 🙂
• If possible, we recommend visiting on a weekday or Saturday.
• The most produced white grape is called Chasselas. It offers a palate with quite high minerality, slight effervescence, a citrus and yellow fruit profile, and buttery notes. It's suitable for oak aging and has aging potential as well; due to high production volumes, it's also used in wines intended for quick consumption. A different local white grape called Charmont is also quite similar to Chasselas.
• Galotta and Gamaret are among the most commonly produced red grapes in the region. Both have intense dark fruit aromas, intense on the nose but quite soft and easy-drinking on the palate. Their tannins are quite balanced even in new vintages, and we think they are grape varieties without too much aging potential.

Favorite Wines

Our favorite wines we tried were:

1. 2022 Antoine Bovard Chasselas Grand Cru Dezaley - Switzerland, Vaud, Lavaux, Dézaley (4/20/2025)
   On the nose; medium intensity of flavors, gas, minerality and the feeling coming from cold Alpine winds.
   On the palate, acidity is medium+, and intensity is higher compared to the nose; the prominent aromas are: Lemon, grapefruit, pear, gas, and minerality. The body is medium+, and the finish is long.
   A wine that reflects its terroir. A more full-bodied and complex wine. As you drink, more layered aromas start to show. The finish is slightly sweet, like fruit sugar. Peach and ripe nectarine notes on the finish. (91 points)
2. 2022 Gaillard & Fils Galotta - Switzerland, Vaud, Lavaux, Epesses (4/20/2025)
   On the nose, leaning towards black fruits – dried plum, dried fig, slightly spicy structure. It has medium+ intensity- feels slightly intense.
   On the palate, tannins are intense but quite smooth, much easier to drink than it felt on the nose, finish is medium+, body is medium. Flavor intensity on the palate is high. Despite the dominant black fruits, it's a very easy-drinking red. Licorice and clove aromas also show up on the palate. They paired it nicely with smoked meat.
   Balanced, medium intensity, and body, not a meaningful complexity. (89 points)
3. 2019 Gaillard & Fils Gamaret - Switzerland, Vaud, Lavaux, Epesses (4/20/2025)
   On the nose, high intensity of flavors including a mix of red and black fruits – dried plum, clove, blackberry, slightly spicy.
   On the palate, again very easy to drink compared to other local grape varieties. Strawberry jam, sweet spices, and cinnamon are further aromas in addition to the nose. The wine's intensity is medium+, and the finish is medium. It is another very easy-drinking red wine.
   Balanced, medium+ intensity, slightly complex, finish is medium+. (89 points)
4. 2023 Alexandre Chappuis & Fils Mousseux Brut - Switzerland, Vaud, Lavaux (4/20/2025)
   Bubbles are consistent and balanced. On the nose, medium intensity of flavors including yellow fruits, predominantly apple.
   On the palate, the aroma profile is quite different – sesame, umami, finish is slightly sweet, full-bodied, finish is medium.
   The aroma profile is distinct from standard sparklings, but we liked the taste. More weighted towards pear and apple – stone fruits – but intensity is quite high. Finish is a little sweet, yet it adds a lovely extra layer. (89 points)