Europe

Switzerland

Europe's hidden treasure - tiny production, dramatic alpine vineyards and Chasselas whites of quiet brilliance.

Switzerland makes remarkably good wine and keeps almost all of it for itself - only about 1% of Swiss production is exported. That scarcity, combined with steep alpine vineyards and high labour costs, makes Swiss wine some of the most expensive in the world.

The signature white variety is Chasselas, a subtle, mineral, unshowy grape that excels on the lakeside slopes of Vaud and Valais, where it is called Fendant. The red flagships are Pinot Noir in the German-speaking east and the savoury, complex Cornalin and Humagne Rouge of Valais.

For the traveller, Swiss wine is a revelation of alpine freshness; for the buyer outside Switzerland, it remains a rare and fascinating treat.

🍷 Wine fact: Swiss wine is so prized at home that less than 2% ever leaves the country - which is why almost no one outside Switzerland has tasted it.

Continent

Europe

Signature grape

Chasselas (Fendant)

Export share

< 2%

Alpine style

Crisp, mineral, rare

Wine Regions

All regions →

Valais

The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.

Notable Wines

Valais Pinot Noir

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Pinot Noir is an red wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Pinot Noir. a house-style Valais pinot noir that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Valais Fendant

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Fendant is an white wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Fendant. a house-style Valais fendant that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Valais Chasselas

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Chasselas is an white wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Chasselas. a house-style Valais chasselas that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Valais Humagne Rouge

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Humagne Rouge is an red wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Humagne Rouge. a house-style Valais humagne rouge that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Petite Arvine is an white wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Petite Arvine. a house-style Valais petite arvine that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Valais Johannisberg

Valais · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valais Johannisberg is an white wine from Switzerland, in the Valais region (The upper Rhône valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, around Sion.), made principally from Johannisberg. a house-style Valais johannisberg that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Buying Switzerland Wine

› Chasselas (Fendant) is the great Swiss gastronomic white - subtle, mineral and perfect with cheese fondue and lake fish.
› Pinot Noir from the Bündner Herrschaft is Switzerland's best-known red export, elegant and Burgundian in style.
› Because production is tiny, buy Swiss wine when you travel; import it rarely and with delight.