Switzerland

Valais

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

Extreme Alpine sun and dryness; among the warmest alpine regions, with stark diurnal swings.

The Valais, a monumental alpine valley carved by the Rhône in southwest Switzerland, is Europe's highest wine region in one of its warmest spots. Here a dizzying number of grapes - including Swiss rarities like Humagne Rouge and Petite Arvine - are grown on vertiginous terraces.

The region's signature white is Fendant (Chasselas), a fresh, gentle, 'mouth-watering' (the meaning of 'réchante' descriptions) wine that's the local table pour.

For the buyer, Valais is about discovery - rare indigenous grapes, dramatic terroir and genuine alpine soul.

Terroir & Soil

Steep granite and schist slopes cut with vineyards; mirror-like changes, mostly sunny terraces.

What to Expect from the Wines

  • · Valais is Switzerland's grand vineyard - home to a remarkable range of grape varieties.
  • · Its Pinot Noir is glossy, and the indigenous Chasselas (Fendant) squeezes every drop of Alpine freshness.
  • · Swiss wines are rare and priced accordingly, but Valais offers real value for its terroir.

Remarkable Bottles from Valais

All wines →
red

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

white

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

white

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

red

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

white

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

white

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

Food Pairing

  • · Fendant/Chasselas pairs with raclette and fondue - its acid cutting the melted cheese's richness.
  • · Pinot Noir suits rösti, cured meats and mountain cheese.
  • · Petite Arvine is superb with grilled fish and aperitifs.

Buying from Valais

  • › Pinot Noir and Petite Arvine are the currencies of the region.
  • › Humagne Rouge, old-vine Cornalin, and the serpentine indigenous whites are unique finds.
  • › Swiss wines are limited - buy direct from cellar door where possible.