Montreux Riviera will attract you with its beautiful landscape, views, and nature. In addition to the fact that you can always come to enjoy the beautiful nature, what really represents pleasure are the vineyards. Montreux Riviera – Wine tourism paradise. Heaven on Earth – it’s something you can definitely expect. You can choose between red and white wine. Some of the wines you can taste are Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret, or Garanoir, and of course, that’s not all, the offer is very large. In Montreux, you will always easily find winemakers, of which there are over 300, and you can come and try each of them.
Want to learn more? Read about it from the article by Martine Bernier.
The Montreux Riviera not only captivates with its culture and beautiful landscapes, but has also been appreciated for centuries for the lifestyle spread here. The region is a stronghold of wine tourism and gastronomy due to the exceptional way of winegrowing as well as the authentic and at the same time creative cuisine. If you stop briefly during a hike to buy something nice or rest in the shade of palm trees, you almost get the impression of being on the Mediterranean.
Vineyards and wine
Because of the mild climate and optimal sun exposure, the region’s steep slopes are particularly well suited for growing grapes. The oldest written records indicate that wine has been cultivated in various places in what is now the canton of Vaud since the 9th century. The first mention of viticulture in the Montreux Riviera region, or more precisely in the village of Lutry, is in a document dating back to 997. The knowledge passed down over the centuries, from generation to generation, has produced a rich selection of wines.
White wine is the main grape grown in the Montreux Riviera. It accounts for about 80 % of the harvest, of which 90 % is Chasselas, the king grape variety of Lavaux and Villeneuve. It is considered an excellent aperitif wine, but its finesse and pronounced minerality also make it suitable as an accompaniment to various dishes. Pinot Gris, Viognier and Chardonnay share the remaining 10% of the white wine harvest. The red wines of the region, e.g. Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret or Garanoir, are in no way inferior to the white wines. There are four AOC wines in the Montreux Riviera: Chablais AOC (Villeneuve), Lavaux AOC (from Lutry to Chillon Castle), Calamin Grand Cru AOC and Dézaley Grand Cru AOC – two of these appellations belong geographically to the Lavaux vineyard terraces.
Wine tasting
Lavaux Vinorama
Dedicated to the wines and viticulture of Lavaux, the centre has a unique architecture adapted to its surroundings. Here, in a welcoming atmosphere, knowledge is imparted. More than 300 wines produced in the region can be tasted at the bar. A short film in eight languages, which has won three prizes at the OEnovideo International Festival, shows a typical working year of the winegrowers of Lavaux. Also for visitor groups, by appointment.
At a home-pressing winegrower
There are over 200 winegrowers in Lavaux. They are happy to invite wine lovers to taste their wines or simply to visit them or their wine cellars – in an imposing building in the middle of a vineyard or in a house in the village. During opening hours or on request.
Wine bars and wine cellars
Vinotheques and wine cellars are spread throughout the Lavaux region. Here, wine fans can meet to taste wines from the region and exchange ideas.