Until recently, Switzerland was something of a ‘hidden gem’ when it came to wine. While many of its neighbours have built up a reputation for wines over the centuries (we’re looking at you, France, Italy, Germany and Austria), Switzerland’s efforts were far more low-key, but that didn’t stop it from producing some excellent wines – something which is now being widely recognised.
To toast the country’s vinicultural riches, here are some facts to give you a crash-course in Swiss wine. And if that whets your appetite for a quality tipple, start investigating Grape Escapes right now – Grape Escapes has opened up 60 accommodations in wine-producing hotspots around Switzerland, from retired wine barrels to ancient castles to cosy lodgings in the middle of the vines themselves. Learn more about Grape Escapes by clicking here.
And now back to those facts.
1. Only 1% of Swiss wine is exported
You know how we mentioned that Swiss wine was a bit of a secret until recently? A big part of the reason why is because so little of it is exported. The Swiss – very wisely – like to keep their many superb wines to themselves, you see, meaning that relatively few people living outside of Switzerland have had a chance to really get to grips with it. So, for wine-lovers, a trip to Switzerland remains a very appealing prospect.
2. Switzerland produced almost 100 million litres of wine in 2022
Despite so little Swiss wine being imported, a fairly staggering 99 million litres of the stuff ended up being produced during 2022. To give you some idea of where some of those litres end up, consider that the Swiss consumed, on average, 36 bottles of wine per capita during that same year, 13 bottles of which were produced in Switzerland.
3. Switzerland’s wine-growing is split between six regions
These are: Three Lakes, Vaud, Geneva, Valais, Ticino and German-Speaking Switzerland. Within these six regions, wine is cultivated in all 26 of Switzerland’s cantons, by approximately 1,500 producers.
4. The smallest vineyard in the world and Europe’s highest vineyard are both in Switzerland
Saillon, in Valais, is the world’s smallest vineyard and comprises just three vines. It measures a petite 1.6 metres and has been owned by the Dalai Lama since 1999. Yes, that Dalai Lama. Really. Europe’s highest vineyard, meanwhile, sits below the village of Visperterminen, perched between 650 metres and 1,150 metres above sea level.
5. Over 250 types of grapes are cultivated in Swiss wine production
If you want to dig a little deeper – 56% of wine produced in Switzerland is red, leaving 44% white. Pinot noir is by far the most popular red, followed by gamay and merlot. When it comes to whites, chasselas easily tops the list, followed by müller thurgau and chardonnay.
And remember, if you fancy embarking on a grape-shaped adventure, taking your pick from the superb range of wine accommodations available through Grape Escapes is clearly the smart way to go. Click here to find out more about Grape Escapes and to start booking.