Making the most of your holidays can sometimes mean doing something a little different, while still packing your trip full of things you know will make you happy. This is very much what you’ll find in Grape Escapes, a project that allows people to experience 60 fantastic wine-themed accommodations around Switzerland. It’s a great way to learn more about the celebrated Swiss wine industry, while also showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
And as you might expect with so much accommodation on offer, there are some fascinating stays on the list. To give you a little inspiration, we’ve selected five of our favourite unique getaways from Grape Escapes – all with a connection to Swiss wine, naturally.
Peruse our picks below and then book your perfect wine-themed escape at www.switzerland.com/grape-escapes.
Dating back to the mid-twentieth century and set amidst classic Swiss scenery (rolling green hills, soaring mountains – you know the sort of thing), this splendid winery estate has been in the same family for five generations and makes for quite the sight when you first arrive. It’s also a fantastic place to stay, not least because you’ll be sleeping in a castle engulfed by vineyards – how many times in your life do you get to say that?
Connect with nature in truly unique style by staying in the quirky but utterly enticing Birdbox Curzútt. Nestled snugly away in one of Ticino’s many beautiful countryside pockets, the aptly named Birdbox looks out onto vineyards and countless other natural treasures, letting guests fully soak up the rural scenery. Despite its (intentionally) isolated setting, you’ll still find all the comforts you need to make your stay an indulgent one.
Find out what life was like for winegrowers in the old days by bedding down at La Capite, found amongst Lavaux’s famous terraced vineyards. Spoiler alert, you won’t find any electricity, running water or heating in this refreshingly rustic cottage (meaning it’s only available in summer), but you will find stunning views out across the wine-ready landscapes, with maturing grapes just metres from your windows. While you’re there, consider ditching your phone for a few days and simply appreciating the setting, which isn’t difficult when you see exactly what there is to appreciate. Life for those old-time winegrowers wasn’t so bad, after all.
What could be more wine-themed than spending the night in this ‘sleep barrel’, which once used to house – yes, you guessed it – a whole lot of wine. These cosy barrels overlook the mighty Rhine Valley, and if that isn’t appealing enough by itself, the location is also just minutes away from excellent restaurants and wine cellars. Don’t forget to purchase a bottle of local Herrschäftler to enjoy a glass of in your worldly wooden home before bedtime.
Get away from it all on your wine stay by enjoying a few nights in this blissfully tucked-away former Carthusian monastery in Thurgau. It boasts an impressive 68 rooms and is surrounded by luscious vineyards and other greenery, allowing guests to escape the everyday grind and just relax – as in, properly relax. There’s a large wine cellar on-site and the attached restaurant even has its own viticulturist, proving just how seriously they take their wine. What’s more, the venue is offering a special ‘wine package’ to celebrate Grape Escapes, featuring a one-night stay, a four-course dinner, a traditional regional breakfast with products grown at the on-site farm, a tasting of five Ittinger wines and a visit to a wine-themed exhibition (named ‘Wine and Prosperity) at the Ittinger Museum.
Grape Escapes offers lots more incredible wine accommodations that can be enjoyed across Switzerland. Find out more and start booking by visiting www.switzerland.com/grape-escapes.
