Top 10 Wine experiences
With nearly 4,700 hectares of vineyards, Valais is the most important wine-growing region in Switzerland.
The favourable, dry and sunny climate, as well as the diversity of the soils, allow 55 grape varieties to flourish. Learn more about the know-how and wine-growing specialities of the canton across the 3,000 km of dry-stone walls. Discover the ten not-to-be-missed experiences for all wine enthusiasts in Valais.
Chamoson – Home of Johannisberg
Head for Chamoson to discover one of the most important harvesting sites of Sylvaner, the grape variety that produced Johannisberg. Stroll through the 70 hectares of plantations that represent a third of cantonal production of Johannisberg. Stop for your lunch in the heart of the vineyards, with a breathtaking view of the Rhône Valley and its many vineyards. It is impossible to imagine leaving Chamoson without a guided tasting and a visit to a cellar. Take advantage of this offer in a true Johannisberg homeland to learn more about this expressive and voluptuous wine.
Sion – Wine & Dine Tour
The Valais capital hides many secrets that a guide from the Sion tourist office will share with you. Accompanied by a tasting, a visit to unique settings such as the Roman baths, hidden under the Gothic church of St. Theodulus, or the wizard's tower to the north of the city, will allow you to discover all its secrets. After this great overview of the thousand-year history of the city of Sion, enjoy lunch in the heart of the historic centre with your head filled with anecdotes. If you wish, extend the experience by visiting Valère Castle and its famous thousand-year-old organ or take a walk along the bisse de Clavau and the tallest dry-stone walls in Europe.
Sierre / Salgesch – a journey for the senses
The journey begins in the heart of the city of the sun, Sierre, at Château de Villa for a tasting of four Valais wines. Take the time to savour them and learn more about the region's different grape varieties before enjoying five different types of raclette cheese. After this gourmet moment in the 16th century building and a chance to admire its architecture, head for Salgesch via the Wine Trail to visit the Wine Museum. A unique experience offering an opportunity to experience all the richness of the Valais region.
Visperterminen - Europe’s highest vineyard
Climb aboard one of the iconic yellow post buses to get to the start of the educational vineyard trail. After about 45 minutes of walking through the vineyards, reward your efforts with a guided tasting in the St. Jodern cellar, accompanied by specialities from Valais. Heida, or Païen for French-speaking people, is a little known but nevertheless not-to-be-missed grape variety in the region. Take the post bus to the Gebidem Restaurant in the heart of the village of Visperterminen. What could be better than walk after a big meal along the Beitra bisse offering an exceptional view of the surrounding 4000m mountains?
Valais Wine Pass
A single pass for your enjoyment in about 30 tasting areas throughout the canton: this is what the Valais Wine Pass offers you. Enjoy a tasting with ten different glasses of wine (1 dl) with the partners of the Valais Wine Pass, enabling you to get to know and savour the balanced, full-bodied wines of the heart of Switzerland's most beautiful wine region.
Valais vineyard trail
The Chemin du Vignoble, which links Martigny to Leukerbad, offers an ideal opportunity to become acquainted with the Valais vineyards. On foot or by bike, at your own pace, this outing is a chance to take the time to appreciate different wine and culinary combinations along its hillsides. An 82-kilometre trail will take you across the Rhône plain to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding Alpine landscapes. Investigate the bookable packages that offer a combination of accommodation, luggage transport, wine tastings and a traditional Valais meal.
The vineyard by bike
Les Celliers de Sion offers you the right balance between a two-wheeler outing and oenological revelations. With your smartphone installed on your electric bike provided by the Celliers, set off on an adventure from the Oenoparc de Sion on the many routes suggested by this dedicated application. Depending on your pace and whim, take a stroll and enjoy an exceptional view of the Rhône Valley and the many dry-stone walls that support the Valais vineyards. To enjoy their special atmosphere, stop at a bungalow in the Domaine des Celliers to enjoy a dish of local specialities. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and serenity, take the "picnic" option to enjoy during your two-wheeler ride.
Exclusive tour of the Old Town
Discover the old town of Visp with a unique visit to the Chanton cellar. Then taste five rare Upper Valais wines from old grape varieties reintroduced by archaeologist and winegrower Josef-Marie Chanton. This tasting is accompanied by a Valais platter featuring a range of delicious products from the canton. The Chanton cellar takes you on a gourmet odyssey revealing secrets of wine and traditions.
Gourmet tour through Sierre – On foot or by e-bike
Explore Sierre on this guided tour and discover three of the town’s most unusual locations. Learn about the region and its heritage as you enjoy tasting five of the canton’s most emblematic wines in addition to an “assiette valaisanne” sharing platter and a typical Valais meal, all of which are included on the tour. The visit lasts around 2hrs 30m and is accessible on foot or by e-bike.
Veni Vidi Bibi
Combine history and tasting by discovering the secrets of the treasure of the Saint-Maurice Abbey dating back to the 5th century. Visit the Abbey with a guide and learn more about its world-renowned cultural and religious heritage. The “Veni Vidi Bibi” package comes with a tasting of selected wines and beers from the Abbey, under the largest carillon in Switzerland with its 49 bells nestled at the top of the bell tower of the Saint-Maurice Abbey.
