Sentier viticole / Wine trail
Sierre
2/16°
Scenic theme trail through the vineyards and wine villages of the region as well as through the wild Raspille Gorge. The hike is equipped with information boards and connects the two sites of the Valais Wine Museum.
Difficulty
EasyLength
7.53 kmDuration
2:00 h
Description
The wine educational trail offers a fascinating introduction to the world of Valais wines. The route leads from Salgesch - one of the most valuable Valais wine villages - to Siders, also called the capital of Swiss wine and host of the annual wine fair VINEA.
The path leads through the wine villages and vineyards and provides on 80 information boards a wealth of information about the different grape varieties, the history and techniques of viticulture as well as about the lives of the winemakers who have shaped the landscape for a long time. Many farmers came from the Val d'Anniviers and led a nomadic lifestyle by moving between the mountains in Val d'Anniviers and the Rhone Valley. The numerous historic wooden chalets are witnesses to these generations and a highlight of the hike.
The path represents, in a figurative sense, another transition between two different worlds. The vines have probably been part of the landscape for thousands of years, yet untouched nature can still be discovered on the hike: for example, in the wild Raspille gorge at the beginning of the hike. Here is also the language border between the French- and German-speaking part of Valais.
The trail connects the two sites of the Valais Wine Museum. The hike begins in Salgesch at the historic Zumofenhaus, where the permanent exhibition of the Wine Museum is located. Numerous historic wine-growing artifacts show the history of the Valais winemakers in an entertaining way.
At the arrival point at Château de Villa in Sierre are the museum's temporary exhibitions. The little castle also houses a restaurant known for its Valais specialties and especially raclette. In the cellar is also the "Oenothèque du Villa", the largest Valais wine shop where more than 650 Valais wines can be tasted and purchased at cellar prices.
Highlights of the hike:
- Valais Wine Museum with two contrasting sites at the start and end of the hike.
- Panoramic variety: vineyard landscapes, wine villages, and the wild Raspille Gorge.
- Numerous opportunities to taste grapes and wines.
Turn-by-turn directions
Allow enough time when planning the hike to visit the two sites of the Valais Wine Museum at the start and end of the hike.
The first section of the path leads through the Raspille Gorge, set in a unique landscape. The path then leads through the wine village of Veyras, which has attracted writers and artists like Rainer Maria Rilke for a long time.
A little before, be sure to make a small stop at the "Chivirau" plot. Here the diversity of Valais wines is grown in a single plot. You are welcome to taste and compare the grapes of the different wine varieties.
The last section of the path leads through the heights of Sierre and its surroundings, crossing the wine village of Muraz and showing the traditional gatehouses built by nomadic winemakers. At the end of the walk, Château de Villa offers the opportunity to discover the diversity and taste the exceptional quality of Valais wines.
Start
Sierre, train station (576m)
Destination
Salgesch, train station (533m)
Author's recommendation
Technical information
Altitude
660m
534m
Ascent
+135m
Descent
-225m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
