Vaud

The fourth-largest canton in Switzerland (French: Vaud) with the capital of Lausanne, respectively the second-largest wine-growing region in the French-spaeking part of Switzerland. The vineyard area totals 3.879 hectares. The origins of viticulture here go back to Roman times. In medieval times, the Cistercian monks performed important pioneering work, carving the majority of the vineyards still in existence today from the steep slopes with incredible manual labour. An AOC system, which also recognises Grand Cru sites, has been in place since 1995. The canton of Vaud is divided into five districts. The least-known two districts are the cnjoined sections of Bonvillars on lake Neuchatel (this includes the well-known commune of Champagne, which was involved in a protracted legal battle with French authorities and Vully on lake Murten, with a total of 190 hectares, as well as Côte de l´Orbe to the west of Yverdon, with a vineyard area of 46 hectares. The other districts, all located on Lake Geneva, are much more famous; they are:

Chablais has a total vineyard area of 560 hectares, it is located north-east of lake Geneva, on the right bank of the Rhône river between Martigny and Montreux, stretching to the borders of the canton of Valais. The name is derived from the term Caput Laci (end of the lake). Five communes have AOC status, and may state their names on the label, they are Aigle (with the famous wine museum Château d´Aigle), Bex, Ollon, Villeneuve and Yvorne.

Lauvaux has a total vineyard area of 830 hectares, this ist he area between Lausannne and Montreux on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. This area has some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland. There are 23 communes, 8 of which are entitled to AOC or Grand Cru status. They are Calamain, Chardonne, Dézaley (55 ha), Epesses, Lutry, Saint Saphorin, Vevey-Montreux and Vilette. Very steep roacky terraces are found here, rising up almost vertically from the lake. The vineyards on extremely steep sandstone slopes, with up to 20 levels, around Dézaley and Saint Saphorin were established in the 12th century by Cistercian monks of the Hautcrèt Palézieux abbey. The Dézaley (regarded as the best wine in Vaud) and Calamin sites, which lie next to each other, have Grand Cru status. Lavaux was declared a UNESCO world natural heritage site in mid-2007.

La Côte is by far the largest zone with a total vineyard area of more than 1.900 hectares, this stretches along the north-west shore of lake Geneva from Lausanne to the outskirts of Geneva. Here, too, the Cistercian monks of the three abbies of Oujon, Romainmoêtier and Bonzmont established vineyards. The district accounts for 40% of the total wine production of the region. Twelve communes hold Grand Cru status, they are Aubonne, Begnins, Bursinel, Côte de Vincy, Féchy, Lunis, Mont-sur-Rolle, Morges (largest area), Nyon, Perroy, Tartegnin and Vinzel.

Chasselas, which is also known here as Perlan, accounts for around 70% of the vineyard area. The wines made from this variety are known as Dorin, or as Terravin in the case of outstanding products. Red varieties make up around a quarter of the area, predominantly Pinot Noir (15%) and Gamay (12%). These are frequently blended together. The branded red wine that corresponds with Dôle in the canton of Valais is known here as Salvagnin, in addition, the vareities used are also vinified as varietal wines. Small amounts (around 3%) of other varieties are also found: Auxerrois, Charmont, Diolinoir, Gamaret, Garanoir, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Muscat Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Silvaner (known here as Johannisberg), Plant Robert and Syrah. The most important wine event in Switzerland is the „Fête des Vignerons” held in the city of Vevey on the northern shores of lake Geneva. This event dates back to the 17th century, and involves all wine producers celebrating their work in the vineyards. This event is held only once every 25 years, the last was held in August 1999, with the next festival due sometime between 2021 and 2023. The Changins research centre for plant protection is located on lake Geneva, close to the regional capital of Nyon. The best-known producers include the Association Viticole d´Ollon, Association Viticole d´Yvorne, Badoux, Bolle, Bovard, Dubois Fils, Hammel, Les Frères Dubois, Massy, Obrist, Schenk, Société Vinicole de Bex, Testuz and Uvavins.