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Since many of the best Swiss wines never even leave their village, much less are exported, the best way to enjoy their wonderfully diverse tastes is right where they were crafted. A bottle of good local wine, served in an intimate restaurant with delicious food, is always a memorable experience. And one that you really can't get at home. Because only 1% of all Swiss wines are exported. And you thought chocolate was the best thing to bring home. Switzerland's viticultural areas follow, for the most part, the four national languages - Swiss-German and Romansh in the East...French in the West...Italian in the South. The vines and wines, as well as the villages and people, reflect the distinctive characters and flavors of each region. All over, terraced vineyards create a distinctively scenic landscape, with their regular patterns of vines and retaining walls stretching across steep slopes. This age-old system of cultivation, while very labor-intensive, give the wine growing regions and their towns a special picturesque charm. Park like estates and proud castles add another colorful dimension. In some vineyards work is still carried out on a community basis. During harvest time, young and old alike pitch in at every step. Then joyous celebrations and festivals crown the exciting event. Try to visit a wine cellar. These cellars are often open only by appointment,
or at specific times. The local tourist office will be glad to give you
additional information. http://www.lake-geneva-region.ch
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TM
Switzerland
produces many wonderful wines from vineyards along sunny lake shores, and
even on terraces as high as 3,600 ft. near the Matterhorn. The Alpine
country's wines are as varied as the climates and soils in which they flourish.
Here's
some tips