GERMAN SPEAKING WINE REGION - SWITZERLAND
Vineyards in the Bündner Herrschaft, Graubünden, German-speaking Switzerland
Photo source: Winekeller
Recommended wine tour experiences in German-speaking Switzerland:
Wine Tours Switzerland
Gian Carlo Casparis was brought up in the Swiss canton of Graubünden in Switzerland’s German-speaking wine region. After studying hospitality and travelling and working around the world he came home and realised that there was no other wine region as beautiful as the one he lived in and he wanted to share it with people!
Gian Carlo established Wine Tours Switzerland and now runs private wine tours in the Bündner Herrschaft, the most important wine region in Graubünden, as well as the Sankt Gallen Rhine Valley.
With Wine Tours Switzerland, you can be assured of a full immersion into the Swiss Wine Culture, the local wine producers and local wines, with a range of tours to select from including a half day tour, a full day tour or perhaps a ‘Wine and Water’ tour, also exploring the local Tamina Gorge. Gian Carlo also offers ebike tours and local accommodation in ‘CASA CASPARIS’.
Our own wine travel experiences in German-speaking Switzerland (see our wine travel blog):
Introduction to the wine region of ‘German speaking’ Switzerland
The wine region of ‘German speaking’ Switzerland - or ‘Deutschschweiz’ - represents some 18% of vines planted, the third largest wine region in Switzerland and is known primarily for its production of red wine, or more specifically, Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder).
Most of the vineyards stretch out along the Rhine Valley and around the city of Zurich and also Schaffhausen, which borders Germany's southern wine region, Baden.
The vineyards of German speaking Switzerland
This part of Switzerland is a very diverse region but all of the areas and cantons share one common feature - grape variety - with Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau being the most prevalent varieties across the whole region (see later).
This region comprises 17 different cantons that can be split into three areas: in the west, Basel and Aargau, in the centre, Zurich, Schaffhausen and Thurgau and in the east, Graubünden and St. Gallen. The canton of Zurich is the largest wine-growing area in German-speaking Switzerland and there are 20 different AOCs in the region.
There are some 800 wine producers in the wine region of German speaking Switzerland, covering an area of 2,660 hectares. Total annual wine production is about 24 million bottles.
Aargau vineyards
Photo source: Switzerland Tourism
Swiss wines from the wine region of ‘German speaking’ Switzerland
Red grapes account for almost 70% of vines planted in the wine region of German speaking Switzerland and the most dominant grape is Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir). Depending on the region, the Pinot Noirs from this Swiss wine region tend to be delicate red wines, rich in nuance and intense in flavour. Pinot Noir grows incredibly well here, mostly in isolated, well-exposed sites, where it can ripen well.
In terms of white wines, Müller-Thurgau predominates (called Riesling-Sylvaner), representing about 25% of the wine-growing area and some Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc are also grown. In addition to this, important white wine specialties of German-speaking Switzerland include the following grape varieties: Completer, Räuschling (only grown around Lake Zurich), Gewürztraminer and Grauburgunder (Pinot Grigio).
The wines here are characterised by the many local climate zones which are strongly influenced by lakes and rivers, but also the warm winds, called Föhn and the vineyard slopes.
The best Pinot Noir comes from the Aargau, Zurich, Schaffhausen and Thurgau cantons, but also the ‘Bündner Herrschaft’ region of Graubünden. The best Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay also tend to come from these cantons (except for Schaffhausen).
Beautiful Zurich
Photo source: Switzerland Tourism
Visiting German speaking Switzerland
German speaking Switzerland covers approximately two-thirds of Switzerland's surface area so there’s lots to do and see here, in addition to discovering its fabulous swiss wines! Many visitors from around the world are attracted to this part of the country for traditional Swiss Alps holidays and stunning Alpine scenery.
Which areas of Switzerland speak German?
The German-speaking part of Switzerland encompasses the north, east, and central regions of the country, including major cities like Zurich, Basel, and Bern. The language is Swiss German, which incorporates various different local dialects, however standard German is also used, especially in writing.
Visit Zurich
Zurich, in the heart of the German-speaking wine region is Switzerland’s largest city and its economic and financial centre. Located on beautiful Lake Zurich and the River Limmat, it’s a popular tourist destination.
Explore the lovely old town, with its narrow alleyways and historic buildings and visit its landmark churches, in particular the Grossmünster with its spectacular views across Lake Zurich and the Alps - and there are lots of great restaurants, cafés and bars to discover.
The Grossmünster, Zurich (Switzerland Tourism)
The River Rhine, Basel (Switzerland Tourism)
The Federal Palace in Bern (Switzerland Tourism)
Visit Basel
Basel, located on the River Rhine in the northwest of Switzerland, between Germany, France and Switzerland, is considered the country’s art and culture capital. It also has an old town which must be explored, said to be the most intact and beautiful old town in Europe, known for its architecture and the ‘Mittlere Brücke’, one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea.
If you love culture, Basel is the place to visit, with lots of museums and galleries to enjoy and why not relax and enjoy the city’s ambience in one of the many ‘buvettes’ - outdoor eating and drinking spots along the River Rhine.
Visit Bern
Bern, the headquarters of Switzerland’s federal government, is one of the country’s most beautiful cities. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its well-preserved medieval townscape and is truly worth visiting. See its famous landmark click tower, ‘Zytglogge’ and the beautiful Münster cathedral of St. Vincent - the most important late medieval church in the country and from where you can enjoy stunning views over the city and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
Discover Lake Lucerne and the city of Lucerne
Switzerland is known for its beautiful mountains and lakes scenery and one of its most beautiful lakes is Lake Lucerne, just south of Zurich. Together with the beautiful city of Lucerne, this is a must-visit destination when in Switzerland. Lucerne has an historic old town and a highlight is the famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, said to be Europe's oldest covered bridge, dating back to the 14th century.
Explore Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls
Schaffhausen is situated in the northern-most part of Switzerland, on the River Rhine, on the border with Germany. As well as another beautiful old town to explore, many visit here to see the famous Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe.
For more about visiting Switzerland, visit MySwitzerland.com
Lake Lucerne
Photo Source: Switzerland Tourism
We discover beautiful Graubünden - or Grisons - in the wine region of German speaking Switzerland with Wine Tours Switzerland and discover the stunning Alpine scenery, picturesque villages, fabulous Swiss wines - and also the world of Heidi!