Overview
Vaud is Switzerland's second-largest wine region, with roughly 3,800 hectares spread across La Côte, Lavaux, Chablais, and other districts. The Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, rise in steep stone-walled steps above Lake Geneva and capture sunlight reflected from the water.
Chasselas dominates plantings and gives fresh, mineral whites that vary from commune to commune, while Pinot Noir and Gamay provide elegant reds. Historic monastic terracing, family growers, and the Fête des Vignerons keep Vaud's wine culture firmly rooted in tradition.
Key Varietals
- ChasselasThe emblematic white, yielding delicate, mineral-driven wines with floral and citrus notes.
- Pinot NoirA refined red that produces cherry-scented, lightly earthy wines on Vaud's limestone slopes.
- GamayA fresh, fruity red often blended or bottled alone for its bright acidity and red-berry charm.
- ChardonnayAn international white that develops ripe stone fruit and subtle oak spice in the lakeside climate.
Region snapshot
Climate
Temperate, lake-moderated
Rainfall
900-1,000 mm annually
Soil Types
Chalky limestone, clay-limestone, marl, schist, and alluvial deposits
Country
Switzerland