Wines of Switzerland

Yes. Switzerland does produce wine. Major producing area are the regions of Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, the Zürich region and Eastern Switzerland and Ticino. Neuchâtel is well known for it's white wines while Ticino is best known for it's Merlot.

Switzerland produces a variety of both red and white wines. Much Swiss Wine is drunk locally to where it is produced or elsewhere in Switzerland. Consequently very little is exported.

Fendant (or Chasselas) and Sylvaner are the two major wine products of Canton Valais. Merlot comprises around 80% of the wine produced in Canton Ticino.

Canton Zurich is also well cultivated. Approximately 60% of the vines are dedicated to red wine with the remain 40% to white wine. Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau are both widely cultivated.

Overview of wines and growing areas

White wine
Variety Swiss Names Region grown
Chasselas Chasselas, Fendant, Gutedel Valais, Vaud, Geneva, Three Lakes Region
Müller-Thurgau Riesling X Sylvaner Ostschweiz, also in Geneva
Sylvaner Sylvaner, Johannisberg, Rhin, Gros Rhin, Grüner Silvaner Geneva, but also in parts of Valais
Red wine
Variety Swiss Names Region grown
Pinot Noir Pinot Noir, Blauburgunder, Clevner, Spätburgunder Valais, Three Lakes Region and Ostschweiz
Gamay Gamay Vaud, Valais
Merlot Merlot Predominantly Ticino but sparse cultivation in Vaud, Valais and Geneva

Further information on Swiss wines

The following on-line resource should provide you with ample additional information.

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