Wines from Switzerland have a history that goes back to over 2,000 years, but it hasn't gotten as much attention on the global wine stage. However, the country's Pinot Noir and Chasselas white wines are starting to earn international recognition. The Valais region and the area around Lake Geneva, especially La Cote and Lavaux, are key to showing off Switzerland's diverse and stunning alpine wine terroir. Lavaux is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Switzerland's wine scene is strongly influenced by neighbouring countries. The German speaking northern regions champion varietal wines, a Germanic tradition. But the southwestern French speaking people (Geneva, Vaud, Valais) prefer French grapes like Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Merlot. Meanwhile, Italian influenced Ticino relishes its renowned Merlot reds.
Switzerland grows its grapes near country borders. Big vineyards are in southwest areas around Lake Geneva. Also, Valais region has vineyards along Upper Rhône River. Neuchatel is known for white wines plus oeil-de-perdrix rosés in west. Eastern Graubunden along with northern parts like Aargau, Schaffhausen, Zurich also contribute to the production of Swiss wines.