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Swiss Wine Promotion awarded the title of Swiss Wine Ambassadors to two outstanding Chinese wine experts: Wang Zhao and Christina Lee. At the Swiss Centers booth at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Chinese consumers flocked to a corner dedicated to Swiss wines. Chinese market interest is strong, says Nicolas Joss, Director of Swiss Wine Promotion. Swiss Centers has been representing Swiss Wine Promotion in China for over two years, managing offline events, Social Media communication, and more. Shanghai (November 8, 2023) – On November 7, at the Swiss Centers cluster booth at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Swiss Wine Promotion, the national promotion body for Swiss wines, awarded the title of “Swiss Wine Ambassador” to two real connoisseurs of Swiss wine in the Chinese market: Ms. Wang Zhao, a wine columnist, KOL and passionate advocate of wine culture as well as university teacher for wine history, tasting and marketing, and Ms. Christina Lee, a lifestyle blogger and founder of Wine Lee Talk, who used to study in Lausanne and was selected as one of the top 50 influential people in the global beverage industry by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).Nicolas Musy and Christina Lee ©Swiss CentersStrong Chinese interestNicolas Joss, Director of Swiss Wine Promotion, said: “The expansion of the Swiss wine presence and the participation of new partners confirm that China really is one of the markets with a strong interest in Swiss wines. This new edition of CIIE, with again a special corner for Swiss wines, is yet another step in the growth of Swiss wines in China. Discovering our wines means looking for something unique, something that few countries in the world have the opportunity to taste, including China.” “For me, Switzerland, Swiss wine, and its wine regions all hold a unique charm. I am truly honored to be an Ambassador for Swiss wine and am eager to share my knowledge and impressions with a wider audience of Chinese consumers”, explained an excited Wang Zhao. Her fellow new Ambassador Christina Lee was equally enthusiastic: “I am very happy to receive the title of Swiss Wine Promotion Ambassador. I hope to continue to bring the beauty of Swiss wine to more Chinese wine lovers in the future, so that the fragrance of Swiss wine will occupy a place in the Chinese market.” Nicolas Musy and Wang Zhao ©Swiss CentersNicolas Musy, Delegate of the Board of the Swiss Centers Group, a non-profit organization that lowers the Asian market entry hurdles for Swiss enterprises, presented the certificates to the two Chinese wine experts. Musy: “Swiss Centers had the pleasure of representing Swiss Wine Promotion in China for over two years now. During the CIIE, the Swiss Centers booth hosts a bar with the largest concentration of Swiss wines in China. In addition to offline activities, last year Swiss Centers opened and managed the Swiss Wine Promotion official WeChat and Weibo accounts to highlight the quality and specificities of Swiss wines on social medias. With the additional support of these two great connoisseurs, Christina Lee and Wang Zhao, Chinese wine lovers will get more opportunities to know and appreciate the wines of Switzerland!”

From 22 to 26 October 2023, Lausanne will be the venue of a special event: the annual meeting of the Great Wine Capitals network. A tempting program highlighting the canton of Vaud’s wine tourism awaits participants. Moreover, the "Best of Wine Tourism Awards" will be presented at the closing event.The Great Wine Capitals network brings together the world’s major tourist and wine capitals. San Francisco, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Adelaide, and Cape Town are but a few of the prestigious cities that are part of the network. Lausanne joined them in 2018 and has the great honour of hosting the network's annual meeting this autumn. Also known as the Olympic capital, Lausanne has now turned into a must-see wine tourism destination.This international event is jointly organised by Lausanne Tourism, the City of Lausanne, Vaud Promotion, the Vaud Wine Office, and Swiss Wine Promotion. It will take place over five days and will give delegates from several countries the opportunity to discover Swiss wine treasures. The opening ceremony will be in the form of a guided tour through the city of Lausanne. Follow three days of immersion in the vineyards and cellars of French and Italian-speaking Switzerland as well as some selected regions in the Swiss German part. To complete our guests’ wine tourism experience, several visits are planned to some of Vaud's top academic and cultural sites, for example the Lavaux terraced vineyards listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, outstanding castles, and renowned schools.Our guests’ stay will end with a conference day at the Olympic Museum, followed by a gala dinner at the Beau-Rivage Palace. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the coveted "Best of Wine Tourism Awards”, which reward estates and service providers for their original and quality wine tourism services.On the sidelines of this meeting, Lausanne will host an extraordinary event on October 25 called "Lausanne à Table", which is open to all. On the programme: a pop-up dinner created by eight hands belonging to Swiss food and wine talents of today and tomorrow! Four Chefs and winemakers will get together to prepare an exclusive menu and select the best Swiss wines to accompany it.

On October 6, 2023, the 17th edition of the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse took place at Kursaal Bern, bringing together over 560 representatives from the Swiss wine scene, politicians, press members, and wine enthusiasts to celebrate the pinnacle of the entire wine industry. The prestigious title of 'Swiss Winery of the Year' was once again awarded to Leukersonne Winery in Susten, Valais. This year's edition of the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse was inspired by the excellent 2022 vintage, leading to nearly 400 more wines being submitted than the previous year to the most important competition for Swiss wines. Leukersonne Winery, led by Damian and Fabienne Seewer as well as Jörg and Karin Seewer, was recognized for their outstanding achievements.Valais dominated the competition, securing 8 out of the total 15 categories. Besides Valais, other regions including the German-speaking Switzerland, Neuchâtel, Vaud, Geneva, Schaffhausen, and Ticino also impressed with their wines.Chardonnay and single-varietal white wines remained strong categories, while Chasselas gained significance and now stands as the second most important category. Rosés and Blancs de Noirs are also gaining in importance.The Grand Prix du Vin Suisse reflects the diversity of Swiss winemaking, with cantons with the largest vineyard areas contributing the largest quantities of submitted wines. The event provided guests the opportunity to taste the finest Swiss wines and enjoy a festive menu in the company of winemakers.Winners 2023Special pricesWinery of the year 2023Kellerei Leukersonne, Susten (VS)Award Vinissimo « Coup de cœur » Weissvon Salis Maienfelder Chardonnay 2021AOC GraubündenAward Vinissimo « Coup de cœur » RotGamaret de Saillon 2022AOC Valais, Fabrice Carron, Fully (VS)Award Vin BioWale-Port Likörwein 2015AOC St.GallenCasa Nova Wein Pur AG, Walenstadt (SG)Award ScopertaGamaret de Saillon 2022AOC Valais, Fabrice Carron, Fully (VS)Award NewcomerWeinWerk Wienacht AG, Wienacht-Tobel (AR)Award Lifestyle WineColline de Daval, Sierre (VS)ChasselasGoldChardonne les Berneyses 2022 AOC LavauxJean-François Neyroud-Fonjallaz, Chardonne (VD)SilverFendant de Martigny 2022, AOC Valais CaveLa Cinquième Saison SA, Martigny (VS)BronzeLa Ruisselière 2022, AOC LavauxAlexandre Duboux, Epesses (VD)Müller-Thurgau / Riesling-SylvanerGoldSiblingen Riesling-Sylvaner 2022AOC Schaffhausen GVSSchachenmann AG, Schaffhausen (SH)SilverRiesling-Sylvaner 2022, AOC ZürichseeSchwarzenbach Weinbau, Meilen (ZH)BronzeRiesling-Sylvaner Préstige 2022AOC St. GallenWeinWerk Wienacht AG, Wienacht-Tobel (AR)ChardonnayGoldvon Salis Maienfelder Chardonnay 2021AOC Graubünden, von Salis AG, Landquart (GR)SilverChardonnay Terra ANcestra 2022AOC Neuchâtel, Cave des Coteaux, Areuse (NE)BronzeChardonnay Le Loclat Grands Terroirs 2020AOC NeuchâtelDomaine Bouvet-Jabloir, Auvernier (NE)Other white winesGoldPetite Arvine Domaine de Châteauneuf 2021AOC Valais, Cave de l'Etat du Valais, Leytron (VS)SilverPaïen 2022, AOC ValaisCave du Paradou SA, Nax (VS)BronzeLa Rodeline Humage Blanche 2022, AOC ValaisDomaine la Rodeline SA, Fully (VS)White assembliesGoldAmbassadeur des Domaines Diego Mathier 2021 AOC Valais, Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen AG, Salgesch (VS)SilverAmbassadeur des Domaines Diego Mathier 2020AOC Valais, Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen AG, Salgesch (VS)BronzeSauvignon d'Or 2022, AOC ZürichseeWeinbau Wetli, Männedorf (ZH)Rosé and "blanc de noir"GoldRoseline 2022, AOC ValaisMaison Maye, Riddes (VS)SilverOeil-de-Perdrix 2022, AOC ValaisKellerei Leukersonne, Susten (VS)BronzeLes Chaumes 2022, AOC VaudCave de La Côte, Tolochenaz (VD)GamayGoldLe Damoiseau 2022, AOC GenèveClos de la Donzelle, Dardagny (GE)SilverGamay Excelsus 2022, AOC ValaisSélection Excelsus, Chamoson (VS)BronzeDomaine de Chantemerle 2022, AOC la CôteDomaine de Chantemerle, Tartegnin (VD)Gamaret, Garanoir or Mara PursGoldGamaret de Saillon 2022, AOC Valais FabriceCarron, Fully (VS)SilverGamaret Gourmand 2021, AOC BonvillarsCave des Viticulteurs de Bonvillars, Bonvillars (VD)BronzeGamaret de Sierre 2021,AOC ValaisCave Colline de Daval, Sierre (VS)Pinot NoirGoldPinot Noir 1879 2020, AOC NeuchâtelCave des Lauriers - Jungo et Fellmann,Cressier (NE)SilverPinot Noir Clos de Pachje Lux Vina 2020AOC ValaisDomaines Chevaliers SA, Salgesch (VS)BronzeGrand Cru Féchy Pinot noir 2022AOC La CôteDomaine de Fischer, Bougy-Villars (VD)MerlotGoldRonco 2020, DOC TicinoAzienda Agraria Cantonale di Mezzana,Coldrerio (TI)SilverMerlot 2022, AOC ValaisKellerei Leukersonne, Susten (VS)BronzeMerlot 2020, Vin de Pays SuisseGrillette Domaine de Cressier SA, Cressier (NE)SyrahGoldSyrah, Les Titans 2020, AOC ValaisProvins SA, Sion (VS)SilverSyrah 2020, AOC ChablaisLes Celliers du Chablais SA, Aigle (VD)BronzeSyrah 2021, AOC GenèveClos du Château, Satigny (GE)Other red winesGoldCornalin 2022, AOC ValaisCave Adamare, Salgesch (VS)SilverMalbec Hallau Réserve 2020AOC SchaffhausenGVS Schachenmann AG, Schaffhausen (SH)BronzeHumagne Rouge 2022, AOC ValaisCaves du Paradis Olivier Roten SA, Sierre (VS)Red assembliesGoldHommage 2022, AOC ValaisKellerei Leukersonne, Susten (VS)SilverCuvée "LOUIS-MARTIN" 2020, AOC ValaisDomaine Jean-René Germanier, Vétroz (VS)BronzeEsprit de Genève 2021, AOC GenèveDomaine des Curiades, Bernex (GE)White, red and rosé wines with residual sugar at 8g/L and aboveGoldDomaine de Tourbillon Sélection GrainsNobles, Les Domaines 2016 AOC ValaisProvins SA, Sion (VS)SilverWale-Port Likörwein 2015, AOC St.GallenCasa Nova Wein Pur AG, Walenstadt (SG)BronzeLe Nectar 2020, AOC GenèveDomaine des Curiades, Bernex (GE)Sparkling winesGoldLouis Edouard Mauler 2014, AOC NeuchâtelMauler et Cie SA, Môtiers (NE)SilverBrut du Valais Millésimé Jacques Germanier2018, AOC ValaisGermanier - Cave du Tunnel, Conthey (VS)BronzeDW Petit Rhin brut Zürichsee 2020,AOC Zürichsee, Weingut Diederik, Küsnacht (ZH)Best Of "Weinregion"Deutschschweizvon Salis Maienfelder Chardonnay, 2021, AOC Graubünden, von Salis AGWallisGamaret de Saillon 2022 , AOC Valais, Fabrice Carron, Fully (VS)Drei SeenLouis Edouard Mauler 2014, AOC Neuchâtel, Mauler et Cie SA, Môtiers (NE)GenfLe Damoiseau 2022, AOC Genève, Clos de la Donzelle, Dardagny (GE)WaadtChardonne les Berneyses 2022, AOC LavauxJean-François Neyroud-Fonjallaz, Chardonnay (VD)TessinRonco 2020, DOC Ticino, Azienda Agraria Cantonale di Mezzana, Coldrerio (TI)Best Of "Bio"GoldCourtisaN 2021, AOC Genève, Clos du Château (GE)GoldGamaret de Sierre 2021, AOC Valais, Cave Colline de Daval (VS)GoldRosé de Cépages Nobles 2022, AOC Valais, Cave Caloz (VS)GoldSyrah 2021, AOC Genève, Clos du Château (GE)GoldWale-Port Likörwein 2015, AOC St.Gallen, Casa Nova Wein Pur AG (SG)Best Of "PIWI"GoldDivona 2022, Vin de Pays Suisse, Cave du Paradou SAGoldElise 2022, AOC Aargau, Weingut FürstGoldSolaris 2022, AOC Bielersee, Räblus WeinbauSilverDW Projektskizze No. 1/2020 2020, AOC Zürich, Weingut DiederikSilverJohanniter 2021, AOC La côte, Domaine La CapitaineBest Of "Vin Nature"GoldLa Closerie 2020, AOC Chablais, Garanoir, Schenk Suisse SA c/o Obrist SASilverClos du Rocher, AOC Chablais, Syrah, Schenk Suisse SA c/o Obrist SASilverTour rouge, AOC Chablais, Garanoir, Schenk Suisse SA c/o Obrist SA

On the weekends of 23-24 September and 30 September/1st October, the third national "At the Heart of the Harvest" autumnal fair took place, organised by Swiss Wine Promotion (SWP), the Swiss wines national body. This year, the organisers were able to rely on thirty-nine Swiss wineries to welcome more than nine-hundred and fifty apprentice grape harvesters.The first two "At the Heart of the Harvest" events were held over a single day only. For 2023, in response to the enthusiasm of both the wine cellars and the participants, SWP extended the event over two weekends: 23-24 September and 30 September - 1 October. For these four dates, thirty-nine wineries, from the five wine regions, were showcased. They welcomed more than nine-hundred and fifty people, young and old, for a few hours' full immersion in the heart of the vineyard. After a beautiful Summer, it was grape harvesting season, and the participants had the chance to experience it first-hand. The apprentice grape harvesters were able to celebrate this intense and emotional moment together with the passionate winemakers.After a warm welcome, followed by safety tips, the day began by heading out to discover the harvest. The daily programmes varied depending on the progress of the harvest in the field or the weather. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to discover the work in the vineyard and the cellar, to taste grape juice and the ‘must’, as well as understand everything there is to know about the winemaking processes. The day ended with a tasting of the specialties of the estate followed by a friendly meal where the harvesters for the day and the traditional wine makers were able to exchange thoughts.This third event brought together some thirty-nine ‘domains’ spread across Switzerland: fourteen from Valais, thirteen the canton of Vaud, six in German-speaking Switzerland, 3 from Geneva and three in the Trois-Lacs region. SWP is delighted to announce the sale of over 85% of the tickets. Thanks to the commitment of the organisations participating, the public was able to discover the work of the vineyards and the wineries, as well as tasting Swiss wines directly from the producers, with whom they were able to establish direct and obviously quite special relationships.The enthusiasm of the participants, in addition to the positive response of the winemakers, enhances SWP's desire to continue to organise events that promote the discovery of Swiss wines, direct contact, and short supply chains in order to promote the consumption of local produce. Next Spring, at the time of the flowering of the vine, the date of the next "At the Heart of the 2024 Harvest" event will be communicated.Swiss Wine Promotion would also like to thank all the partners who contributed to the success of this project: the participating estates, the promotional bodies of the six wine regions as well as the media and our technical partners.