This denomination brings together the sixteen wine-growing cantons of German-speaking Switzerland. The third Swiss wine-growing region can be divided into three main entities. The western part includes the vineyards of the cantons of Basel (105 ha) and Aargau (400 ha), the central part includes Zurich (607 ha), Schaffhausen (490 ha) and Thurgau (270 ha), the eastern part includes Graubünden (410 ha) and St. Gallen (220 ha). Among the common characteristics of the German-speaking cantons, we can mention that a quarter of the grape variety is Pinot Noir (locally called Blauburgunder), which produces astonishing highly nuanced red wines. The white grape varieties, in which Müller-Thurgau predominates (which in Switzerland is still called Riesling-Sylvaner), cover 25% of the wine-growing area. The specialities of German-speaking Switzerland include Räuschling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
This region has a renewed interest in traditional grape varieties that have fallen into oblivion and a remarkable capacity for innovation.
In Switzerland's wine-producing regions, which include Valais, Vaud, German-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Ticino and the Three-Lakes region, over 2,500 winegrowers cultivate 14,696 hectares of vineyards.
The special relief of the Swiss vineyards leads to viticulture on a human scale, where the winemaker's hand is the most important tool in helping the grapes to ripen.
Switzerland offers numerous wine tourism destinations and activities in the heart of the Alps. A wide variety of landscapes and grape varieties ensure exciting experiences.
Pairing wine and food doesn't have to be complicated. We show how the right wine can perfectly round off a dish.
From the grapevine to the wine glass: discover fascinating insights about wine, learn technical terms, and deepen your knowledge with our wine courses.
German-speaking Switzerland
Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau
Distribution of grape varieties
These graphs present some key figures for the wines of German-speaking Switzerland
Red surface
(1694 HA)
White surface
(900 HA)
A
B
C
D
E
F
Pinot Noir, 1358 HA
Müller-Thurgau, 396 HA
Sauvignon blanc, 87 HA
Chardonnay, 86 HA
Gamay, 1 HA
Others, 666 HA
The map of AOC in the region
German-speaking Switzerland is spread over 16 cantons and is made up of 20 AOC.
Events in the region
Find all the events taking place in German-speaking Switzerland
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