The wine region Central Switzerland | Swiss Wine

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Central Switzerland: ecological pioneers in winemaking

While Lucerne and the other Central Swiss cantons rank among the smaller wine regions in Switzerland by area, their wines are considered high-quality specialties. In recent years, the vineyard area in Central Switzerland has steadily expanded. In addition to Zug and Schwyz, the cantons of Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Uri have also become part of the region’s viticultural landscape. The total vineyard area of about 128 hectares is scattered across numerous municipalities rather than forming a contiguous growing region.

Central Switzerland’s wine region lies on the terroir of the former Reuss glacier. The climate is generally mild, often influenced by the Föhn wind, while the soil composition varies significantly from region to region, sometimes even within just a few metres.

Viticulture in Central Switzerland was widespread during the Middle Ages, but almost disappeared after World War II. The renaissance of winemaking in Lucerne and Central Switzerland began in 1953 with the first harvest from the Heidegg Estate in the Seetal. Many wineries in the region are now only in their first or second generation.

The proportion of organic wines is steadily increasing, and the new fungus-resistant (PIWI) grape varieties are also particularly widespread. These eco-friendly varieties now account for 35% of the vineyard area, making Central Switzerland a leader in sustainable winemaking practices—nationally, only about 3% of vineyards use PIWI varieties.

Interestingly, the canton of Glarus, with just under two hectares of vineyards, is Switzerland’s smallest wine-producing canton. This record should be regarded with caution, since federal statistics show that Uri, Nidwalden, and Obwalden together have six hectares of vineyards. Nor should it be forgotten that the two Appenzell cantons are home to a four-hectare vineyard. Central Switzerland is divided into six wine-growing regions.

Distribution of grape varieties

Quick facts about winemaking in Central Switzerland.

Surface CH

47%

Red surface

(60 HA)

53%

White surface

(68 HA)

100%

Others, 128 HA

Lucerne wine region

Viticulture in the canton of Lucerne was significant during the late Middle Ages but had almost disappeared by the mid-20th century. Over the past two decades, the vineyard area has grown significantly, now covering nearly 80 hectares. Today, winemaking is one of Lucerne’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.

The steep south-facing slopes and lakeside locations of the vineyards provide a favourable microclimate, with soils rich in minerals. A warming climate, with sufficient water and cool nights benefits the growth of the vines and has resulted in a unique variety of grape types and wines.

The main growing areas are Seetal (the largest), Lake Lucerne, Lake Sempach, and Wiggertal. The primary varieties are Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau, with more than a third of the vineyards planted with PIWI varieties.

Winemaking in Zug

The vineyard area in Zug has steadily increased in recent years, now covering about six hectares, with 63% planted with white grape varieties.

Walchwil, one of the warmest municipalities in Central Switzerland, is home to the Aescher vineyard and other smaller vineyards in Walchwil, Hünenberg, and Cham.

The largest vineyard in the canton of Zug is located in Risch-Niggelbühl, where approximately 0.7 hectares are cultivated with PIWI grape varieties.

Wines from Uri, Obwalden, and Nidwalden

Historically, Uri imported Lombard red wines, its residents’ favourite drink of through the Gotthard Pass, often transported by mules and packhorses. According to legend, the Devil’s Bridge at Gotthard was even built for the transport of wine.

Today, wineries mainly in Altdorf, Bürglen, and Silenen cultivate about five hectares. Nowhere in Central Switzerland are the conditions for wine-growing in spring and autumn as good as in the canton of Uri, thanks to the influence of the Föhn-on the climate, resulting in, robust wines comparable to those from Bündner Herrschaft.

In Obwalden, place names like Wiibärgli and Rebstock testify to a long winemaking tradition, now being revived in Sarnen in the Sarneraa Valley.

In the canton of Nidwalden, a small but growing wine culture exists. Vineyards on the south-facing slopes of the Birgenberg are not widely known, as the wines are available in very limited quantities.

The cantons of Uri, Obwalden, and Nidwalden are combined together in federal statistics. Together, they have a total of 6.3 hectares of vineyards, with 55% planted with red varieties.

Schwyz wine region

The first written record of winemaking in Schwyz dates back to Abbot Werner (1173–1192) of the Einsiedeln monastery, who established a vineyard near Pfäffikon. By 1343, vineyards were also mentioned in Küssnacht and Schwyz.

In the 19th century, Schwyz’s vineyard area was several times larger than it is today. However, increasing imports, phylloxera, and downy mildew caused a significant decline, reducing the vineyard area from 50 hectares in 1886 to just seven hectares by 1960.

Today, winemaking in Schwyz’s renowned cherry-growing region has seen a revival. The wines, known for their intense aromas, are considered rare specialties. The canton’s 36 hectares of vineyards are primarily located around Lake Zurich, in municipalities like Freienbach, Altendorf, Wangen, and Einsiedeln. The only exception is the Immensee/Küssnacht vineyards, which are closer to Central Switzerland.