The wine region of Graubünden

Table of contents

Viticulture in Graubünden: a small region with great wines

Mild climate, Föhn winds, and chalky soils make the small canton of Graubünden a prominent wine-growing region, ideal for cultivating high-quality vines. With a vineyard area of just over 400 hectares, the vineyards stretch along the Rhine from Bonaduz to Fläsch. Surrounded by mountains, the vines are protected from cold winds and benefit from the Föhn.

Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) is the primary grape variety, but others such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Garanoir also play a role. Among white varieties, Riesling x Silvaner, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Completer, and Freisamer are notable.

Despite the dominance of Pinot Noir, Graubünden offers a remarkable diversity of international grape varieties, including the ancient Completer grape. Known for its high acidity, Completer is challenging to vinify. Its roots trace back to the Middle Ages, with a vineyard in Malans first documented in 1321. Traditionally, Completer wine was served to canons after the day’s final prayer, the Compline.

Another local specialty is "Churer Schiller," a pale red wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and white grape varieties, in which the proportion of red grapes must predominate.

Viticulture in Graubünden owes much to the church. The oldest documented reference to wine production dates back to 765 when Bishop Tello of Chur bequeathed a vineyard near Ilanz to the Disentis monastery. By 800, the church was cultivating vines in the Bündner Oberland and the Lower Engadine, reaching altitudes of 1,200 meters. Until 1600, white varieties, particularly Elbling, dominated the region. Graubünden is divided into three wine-growing regions.

Distribution of grape varieties

Quick facts about wine production in the Canton of Graubünden.

Surface CH

73%

Red surface

(307 HA)

27%

White surface

(113 HA)

100%

Others, 420 HA

Map

AOC Graubünden

Wines of the Bündner Herrschaft

The Bündner Herrschaft, encompassing the villages of Fläsch, Maienfeld, Jenins, and Malans, is the most important wine region in Graubünden. The term "Bündner Herrschaft" refers to the time when Maienfeld and Malans were subordinate territories of the Three Leagues (Grey League, God's House League, and League of the Ten Jurisdictions).

The Föhn winds, known locally as "grape cookers," contribute to the region's reputation as the warmest wine area in German-speaking Switzerland. However, the dramatic temperature differences between day and night also play a vital role in producing high-quality wines.

Pinot Noir dominates in the Bündner Herrschaft, where vintners focus on sustainable cultivation and low yields to bring out the grape’s full potential.

With 45 grape varieties grown here, more than 50 distinct wines are produced. A winery worthy of note in the region is Schloss Salenegg in Maienfeld, which has been producing wine since 1068.

More information

Viticulture in the Chur Rhine Valley

The Chur Rhine Valley wine region stretches from Landquart to Reichenau. Until the late 19th century, Chur was considered the wine capital of Graubünden. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Bishop's Vineyard, the 1582 Neubruchtorkel (wine cellar), the Torculum Wine Museum, and the largest wine press in Eastern Switzerland.

The Veltlin wine region

The Valtellina (Veltlin) region can only partly be considered a Graubünden wine area. From 1512 to 1797, the valley was under the rule of the Bündner Herrschaft. Many vineyards remain Swiss-owned to this day. Whereas the vines grow on Italian soil, numerous wines are vinified, matured, and bottled in Switzerland's Poschiavo valley.