Agroscope Changins: Switzerland's Centre for Viticulture Research

Agroscope Changins traces its origins to 1886, when it was established as the Vaud Vine Research Station. The institution as it stands today resulted from the amalgamation of three federal bodies: the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agricultural Chemistry, founded in 1886; the Swiss Federal Seed Control Laboratory, established in 1898; and the Swiss Federal Vine Research Station, created in 1915. The combined institution subsequently relocated to the central Changins research centre, situated near Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking canton of Vaud.

• Origins date to 1886 as the Vaud Vine Research Station
• Formed through the merger of three distinct federal research bodies across three founding dates
• Located in Vaud, Switzerland's French-speaking wine heartland near Lake Geneva
• Now operates under the broader Agroscope federal agricultural research umbrella

One of Agroscope Changins' most significant responsibilities is the conservation of Switzerland's viticultural genetic heritage. The station maintains a nuclear stock collection containing over 1,800 biotypes drawn from 24 traditional and indigenous Swiss grape varieties. A complementary national ampelographic collection in Pully holds more than 600 accessions, providing a comprehensive genetic library of Swiss viticulture. The station leads active preservation efforts for endangered heritage grape varieties, particularly those originating from Valais, and operates experimental testing stations including one at Leytron in Valais.

• Nuclear stock collection: over 1,800 biotypes from 24 indigenous and traditional Swiss varieties
• National ampelographic collection at Pully holds over 600 accessions
• Focuses preservation efforts on endangered heritage varieties from Valais
• Experimental station at Leytron, Valais, used for heritage variety field testing

Agroscope Changins has played a central role in developing new grape varieties designed for sustainable, low-input viticulture. The station's breeding program has produced a suite of disease-resistant cultivars intended to reduce the need for chemical treatments in the vineyard. Varieties developed at Changins include Gamaret and Garanoir, both of which have gained traction among Swiss producers, as well as Cabernello, Merello, Gamarello, Cornarello, and Nerolo. Clonal selection work runs alongside variety development, improving the performance and health of established Swiss grapes such as Chasselas and Pinot Noir.

• Disease-resistant varieties developed include Gamaret, Garanoir, Cabernello, Merello, Gamarello, Cornarello, and Nerolo
• Breeding goals focus on sustainable, low-input viticulture with reduced chemical intervention
• Clonal selection programs cover key Swiss varieties including Chasselas and Pinot Noir
• Gamaret and Garanoir are now commercially planted across Swiss wine regions

Beyond grape breeding and preservation, Agroscope Changins conducts applied research across the full spectrum of sustainable viticulture. Research areas include plant protection strategies, soil management, and wine cellar energy efficiency, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible wine production. The station collaborates closely with cantonal viticulture agencies on biodiversity safeguarding projects, embedding its scientific work within the practical needs of Swiss wine regions. Experimental and trial wines are produced as part of ongoing research programmes, making Changins both a laboratory and a working producer of wines across varieties including Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Müller-Thurgau.

• Research spans plant protection, soil management, and wine cellar energy efficiency
• Partners with cantonal viticulture agencies on biodiversity and sustainability projects
• Produces experimental and trial wines across a range of varieties as part of active research
• Operates as the National Competence Centre for Viticulture with national coordination responsibilities