Vaud

Vaud's winemaking history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when Cistercian monks established the first terraced vineyards at Lavaux in the 11th and 12th centuries. Those steep, stone-walled terraces remain in use today and were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The Fête des Vignerons, a grand wine festival celebrating vineyard culture, has taken place every 25 years since the 17th century. Most vines in Vaud are still owned by individuals and families rather than large corporations, preserving a deeply personal connection to the land.

• Cistercian monks built the first terraced vineyards at Lavaux in the 11th and 12th centuries
• Lavaux terraces designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007
• Fête des Vignerons wine festival held every 25 years since the 17th century
• Vineyard ownership remains predominantly with individuals and families

Vaud stretches across the northern shore of Lake Geneva and into surrounding valleys, with vineyards ranging from approximately 375 to 1,100 meters in elevation. The climate is temperate, with Lake Geneva acting as a thermal buffer that moderates temperatures throughout the growing season. The lake also reflects sunlight back onto the slopes, increasing heat accumulation and luminosity for ripening. Rainfall is well distributed across the year. The Lavaux terraces are among the steepest vineyard sites in the world, requiring all work to be done by hand.

• Vineyards range from approximately 375 to 1,100 meters above Lake Geneva
• Lake Geneva provides thermal buffering and reflected sunlight for improved ripening
• Temperate climate with high luminosity and well-distributed rainfall
• Lavaux terraces rank among the steepest vineyard sites in the world

Vaud's soils vary considerably across its sub-regions, reflecting the diversity of landscapes from the glacially sculpted lakeside terraces of Lavaux to the broader plains of La Côte and the more continental Chablais. Soil types include chalky limestone, clay-limestone, clay-sandstone, marne, schist, and alluvial deposits. This variety underpins the range of wine styles produced across the canton's seven AOC sub-regions.

• Soils include chalky limestone, clay-limestone, clay-sandstone, marne, schist, and alluvial types
• Lavaux terraces feature predominantly clay-limestone and schistous soils
• Soil diversity across 7 AOC sub-regions supports a wide range of wine styles
• Alluvial soils found in lower-lying areas closer to the Rhône corridor

White wines account for 66% of Vaud's production, with Chasselas (also known locally as Fendant in other Swiss cantons) dominating at around 60% of vineyard area. Chasselas from Vaud is characteristically fresh, fruity, and mineral, with relatively low alcohol and delicate texture. Red wines make up 34% of output, led by Pinot Noir and Gamay, along with locally developed varieties Gamaret and Garanoir. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown. In total, 55 grape varieties are cultivated across the canton.

• Chasselas covers approximately 2,200 hectares, representing 60% of vineyard area
• White wines account for 66% of production; reds account for 34%
• Pinot Noir and Gamay lead red wine production, supported by Gamaret and Garanoir
• 55 grape varieties are cultivated across Vaud

Vaud is organized into 7 AOC sub-regions: La Côte, Lavaux, Chablais, Bonvillars, Côtes de l'Orbe, Vully, and Nord-Vaudois. Above the standard AOC level sit 3 AOC Grand Cru designations, with Dézaley and Calamin being the most prestigious. Dézaley and Calamin are both located within the Lavaux sub-region and produce benchmark Chasselas from steep, terraced sites. The Premier Grand Cru system further distinguishes top-quality parcels within the broader appellation structure.

• 7 AOC sub-regions: La Côte, Lavaux, Chablais, Bonvillars, Côtes de l'Orbe, Vully, Nord-Vaudois
• 3 AOC Grand Cru designations, led by Dézaley and Calamin within Lavaux
• Premier Grand Cru system identifies top-quality parcels above standard AOC level
• Dézaley and Calamin are the benchmark appellations for Vaud Chasselas