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What do you know about the wines of Switzerland? Our very own Stephan Reinhardt recently sought out 50 memorable wines from this picturesque wine region for our Interim End of January Issue. Today, I've highlighted 10 outstanding red wines from his report.

As the cost of Burgundy rises—the result of global demand coupled with poor harvests--lovers of Old World Pinot Noir have a surprising place they can turn: Switzerland. While pockets of great Pinot exist throughout, there’s a reason the premier wine region of Bündner Herrschaft earned the moniker “Little Burgundy:” a series of charming villages replete with cellar doors, predominantly sell elegant, lively expressions that compete on a world-class level. Oh, and the mountain scenery is gorgeous.

An enigma to many, this Alpine nation at the heart of Europe produces some excitingly diverse quality wines, though many never make it beyond its borders. Sue Style takes us on a tour, and recommends 12 to try.

Elle est organisée en principe tous les 25 ans à Vevey, dans le canton de Vaud, par la Confrérie des vignerons. Elle incarne les notions de transmission et de dialogue entre les générations. La Fête des Vignerons a été ajoutée jeudi au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité par le comité de l’Unesco. 

Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate, but few realize that it produces unique wines; 20 out of 26 regions grow over 200 grape varieties. Despite the diversity, volume is low with production equal to just over 10 percent of Bordeaux’s annual harvest, and almost all consumed domestically. With most vineyards either surrounded by mountains, overlooking lakes or often both, the scenery itself is difficult to resist, even for non-wine drinkers.

Text by Jean-Baptiste Anceloz, founder and writer of the Wine Explorers Blog, images by Luc Pollet.
 

Among the tastings on offer was a Swiss wine tasting presented by the esteemed World Best Sommelier 2013, Paolo Basso.

As I began to write this piece on Alpine wines it struck me that the topography of the region was as good an analogy as any for the wines it produces. The Alps are difficult to get to. They’re not easily accessible and a visit there is not everyone’s cup of tea. But for many, the effort is so worth it. Once you taste the Alpine air you can never go back; once you experience the headiness of the snow-capped vistas then many other landscapes appear pale in comparison.

Switzerland’s vineyards, unlike those of neighboring France, are small, family affairs that produce some of Europe’s best wine. Grown on the slopes surrounding Lake Geneva, Swiss grapes make for light, easy-drinking wines that are rarely exported but probably should be. Take a tour of the best vineyards around Lake Geneva and find out about this under-appreciated wine region.

Nourishment of the senses is what comes to mind when I think of Lavaux Passion. Unlike a typical wine event, which is mainly focused on tasting, socializing and a bit of flirting, it is an event with a sumptuous smorgasbord of workshops, culture, lectures, guided visits and cruises amidst the wine.