H Stories

A zippy vintage car, striking scenery and some of the finest epicurean destinations the country has to offer. With Switzerland’s landscapes that are nothing short of sensational, what could be more enticing than a road trip through its idyllic scenery starring wondrous mountains and lakes?

During the Belle Époque, English aristocrats discovered the ‘Swiss Riviera’ between Montreux and Geneva as a tourist spot famed for its promenades lined with cypress and palm trees against the backdrop of the Alps. And now it’s a hotspot for connoisseurs thanks to its traditional grand hotels, world-class restaurants and idyllic Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.

Sacha Lichine, the man behind the iconic Whispering Angel and Garrus rosés, chats to us about wine misconceptions, the power of pink and his expectations for the future.

What a spectacular view! The steeply terraced vineyards in the Vaud wine region of Lavaux reach dizzying heights, whilst picturesque Lake Geneva glistens prettily down below. This region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its undeniable beauty. Here in the canton of Vaud, one grape variety rules the roost.

Terroir! A magic word for wine connoisseurs the world over. It’s interesting how soil conditions and location come up so naturally when discussing a wine’s flavour and characteristics, yet you just don’t hear these kinds of conversations about carrots. Even though the very same factors have a huge bearing on the root vegetable’s flavour too.

At the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, head sommelier Salvatore Salerno sometimes swaps his job in the relaxed, Michelin-starred restaurant Il Lago for the passenger seat of a helicopter. Guests of the iconic luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva, which opened its doors back in 1834, can visit some of the most beautiful Swiss wine-growing regions from the air with Salerno – followed by a tasting on site, of course.

Champagne for the aperitif, Pinot Blanc with fish, Brunello with lamb … alcoholic beverages can be the perfect accompaniment to gourmet fare. Ideally, the right pairing enhances the flavours of the food. But what if you want to enjoy a nice meal without drinking alcohol?

´This is as close as connoisseurs will get to the holy grail of the wine world.´

The classics of haute cuisine.

The elegant authenticity of Japan.

A taste of the Mediterranean.

Fig season kicks off in the summer and we can start to get our hands on the fresh fruits from the Mediterranean in July. «If wasps are buzzing around you, you’re almost too late!» warns Mattias Roock, Executive Chef at Castello del Sole in Ascona. He sources the delicacies from the hotel’s very own garden.

Pretty pink oozes summer vibes and gives sparkling rosé wine its lovely light look and feel. Wine expert Peter Keller confirms that refreshing, lighter wines are a real hit on a warm summer’s day. And sparkling rosé wine ticks all the boxes as a thirst-quenching drink that slips down rather nicely.

Is Zurich a cosmopolitan city? From a food perspective, ­definitely! Our gourmet tour is proof positive.

A wine merchant once wrote provocatively that life without champagne is a life that misses out on something. That may be true, and probably no other wine worldwide enjoys such a grand reputation. The products from the north east of France are being marketed in every way imaginable.

Tuberibus conspersit - In the olden days of the Greeks and Romans, truffles were ­considered an aphrodisiac, not least of all owing to their ­irresistible aroma. Stefan Heilemann is a chef who enjoys working with luxury products. Mixing classical French cuisine with elements of the modern kitchen is the formula favoured by the 18-point chef who joined the kitchen of the Widder Restaurant in ­Zurich.

Paccheri - Among gourmets, Famiglia Cerea is world famous. Their main restaurant in Brusaporto is only an hour from the Swiss ­border and from their outpost at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, which was awarded a second Michelin star last year. World-class ­kitchen, trattoria atmosphere, heated debates and casual ­flirtations – its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere goes down well. If you hope to enjoy a meal at «Da Vittorio», be sure to make reservations well in advance.