Switch mode

Green grapes deluxe

Genevan wines are produced in a wine-growing area measuring more than 1,400 hectares, with only two other Swiss cantons having larger wine-growing areas. The West-Swiss vintages are always considered to be a hot tip outside of their home region. With a large range of grape varieties and a great deal of innovative spirit, Genevan wine growers know how to set themselves apart from their competition, as Peter Keller writes.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 Green Grapes Deluxe Czapp Botond Elmneysfnjk Unsplash RGB

The Genevan vineyards are situated just outside the cosmopolitan city in French-speaking Switzerland. The wine-growing area is split into three regions – the right bank of the Rhône , the area between the Arve river and the Rhône river, and the left bank between the Arve and Lake Geneva. Grapevines are planted on a total of 1,400 hectares of land.

Due to the huge variety on offer, there is not a flavour or taste that is characteristic of Genevan wines. Every cru has a distinct taste. Furthermore, the wineries are treading innovative paths, ageing their wines in unusual containers such as amphoras as well as in the usual steel tanks and wooden barrels, and are increasingly producing natural wines.

Wine growers rely on a particularly high number of different grape varieties. In total, 47 varieties. The most commonly grown variety is the Gamay, accounting for around 20% of the grapes grown, followed closely by Chasselas and Pinot noir at 12%. These are joined by specialities such as the Gamaret, Garanoir and Malbec reds as well as the Aligoté, a white grape from the French Burgundy region.

There are 130 wine producers in the canton of Geneva. They produce an average of 80,000 hectolitres of wine every year, with 51% of this figure being red wines and 49% white wines. These figures change depending on the vintage.

Genevan wines – international in their orientation, massively underrated and treasures worthy of discovery.

Genevans drink the majority of their wines themselves. The wines are not very well known in other parts of Switzerland, never mind abroad. This is a shame because this is definitely not due to the quality of the wines. The wineries distribute the majority of their products directly from their farms or sell them over the internet.

Geneva is situated directly on the French border. The influence of the grande nation can thus be easily discerned in the region’s wine-producing methods. Nevertheless, the local wine growers are innovative and eager to try out growing new grape varieties. The region is considered to be extremely dynamic. Accordingly, the quality of the wines produced in recent years has risen steadily.

Geneva can boast of having a large number of first-class restaurants, both inside and outside the city. The Head Chef of the Domaine de Châteauvieux in Satigny, Philippe Chevrier, even has 19 Gault Millau points. The dishes served in the restaurant are often served with local wines, much to the satisfaction of the guests. The gastronomy sector and wine producers work together, a relationship that proves beneficial for both parties.

Genevan wines distinguish themselves from wines from other regions thanks to the excellent value- for-money they offer. There are myriads of well-made wines available on the market for less than or around 20 francs per bottle. Only a few bottles cost more than 50 francs. This is mainly because the wines are not (yet) seen as being prestigious outside of Geneva – and wrongly so!

Words Peter keller

Related Stories

Pleasure without any regret: Nowadays, drinking non-alcoholic drinks is considered good form and is no longer frowned upon. Even in renowned gourmet restaurants, a suitable alternative to wine is a natural pairing for a multi-course meal. Not having anything to offer here will lose guests – and turnover.

Discover more

In the watchmaking town of Biel, Michael Bach produces knives that are as flawless and precise as a luxury watch. The S in the name sknife is no coincidence. Read on to find out more about steel, wood and emotions.

Discover more

A real revelation. From the outside, it looks very much like an ordinary beetroot. But once cut open, the Chioggia beetroot springs a surprise with its characteristic pattern - hypnotic pink rings. Hailing from the wild beet family, and later sugar beet, this is a traditional original variety that has been cultivated in the small fishing village of Chioggia near Venice since the 16th century.

Discover more

Wine consumption is declining. Customers are increasingly requesting non-alcoholic drinks. The industry is also undergoing rapid development. Wine expert Peter Keller sheds light on the unstoppable trend, describes the innovations and explains why the catering trade needs to have non-alcoholic products.

Discover more

In collaboration with top chef Heiko Nieder, Nespresso presents an exclusive coffee co-creation: Zurich Lungo. The limited edition is an homage to Zurich and its vibrant coffee culture.

Discover more

With a stunning rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the lake, an impressive wine list and an elegant, minimalist interior, the Izumi has everything for the international jet set.

Discover more

Chardonnay accounts for 31% of all grapes in Champagne and it grows particularly well on its chalky terroir. It is championed for elegant, fragrant wines bursting with floral, citrus and tasty mineral notes.

Discover more