Switch mode

The selection of genevan wines

A journey of discovery through the world of Genevan wines is worth your while, as both the selection of grape varieties and the vintages pressed from these are wide-ranging and unrivalled. Within Switzerland, only the region of Valais has a line-up of grape varieties that is similar in size.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 The Selection Of Genevan Wines Pellegrin RGB T110

Geneva boasts a wine-growing area measuring 1,400 hectares, with 56% of this land dedicated to the growing of red varieties. Gamay, Pinot noir and Gamaret are the most popular. Thanks to a hunger for innovation and a large measure of dynamism, the winemakers in Geneva diversified the varieties they grow a long time ago. It therefore comes as no surprise that speciality grapes such as Malbec, Syrah and the new Divico variety can be found in the vineyards on the French border.     The same also applies for white grapes and wines. Besides the ubiquitous Chasselas – which is one of the first wines that springs to mind when you think of Swiss wine – Genevan wine producers also grow Sauvignon blanc, Chenin blanc, Aligoté, Viognier and many other varieties. The centre of Geneva’s wine-growing sector can be found in Satigny, the largest wine-growing municipality in French-speaking Switzerland.

Genevan wine is considered to be worthy of discovery and as one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. This is mainly down to the fact that the locals enjoy most of the wine produced in the region themselves. As a result, the wines are unfortunately not afforded a great deal of prestige outside their home region. The benefit of this is that the prices of the wines remain moderate – except for a couple of outliers.

One of the star vintners in Geneva is Jean-Pierre Pellegrin. The winemaker renovated the 600-year-old Domaine Grand’Cour in Satigny as well as its cellar himself.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 The Selection Of Genevan Wines Deviniere RGB T106
The Surprising Drop

Evolution, Domaine de la Devinière – 2021

A typical and excellent Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, barrel-aged with a complex bouquet, notes of cassis and floral hints, moderate on the palate, mature, ever-present tannins, structured, great depth, a long finish, huge potential, pressed by the talented young vintner Camille Cretegny.

CHF 33 | la-deviniere.ch

The Exotic Drop

Chenin Blanc, Domaine de Beauvent – 2022

A Genevan speciality, very successful, a bouquet of yellow fruits, spicy honey notes, dry, medium-bodied, good acidity, a magnificent structure, a salty finish, matured in steel tanks.

CHF 16.50 | domainedebeauvent.com

The Aromatic Drop

Sauvignon blanc Barrique, Domaine les Hutins – 2022

A white wine typical of this variety from this first-class winery, aromatic in the nose, exotic fruits, roasted notes, dry, robust, good acidity, complex, elegant, a good length, a good white wine with a great deal of potential for storage. Barrel-aged, a wine listed in the Mémoire des Vins Suisses.

CHF 25 | domaineleshutins.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 The Selection Of Genevan Wines Pellegrin RGB T110
The Elegant Drop

Pinot noir P, Domaine Grand’Cour, Jean-Pierre Pellegrin – 2020

A complex, first-class Pinot noir full of finesse with a multilayered bouquet of red berries, mint and spicy notes, fine tannins, good acidity, juicy, tight, a long finish and great potential.

CHF 57 | gerstl.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 The Selection Of Genevan Wines Château Du Crest RGB T157
The Simple Drop

Château Rouge, Château du Crest – 2022

An unusual cuvée of Garamet and Pinot noir, fruity in the nose and on the palate, full-bodied, soft tannins, elegant, well-balanced, complex, ready to drink now and could potentially be stored for four or five years.

CHF 15 | domaineducrest.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Summer Magazine 2024 The Selection Of Genevan Wines Novelle RGB T110
The Spicy Drop

Iconique Syrah, Jean-Michel Novelle – 2019

A very successful Syrah with an intensive colour, notes of dark fruits, pepper and herbs, strong on the palate, compact, ripe tannins, a good structure with a delightful long finish, and can be kept for 15 to 20 years.

CHF 40 | novelle.wine

He also totally transformed the vineyard’s business strategy. His father had remained true to the tradition of supplying the cooperative with the grapes he grew, but Pellegrin wanted to move away from doing this. Today, he offers a wide range of first-class wines. On a plot of land measuring 25 hectares, the producer grows no fewer than 25 grape varieties. This is probably a record-breaking feat.

Jean-Michel Novelle is one of the avantgardists of the wine-growing region. At his Le Grand Clos estate in Satigny, there is a huge emphasis on biodiversity and all of his work is done by hand. On just seven hectares, some 38 wines are produced from 17 varieties of grape. His trademark is unusual cuvées and wines, such as a novel combination of the two white varieties Petit Marseng and Petite Arvine

In addition to the two flagship operations, there are many more wine producers making their mark and creating excellent wines, for example the Domaine du Paradis, the La Devinière estate and the Domaine Les Hutins, which is a member of the Mémoire des Vins Suisses with its Sauvignon Blanc. The winemakers association comprises more than 60 first-class estates from all six growing regions within Switzerland. The aim of the association is to promote the maturity and ageing potential of Swiss wines. A large proportion of Swiss wines are still being drunk too soon. The largest wine-producing operation in Geneva is the Cave de Genève. Some 30 vintners supply their grapes to the cooperative.

To demonstrate the diverse selection of wines produced in the French-speaking canton, we have chosen six stylistically different wines from six different grape varieties. It is almost a selection you could call ‘Geneva's Best’.

Words Peter Keller

Related Stories

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

There is no better guide for gourmets in southern Switzerland than Dany Stauffacher. We had the pleasure of accompanying the founder and CEO of the Sapori Ticino culinary festival on an enjoyable tour of his home region and not only pass on his enthusiasm for the restaurants presented here, but also a message that was very important to him: ‘When I’m asked for restaurant tips, I always have the same problem: I’m spoilt for choice. There’s so much on offer now in Ticino that for every restaurant I recommend, I have to leave out dozens of others that are just as deserving.’

Discover more