Winter wine dupes: How Lausanne’s Swiss varieties can upgrade your cellar

As cooler months and winter parties approach, wine lovers will be swapping out their summery rosés and sparkling spritzes for heartier, richer sips. But why settle for your standard Sauvignon Blancs or your basic Burgundies when you could bring something more interesting to the table? Wines hailing from Switzerland are increasing in popularity in the UK, with Google searches for ‘Swiss wines’ up by 70% over the past 12 months (Google Trends) - and nowhere in Switzerland does wine like Lausanne. 

One of only 12 Wine Capitals in the world, Lausanne in Switzerland is home to the largest number of vineyards in the country. It’s surrounded on the one side by the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and on the other by the La Côte vineyards. The sun reflects off Lake Geneva and the terraced stone walls of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces for extra warmth, bringing complexity and mineral depth to Lausanne wines - ideal for switching up your autumn/winter wine pairings. 

If you’re not sure where to start with Swiss wine, here’s a guide to which varieties you might enjoy based on your current favourites.

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try Chasselas

Lausanne’s most abundant grape, Chasselas, makes up two-thirds of the region’s wine production. While the tropical fruit notes of a Sauvignon Blanc might feel out of place as the weather cools, Chasselas offers the same refreshment but with more delicate, mineral-driven notes. Pair with a cheeseboard for the ultimate cosy comfort dish. 

If you like Merlot, try Gamaret

Swiss Gamaret is a relatively new red grape variety, developed in Switzerland by crossing Gamay and Reichensteiner, and it thrives in Lausanne. Known for its deep color and dark fruity flavours, Gamaret has the medium body and the soft tannins of a Merlot, but a spicier profile that’s perfect for meaty winter dishes. 

If you like Pinot Noir, try Dornefelder 

Originally from Germany, Dornfelder is a red grape variety that has found a niche in Switzerland, particularly in Lausanne. Similar to Pinot Noir in terms of body (light to medium), acidity (moderate) and tannins (smooth), Dornefelder is bolder and fruiter compared to the floral notes of Pinot Noir, making it the ideal pairing for grilled meats, stews and fondues. 

If you like Sangiovese, try Plant Robert

This rare Swiss red grape variety is primarily grown in Lavaux, and often draws comparison to Sangiovese, the iconic grape of Italy. However, where Sangiovese is a zestier, brighter red, Plant Robert is its darker, smoother counterpart, with its black cherry, blackberry and black pepper notes making it a shoo-in for cosy nights in. 

If you like Pinot Grigio, try Pinot Gris

Although Chasselas dominates white wine production in Lausanne, the region’s Pinot Gris is well worth a sip thanks to its notes of pear, honey, and spice. Made from the same grape as Italian Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris has a richer, rounder mouthfeel and more depth, making it a great wine for winter drinking, especially with roasted meats or creamy pasta dishes.

If this guide has left your mouth watering, you can easily try Lausanne wines for yourself. The Gaillard & Fils estate in the heart of Lavaux doesn’t just offer breathtaking views of Lake Geneva - you can also try three wines from the estate starting at £18. 

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Editors notes

Capital of the Canton of Vaud and 4th largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne shines through in its dynamism and openness, as well as its sporting, cultural and food offering.

Lausanne Tourisme acts as a point of call for the city at the national and international level, by inviting travellers to discover the charm of the city of Lausanne.