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Unique experiences in Switzerland

Unique experiences in Switzerland

The Regional Best of Wine Tourism, part of the Great Wine Capitals network, has awarded seven swiss wine activities. This event recognizes innovative contributions to Swiss wine tourism, spanning architecture, culture, innovation, and more. It’s a unique opportunity for Swiss regions to shine, fostering national and international recognition. With nominees hailing from various Swiss cantons, this year’s, once again, highlighted the very best in Swiss wine tourism.

The Journey of a grape

The Journey of a grape

In his 2005 book, ‘A Wine Miscellany’, author, Graham Harding argues: “wine is not just ‘the fermented juice of grapes’.”

The journey from vine to glass is a matter of science and circumstance. There are a wide number of species of vines which bears a variety of grapes, known as varietals. For instance, the Chardonnay grape is green and produces white or ‘blanc’, Chardonnay wine. Each varietal, affected by soil type, climate, wind, farming practices and other factors, produces various characteristics. In South Africa, it is not legal to add flavourants. As such, when Chardonnay is said to exhibit vanilla, for instance, certain winemaking processes might exhibit that character. For example, aging, or maturing wine in wood can produce certain tastes and smells.

Harvest festivals aren’t only for the pickers

Harvest festivals aren’t only for the pickers

There was a time when properties weren’t keen to open up their doors to visitors during harvest time. There’s a lot going on, pipes and pumps all over the cellar floor, busy cellar rats checking on fermentation temperatures, grapes arriving and general activity. More and more properties now realise just how much wine enthusiasts love this time. They love to the see the cellars in action rather than as hushed dark and cavernous halls of silent barrels of ageing wine or gleaming tanks waiting for the next weeks of activity.