Are you looking for relaxation and enjoyment in the heart of Switzerland’s most beautiful wine regions? Switzerland Tourism, in collaboration with Swiss Wine Promotion, offers unique accommodation options. With Grape Escapes, around 60 accommodations invite you to stay among the vines or with a view of them. From chic boutique hotels to simple vineyard cottages, there is something for everyone.
Anina Sonderegger, Project Manager of Grape Escapes at Switzerland Tourism, discusses the potential of this new offering and the state of wine tourism in Switzerland.
Anina Sonderegger, why was it important to launch the Grape Escapes project?
One of our main goals was to establish the autumn season as an attractive travel time to promote year-round tourism in Switzerland. We recognised the great potential in combining autumn and wine tourism. Inspired by this trend, the idea of Grape Escapes was born: to offer guests the opportunity to experience unique accommodations amidst Swiss wine-growing areas. Swiss wine, which is considered a well-kept secret (only about 1% is exported), offers the chance to showcase Switzerland from a new perspective and highlight lesser-known regions. According to an oenology product analysis, around 36% of guests interested in wine experiences are also interested in staying overnight at a winery.
How can wine regions and winemakers benefit from Grape Escapes?
Is the accommodation in the middle of a vineyard? Is it surrounded by vines? Or is it a unique lodging with a wine connection, such as an old wine cellar or a vineyard worker’s house? We aim to inspire our partners to participate with existing accommodations, but also to develop new and creative lodgings in the Swiss vineyards, such as outdoor beds, bubble rooms, or even an old-timer motorhome surrounded by vines.
What significance does the project have for wine tourism in Switzerland, and where does it currently stand?
Swiss wine regions are still relatively unknown internationally. In contrast, wine regions in other countries are often established holiday destinations that are also attractive for longer stays. Think of multi-day trips to Napa Valley, relaxing holidays in the Bordeaux region, or a week in picturesque Tuscany. Even within Switzerland, wine tourism is often associated with a day trip to the winemaker – tasting and buying a few bottles of wine are the main activities. However, Grape Escapes broadens this understanding of wine tourism. It shows that Swiss wine regions can also offer high-quality holiday experiences.
Boutique Boatel Attila © Switzerland Tourism
Currently, Grape Escapes offers around 60 accommodations to choose from. Here are a few suggestions in all six wine regions of Switzerland:
B&B Cave Mathier & Bodenmann in Valais
The Bed & Breakfast of the Valais wine-growing estate Cave Mathier & Bodenmann is surrounded by vines. The rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the vineyard, the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, and the Rhône Valley up to the Simplon area.
Rebhäuschen La Capite in Vaud
The vineyard cottage La Capite in Cully used to serve winemakers who wanted to rest from their hard work. Today, the charming cottage amidst the Vaud vineyards can be rented for an overnight stay – with a view of Lake Geneva included!
Château Salavaux in the Three Lakes Region
In the heart of the Three Lakes Region, not far from Lake Murten, Château Salavaux presents itself as a true haven of peace, nestled in the vineyards of Vully. In addition to its 17 rooms, Château Salavaux offers a restaurant with seasonal cuisine and an impressive wine cellar.
Château Salavaux © Switzerland Tourism
Weinfass-Hotel Rüedi in Schaffhausen
Like in a wine cellar, the eleven wooden barrel rooms of the Weinfass-Hotel Rüedi are lined up next to each other. Entering one of the barrels, you feel the anticipation of an original night. The furnishings are modern, and the round window lets in plenty of daylight. Looking outside, you can enjoy the view of the idyllic garden.
Domaine Château du Crest in Geneva
The former barn of the Château du Crest winery in Jussy has been converted into modern accommodation. In the morning, guests might be surprised and awakened by the call of a peacock. Later, they can taste the extensive range of wines and tour the winery.
Relais Castello di Morcote in Ticino
Nestled in the picturesque medieval village of Vico Morcote with stunning views of Lake Lugano, the Relais Castello di Morcote invites you to discover the best wines of the region while slowing down. The hotel is part of the Tenuta Castello di Morcote, an organic winery.
Relais Castello di Morcote © Switzerland Tourism
Text by Carmen Stalder, Swiss Wine Promotion
Photo Credits: © Switzerland Tourism