Wine enthusiasts' roadmap to Zurich

In the picturesque setting of Lake Zurich, with views over the Glarus Alps, lies a region rich in history and tradition when it comes to wine production. From the shores where Romans first planted vineyards two millennia ago, to the modern wineries of today, the Zurich wine scene offers a unique and captivating experience for wine enthusiasts.

Hotel Belvoir, with its playful rooms and stunning lake views, is just one example of the region's charm. For those seeking a taste of the local wines, there are several key options and resources to explore.

Local Wineries and Vineyards

The Lake Zurich region is home to vineyards within the city and surrounding areas such as Zürcher Weinland, Limmattal, and Winterthurer Weinland. Notable wineries include Besson-Strasser from Uhwiesen and Pircher from Zürcher Weinland, recognised for producing high-quality, characterful wines.

Wine Tasting Events

The Swiss Wine Tasting event held annually at Kunsthaus Zurich is an excellent opportunity to sample top wines from across Switzerland, including those from the Zurich region. The next event is scheduled for August 25, 2025, offering tastings from 130 top producers and thematic workshops like the celebrated Vaud Premiers Grands Crus and Valais Syrahs.

Wine Tours and Tastings in Zurich

Organised wine tasting tours in Zurich, such as guided eTukTuk tours combining sightseeing with cheese fondue, hot stone BBQ, and wine tasting, provide a unique and enjoyable way to explore the region's wine scene. These tours typically last 1-2 hours and have strong traveler ratings.

Regions and Wine Types

The Zurich region is part of Switzerland’s German-speaking wine areas, which focus mostly on red wines. The vineyards are often terraced on lake shores, providing scenic settings for tastings. Swiss wines here tend to be accessible and gently expressive, with growing efforts towards more authentic, high-quality production.

Restaurants Pairing Local Wines

Many wineries offer on-site tasting rooms with food pairings, and the Swiss Wine Tasting event and winegrower associations often link wines with regional culinary specialties. For example, Seerestaurant L'O in Horgen serves freshly caught fish from Lake Zurich and wines sourced from vineyards near the water.

Summary Table

| Source/Experience | What to Expect | Location/Notes | |-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Besson-Strasser & Pircher wineries | High-quality Zurich wines with character | Uhwiesen & Zürcher Weinland | | Swiss Wine Tasting 2025 | Large tasting event with 130 top Swiss producers | Kunsthaus Zurich, Aug 25, 2025 | | Zurich wine tasting tours (eTukTuk) | Short tours combining wine tasting & Swiss cuisine | Zurich city, 1-2 hour tours | | Regional Wine Info | German-speaking area focusing on reds, lake terroir| Zurich Canton and Lake Zurich region |

For those planning a trip, the Zurich Card can be found on zuerich.com, while traveller's website can also be found on traveller.com. For those seeking a more intimate wine tasting experience, Hundertwein, located in the Old Town of Zurich, offers a carefully curated selection of exactly 100 low-intervention wines.

For those seeking a fine dining experience with a view, Baur au Lac, overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps, has an impressive wine selection curated by its head sommelier, Marc Almert. Portofino, located on Thalwil harbor, serves Italian dishes with views of Lake Zurich, while Inselwirtschaft on Ufenau Island serves regional dishes and wines from Einsiedeln Abbey's cellar.

Finally, Lake Zurich, whose deep-blue waters spread out at the foot of the Alps, is located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland's vibrant cultural capital. With its rich wine history, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights, Lake Zurich is an unmissable destination for wine enthusiasts.

The Zurich wine scene not only offers a unique and captivating experience for wine enthusiasts, but it also extends to various aspects of local lifestyle, such as dining, tourism, and sports.
During your visit, consider exploring regions like Zürcher Weinland, Limmattal, and Winterthurer Weinland, where notable wineries like Besson-Strasser and Pircher produce high-quality, characterful wines.
For a comprehensive taste of Swiss wines, the Swiss Wine Tasting event at Kunsthaus Zurich provides an excellent opportunity to sample top wines from across Switzerland, including those from the Zurich region.
To get a holistic experience of the region's wine scene, organized wine tasting tours like guided eTukTuk tours offer a unique blend of sightseeing, Swiss cuisine, and wine tasting, all within the beautiful setting of Lake Zurich.