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Valais, Switzerland vineyard hike and wine festival

Every September, the Valais region of Switzerland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, holds a unique event, Marche des Cépages, or “walk of the grape varieties.” It is a celebration of Swiss wine, folklore and food, that brings out thousands of people, and not one to miss for any traveller who is interested in wine and gastronomy.

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

The walking trail takes you through vineyards and past many homes of the winemakers

I had the privilege to attend the walk of the grape varieties earlier this month. Since Swiss wine is hard to get your hands on outside of Switzerland (because they export so little of it, less than 2%), I was thrilled to have a chance to sip on the local wines and learn about the grape varietals, terroir and the industry.

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

We started off in the morning…how early is too early to start drinking wine?

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

This isn’t even the most stunning view (it rained too hard to get great shots of the most picturesque area, sad!)

The one day event is held along the 6 km Vineyard Trail, from Sierre (‘Siders’ in English) to Salgesch. The trail actually links the Valaisian vineyards and the Wine Museums based in Sierre and Salgesch. Along the trail are vineyards, wineries, and incredible views of the surrounding area. There are 80 markers along the trail that provide information about the local area, so it is really an open-air museum. It takes about 2.5 hours to walk the trail.

We started in Sierre, where we met our guide, but it is possible to also start in Salgesch. Our day began at the famous 16th century Château de Villa, the “temple” of wine in Valais, which has a stellar restaurant and an “vinotheque” wine bar/cellar, where 640 Grand Crus from over 100 vintners are available for wine tastings (they also have wine seminars). After we picked up our festival passes, a wine glass for sampling, and tickets for wine and food, off we went along the trail to see the sights and meet the winemakers.

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Local Valais winemaker, Katia Zufferey, giving us a taste of her wine

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

Here is her wine, along with grapes from her family-owned vineyard

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard

Local winemaker, Maurice Zufferey, and daughter, Anaïs, who accompanied us on behalf of the tourist board

Along the trail, approximately 50 Swiss wine makers from the Valais region set up tables and booths, offering tastings of their wines. Along the route, there are offerings of many culinary delights, such as the Swiss traditional raclette (melted cheese served with a potato and pickles), local food from Valais region, both traditional and contemporary music and entertainment.

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

Famous Swiss raclette cheese

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard

Another local wine. It was raining so hard we had to park ourselves at a spot that had an awning.

 

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

Acapella entertainment

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

An organ grinder! How could this not put a smile on your face?

Unfortunately, it rained for the entire day (for some reason every time I attend a festival in Switzerland it rains). But people, and loads of them, came out regardless of the rain. There were families and young children, with some mothers pushing prams.

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard

Families, babies and dogs came out in the rain

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel

Another one of many stations set up by local producers 

The 2018 festival will take place on September 8th. For more information and tickets, visit Marche des Cépages.

About Valais: The Valais (known as ‘Wallis’ in German) is a canton (like a province) in southern Switzerland, and is absolutely stunning. It is Switzerland’s most important wine region. The famous Matterhorn and is here, as well as upscale Alpine resorts, such as Zermatt, and many vineyards and orchards are found along the Rhône River. In addition to being Switzerland’s home to many vineyards, it is filled with fruit orchards. Rare spices are grown here, including saffron. The mountains surround you, as far as the eye can see.

Where to stay: Here’s an idea. If you are looking for an awesome view of the Alps and like to be in nature, Chandolin Boutique Hotel is a new 4 star classic Swiss chalet-style “sustainable” hotel that is well positioned in the Valais area for lots of sight-seeing and hiking (ski in winter). About 45 mins from Sierre, it has a breathtaking view, the rooms are cozy and it has a fabulous spa. The restaurant is inviting, impeccable service and it has a superb wine list with many Swiss wines. Address: Chandolin Boutique Hotel, Les plampras 10, CH – 3961 Chandolin. For information and reservations: contact. The bus goes to Chandolin from Sierre. (I will be writing more about this hotel in my next post).

 

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard, Chandolin, Chandolin Hotel

Classic Swiss-style Chandolin Boutique Hotel

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard, Chandolin, Chandolin Hotel

The view from my room…awe-inspiring

Marche des Cepages, wine, switzerland, swiss, valais, valaiswallis, festival, travel, winemaker, sierre, vineyard, Chandolin, Chandolin Hotel

Hotel Restaurant 

Getting there: The closest major airport is Geneva (179 kms). Also Bern airport is close (180 km). If you are coming in to Geneva, best way to get here is to take the train from Geneva (airport or city centre) to Sierre (2.5 hrs). To drive is (2 hrs). Check out the Swiss Travel Pass offerings. Train and bus travel is Switzerland is easy and convenient.

Resources: Valais TourismSwiss Tourism and Sierre Tourism.

Have you tried any Swiss wine from the Valais region? What is your favourite? I would love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.

I was a guest of Valais Tourism and Chandolin Boutique Hotel. Opinions are my own.

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, international speaker, author and travel journalist. She is based in Toronto. Watch her interviews at ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements, contact her at Shannon (at) ShannonSkinner.com.

 

 

 

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I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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Shannon Skinner
India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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