When you think of Swiss wines you might imagine drinking a bottle from the Valais or Ticino regions, but the canton of Lucerne offers some true gems that shouldn’t be missed. The wine making area is divided into 4 regions, the Seetal, the Wiggertal, the Sempachersee and the Lake Lucerne area. There are over 60 vineyards in these regions alone, and we’ve compiled a list of the better known ones, which just so happen to be some of our favourites!
Klosterhoff
Klosterhoff Vineyard is located in Aesch. Although wines (red & wine) have been produced by this abbey since the 17th century, the current vineyard was brought back to life in 2002 and now produces 5 wines (all named after abbots) on 2 hectares. Don’t forget to sample their delicious grappa which is aged in oak barrels.
- Visits to the Klosterhoff are by appointment only, 041 917 12 38
- You can taste their wines at their Autumn tastings in September:
- Friday September 9 from 17:00 – 21:00
- Saturday September 10 from 10:00 – 21:00
The Sitenrain Vineyard
The Sitenrain Vineyard in Meggen has been producing organic wines since 2007 on 3 hectares of land, and has won many prizes for its good quality wine. Their most famous wine is the Solaris which is an intense fruity white wine. They have a partnership with a winery in Sicily, where you can buy not only their wines but also buy delicious Italian sauces.
- Cellar doors are open Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- You can visit their farm shop every Saturday morning from 10:00 – 13:00
- We recommend you phone beforehand if you wish to organise a tour, 041 377 37 70
The Schloss Meggenhorn
The Schloss Meggenhorn has been producing wine on the small 100 acres situated around the castle since 1979. They grow Riesling which thrives on the sunny south facing slopes along Lake Lucerne. The harvest each year produces a limited volume of wine and bottles sell out quickly so make sure you buy your bottles as they become available.
Image copyright @ Weinbau OttigerWeinbau Ottiger
Weinbau Ottiger ( a.k.a. Rosenau) is based in Kastanienbaum. Toni Ottiger has been producing wines since 1981, using mainly Pinot Noir and Riesling Sylvaner as well 10 other grape varietals cultivated on 7 hectares of land. They produce the best known wines in the region.
- You can buy directly from them every Saturday from 09:00 – 12:00
- Manor food store on Tribschenstrasse also stock their wines.
- They are happy to organise tours for you but phoning beforehand is advised, 041 340 42 88
Seeburghof
Seeburghof is in the town of Lucerne itself near the Meggen border, up by the golf course. Opened since 2005 it produces organic wines thanks to its choice of strong grape varieties. Solaris is a variety which was created in 1975 and produces sweet grapes perfect for white wines and the Johanniter which was created in 1968 is very similar to Riesling grapes. They currently produce 3 white wines: Solaris, Johanniter and a Cuvée Blanche and of course Grappa! If you visit them then expect to see some Scottish Highland Cattle roaming around the grounds. Visits are by appointment only, 041 370 80 93
Image Copyright @ Weingut HeideggWeingut Heidegg
Not only is Schloss Heidegg one of the prettiest castles to visit in the area but it’s also on these 5 hectares that delicious wines are produced. They have 16 grape varieties which gives them the opportunity to mix and match in order to produce more complex wines. Their Riesling Sylvaner is a delight as are their Pinot Gris and Viognier. Their red wines are made mainly with Zweigelt and Blauburgunder grapes and you would be remiss to not try their sparkling wine. Visits are by appointment only, 041 917 21 59
The Bisang Vineyard
The Bisang vineyard is situated near Dagmeseller (reputed to have been producing wines since the 14th century) and spreads over 5 hectares they have producing wines since 1980; their wines are Riesling Sylvaner, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Heller
- You can visit them Friday’s from 13:30 – 18:00 & on Saturday’s from 10:00 – 16:00
- Alternatively you can arrange a tours by phoning beforehand 062 756 00 55
If you want to expand you knowledge of wines in Central Switzerland then there is an excellent book for you. Published only a few months ago it offers an in-depth look to all the wines of the region. You can download it from their website.
This article was written by Charlie Hartmann and is from our Summer Magazine which you can download here.
