Join Swiss wine ambassador Simon Hardy DipWSET to explore the classic and lesser-known grape varieties of Switzerland.
Event details
Switzerland’s vineyards are similar in size to Alsace in France, yet they are home to over 250 grape varieties. At this tasting, taking place during Swiss Wine Week 2025, you’ll get the opportunity to explore this range through ten top quality examples.
- The native grape varieties are indigenous to Switzerland and account for nearly 40% of Swiss vines. They are rarely found elsewhere and help to give the country its unique identity in the world of wine.
- The traditional varieties are non-native but were planted more than 100 years ago and now represent over one-third of Swiss vineyards.
- The new varieties are more recent Swiss creations with special attributes such as disease resistance and they make up about 10% of the vineyards.
This rare selection of ten wines from four of the country’s six wine regions is a great opportunity to explore the remarkable diversity of Swiss wine.
Guests will enjoy a selection of Swiss cheeses from La Fromagerie alongside the wines, and will take home a copy of Simon's book, The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland.
Example wine list
- Domaine Jean-René Germanier Petite Arvine 2023, Valais
- Domaine du Mont d’Or ‘Siccus’ Johannisberg 2024, Valais
- Cave des Amandiers Ermitage 2022, Valais
- Domaine des Rothis Duché de Malval Chasselas 2024, Geneva
- Bechtel Weine ‘Räuschling Sélection’ 2024, Zürich
- Weinbau Cottinelli Riesling x Sylvaner 2024, Graubünden
- Histoire d’Enfer Cornalin L'Enfer du Calcaire 2020, Valais
- Pura Me Movent Galotta 2018, Vaud
- Bioweingut Lenz ‘Amphore Rot’ 2024 (Cal 1-28 PIWI), Thurgau
- Weingut Bad Osterfingen Reserve Privée Blauburgunder 2022 , Schaffhausen
Tasting level
Intermediate: An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a WSET Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.
About the presenter, Simon Hardy DipWSET
Simon Hardy DipWSET is a British/ Swiss dual national based in London where he organises the annual Swiss Wine Week London for Swiss Wine Promotion. He co-wrote The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland, published in September this year, as part of the new series from the Académie du Vin Library. He is the co-founder and film writer/presenter at Alpina Vina, a new transnational guide to the Alpine wine regions. He is also the Switzerland Regional Ambassador for the Old Vine Conference and a judge at the International Wine Challenge.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.