Wine region
Vaud wines
From Lavaux to La Côte, the kingdom of Chasselas
On Helvitic you buy Vaud wines directly from the cellars that make them: every bottle is sold by the winemaker, delivered to your door (free shipping from CHF 150 per cellar) or picked up at the cellar, with no reseller.
Switzerland's second-largest wine region with about a quarter of national production, the canton of Vaud is the kingdom of Chasselas, which reaches its finest expression here. Its Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, overlook Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey; the vineyard also spreads across La Côte, Chablais, Bonvillars, Côtes de l'Orbe and Vully, in 8 AOCs including the Dézaley and Calamin Grands Crus.
Emblematic grapes
- Chasselas
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Gamaret
- Garanoir
- Plant Robert
Appellations
- Lavaux AOC
- La Côte AOC
- Chablais AOC
- Bonvillars AOC
- Côtes de l'Orbe AOC
- Vully AOC
- Dézaley Grand Cru AOC
- Calamin Grand Cru AOC
Frequently asked questions — Vaud wines
What are the AOCs of the canton of Vaud?
The canton has 8 AOCs: Lavaux, La Côte, Chablais, Bonvillars, Côtes de l'Orbe and Vully, plus two Grands Crus at the heart of Lavaux — Dézaley and Calamin. The appellation is shown on every Helvitic wine page.
What makes Lavaux unique?
Its terraced vineyards built from the Middle Ages onwards, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Facing due south above Lake Geneva, the vines enjoy the "three suns": the sky, the reflection off the lake and the warmth of the stone walls.
Which grape dominates in the canton of Vaud?
Chasselas, the historic white grape of the Lake Geneva arc, makes up the majority of Vaud plantings. For reds, Pinot Noir and Gamay dominate, complemented by the Swiss crossings Gamaret and Garanoir, and the rare Plant Robert of Lavaux.
How are Vaud wines delivered?
By wine-specialised carriers (Vinolog, Planzer) within 3 to 5 working days after dispatch, in cases of 6, 12 or 17 bottles, or multiples of 6 from 24. Shipping CHF 9.90 per cellar, free from CHF 150. Cellar pickup is free.