Explore the Lavaux Vineyards

The Lavaux vineyard terraces run along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, covering 830 hectares in Switzerland’s largest contiguous wine region. Over 10,000 stone-walled terraces climb the hillside, some built by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 11th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the region remains largely planted with Chasselas, a white grape suited to the steep, sun-facing slopes.

The terraces rise directly from the lake, with rows of vines following the contour of the hillside at gradients reaching 90 percent in places. The French Alps sit visible across the water on clear days, framing the vineyards from the opposite shore. Stone hamlets sit built into the slopes between the rows, with narrow paths connecting the villages of St-Saphorin, Rivaz, and Cully.

The region’s wine is shaped by what local growers call the three suns, direct sunlight from above, heat reflected off the lake surface, and warmth held in the stone terrace walls through the evening. Two grand cru appellations sit within the region, Dézaley near Puidoux, known for smoky, honeyed whites, and Calamin above Cully, prized for its mineral character. A private tasting moves between individual estates at a pace set by the group, with lunch arranged overlooking the lake rather than at a fixed sitting.

Most visitors move through Lavaux on the wheeled land trains that run from Lutry, Cully, and Chexbres, or on foot along Route 113, an 11.3-kilometer path connecting St-Saphorin to Lutry. Both give a general view of the terraces, but neither includes direct access to the smaller estates or their wine. A private tasting reaches growers not typically open to passing visitors, with the pace of the day set around the group rather than a fixed schedule or public route.

Why is Lavaux a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The terraces date back to the 11th century, built by Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries, and remain Switzerland’s largest contiguous vineyard area. UNESCO listed the site in 2007.

Where are the Lavaux vineyards?

The vineyards stretch along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, covering 830 hectares between Lausanne and Montreux.

What is the best way to visit the Lavaux vineyards?

A private tasting gives direct access to individual estates and their wine, rather than following the fixed stops of the local land trains or a self-guided walking route.

When is the best time to visit?

May through October offers the clearest access to the terraces, with September and October bringing the grape harvest.

Do Not Disturb arranges private tastings with individual Lavaux estates, timed around lunch overlooking the lake. The day sits inside a wider Lake Geneva itinerary, built around the group’s own schedule rather than the fixed stops of a public route.

Start Planning Your Lavaux Vineyards Journey.