The Swiss winners of the ‘Regional Best Of Wine Tourism’ 2027 have been announced

• Architecture/Landscape – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

Le Chemin des Capites, Autour du Vin – Chardonne (VD) Website

• Art/Culture – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

Wine & Music, Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès – Crans-Montana (VS) Website

• Discovery/Innovation – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

‘Créez votre vin’ workshop, Domaine des Esserts – Dardagny (GE) Website

• Environment/Development – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

Chemin du Vignoble, from Fully to Chamoson, Saillon Tourism – Saillon (VS) website

• Culinary Experience/Hospitality – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

Boutique Boatel ATTILA, Reederei Vully AG – Sugiez (FR) website

• Services/Organisation – Regional Best Of Wine Tourism:

L’Alchimia del Gusto, Cantina alla Maggia – Ascona (TI) Website

• Special Prize for Craftsmanship:

Cave La Corbassière ‘La Guérite 1814’ – Saillon (VS) Website

• Honorary Prize:

Tavolata of Valais Wines, Swiss Wine Valais – Valais (VS) Website

Wine tourism is gaining in importance

Before the awards ceremony, Magalie Dubois, associate professor at the Burgundy School of Wine & Spirits Business in Dijon, presented her research on the topic of ‘Pay what you want’. She explored whether this innovative pricing model represents a viable alternative to traditional fixed pricing, and whether it can secure turnover whilst simultaneously increasing customer satisfaction. This approach could also offer interesting insights for Swiss wine tourism businesses.

Océane Gex, deputy managing director of Swiss Wine Promotion, and Yann Stucki, head of development for Swiss wine tourism, presented current national projects. These include the integration of Swiss Wine Tour and Grape Escapes into Swiss Wine Promotion, as well as the establishment of a national commission for wine tourism. They also highlighted a remarkable trend: whilst wine consumption is declining worldwide, interest in wine-related experiences is growing. “This shows how important it is to support and drive forward the development of wine tourism in Switzerland,” said Océane Gex.

The jury also highlighted the quality and diversity of the projects submitted. Jury chairman Robert Cramer, president of Swiss Wine Promotion, emphasised in particular the increasing collaboration between various stakeholders. “The challenges facing viticulture and the hospitality industry are considerable. It is therefore all the more encouraging that more and more projects are focusing on cooperation. Wine tourism opens up opportunities for new, innovative business models and joint offerings,” said Robert Cramer.

The presence of Patrick Simonin, President of the Grand Council of the Canton of Vaud, and Valérie Dittli, Head of the Vaud Department of Agriculture, Sustainability, Climate and Digitalisation, confirms the Canton of Vaud’s commitment to actively championing this emerging sector.

Swiss entries in the international competition

For the six Swiss category winners, the competition now continues at an international level. On 22 October, they will compete in Hawke’s Bay against the award-winning entries from the other member regions of Great Wine Capitals.

“International exchange is a key component of Great Wine Capitals. Hawke’s Bay has significantly developed its wine tourism offering in recent years. Such encounters enable us to learn from one another and take away new ideas for Swiss wine tourism,” says Lionel Flasseur, Director of Lausanne Tourisme and President of Lausanne Great Wine Capitals.

About the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards

The “Best Of Wine Tourism Awards” were launched by the international network Great Wine Capitals and recognise outstanding offerings in wine tourism. The competition is aimed at stakeholders from the wine-growing, tourism, gastronomy and cultural sectors. The member regions of Great Wine Capitals first hold a regional competition. The winners in each category are awarded the title ‘Regional Best Of Wine Tourism’ and qualify for the international ‘Global Best Of Wine Tourism’ competition.