Lavaux is a terraced vineyard cultural landscape between Lausanne and Montreux, a UNESCO site since 2007. Terraces date to the 11th century and shape Switzerland’s largest contiguous wine area.
- UNESCO inscription 2007 (criteria iii–v) – a millennial human–landscape interaction.
- Scale ~800–900 ha over ~30 km along Lake Geneva – a top Swiss wine landscape by extent.
- ~400–450 km of stone walls and about 10,000 terraces – structure and thermal mass.
- The “three suns” effect – direct sun, lake reflection and heat radiated by dry-stone walls.
- Flagship grape is Chasselas; historic wine villages stitch the slopes.
- Classic St-Saphorin – Lutry walk ~11 km, ~3–3.5 h with full lake–Alps panoramas.
- Chexbres “Balcon du Léman” viewpoints over the amphitheatre of terraces.
- Vinorama in Rivaz for tastings and a growers’ film; Lavaux Express and Lavaux Panoramic tourist trains.
Viticulture dates back to antiquity, while the present terraces were shaped by Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries in the 11th century. Stone walls and paths defined settlement and field patterns.
Modern protection began with the Vaud “Save Lavaux” popular initiative in 1977 and a protection law in 1979. Global recognition came in 2007 with UNESCO listing as a living cultural landscape.
Location: North shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux; hubs include Lutry, Grandvaux, Cully, Epesses, Rivaz, St-Saphorin, Chexbres.
Getting there: SBB to Lutry, Cully, Epesses, Rivaz, St-Saphorin, Chexbres-Village; “Train des Vignes” Vevey–Chexbres-Village hourly, ~6 min; Lavaux Express loops from Lutry/Cully Apr–Nov, ~1 h 15; Lavaux Panoramic from Chexbres; CGN lake boats call at Lutry, Cully, Rivaz–St-Saphorin.
Access: Vineyards are private – stay on signposted paths. Expect slopes and stone steps. Cycling only on authorised SchweizMobil routes.
Visiting hours: Year-round outdoors. Vinorama typically Mon–Sat 10:30–20:00, Sun 10:30–19:00; tourist trains run seasonally.
Visit duration: 2–4 h for one section; a full day with tastings and transfers.
Best time: May–October; harvest Sept–Oct. Morning and golden hour for softer light.
Notes: Respect ongoing vineyard works and growers’ directions. Picnic only in designated areas. Dogs on lead. Summer heat is amplified by the “three suns” – bring water and sun protection.
