Lavaux

Lavaux is a wine-growing region on the north shore of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The landscape is notable for its steep, south-facing vineyards arranged in dry-stone terrace walls, which climb the hillside from the lake toward the villages along the shore, roughly between Lausanne and Vevey.

The terrace system dates from medieval times and was developed by monastic communities and local farmers. The terraces are maintained by stone retaining walls, creating a distinctive stepped panorama that has shaped local agrarian life for centuries.

Viticulture and wine: The region is best known for white wines produced mainly from the Chasselas grape, commonly labelled Fendant in local Swiss markets. Red wines from Pinot Noir and Gamay are also produced in smaller quantities. The wines are typically light, crisp, and mineral, reflecting the lake influence and calcareous soils.

UNESCO designation: In 2007, Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces along the Lake Geneva shoreline, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and the long-standing interaction between people and the natural environment.

Today, Lavaux is a popular destination for wine tourism, with scenic footpaths, wine cellars, and village charm at Epesses, Saint-Saphorin, Grandvaux, Cully, and other communities. Visitors can enjoy winery tastings and views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.