Former BikeTours.com tour advisor Alexandra Pitzer recommends a (wine and) bike tour in Switzerland. Read on to see why, and check out the Swiss Lakes by Ebike: Lake Geneva to Lake Zurich.
If you love wine, you’re already familiar with Europe’s most celebrated wine regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Burgundy. These classic areas certainly do not disappoint, but if you’d like to diverge from the beaten path, head to Switzerland.
The Lavaux vineyards outside of Lausanne. The sun-drenched Lavaux vineyards around Lake Geneva are one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. Winemakers in the Francophone cantons of Geneva and Vaud specialize in artisanal batches of light and bubbly white wines made from the Chasselas grape. The wine is so refreshing, crisp, and delicious, that the Swiss don’t want (or need) to share. They export a mere 2% of the wine that they produce, which means that the easiest way to sample a Swiss white is at the source.
The Lavaux vineyards, Lake Geneva, and the Swiss Alps grace the route from Lausanne to Vevey and are among the steepest in the world. Stone walls that date from medieval times support the vine-covered slopes, and the wine is still processed as it has been since the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monks began making wine in the region. The beauty and rich history of the Lavaux vineyards earned them a UNESCO World Heritage distinction.
Sampling white wines is enhanced by the stunning scenery of Lake Geneva. Cycling paths meander through vineyards that slope down to hypnotically tranquil blue waters of the lake. The Alps tower overhead to complete the truly dreamlike panoramic landscape. Sailboats on the lake, quaint villages with red tile roofs and cobblestone streets, the cultural gem of Geneva, and the resort towns of Vevey and Montreux all add to Lake Geneva’s appeal.
Boat rides depart from Geneva, giving tourists another view of Lake Geneva. If you’re ready to escape crowds of tourists and soak up the crisp mountain air with a glass of white in hand, plan your next wine and bike tour in the Lavaux vineyards of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva. Check out our Rhone River Route tour for an unforgettable cycling experience.