Picture this: you're standing in a wine cellar, the winemaker pours for you personally, tells you the story behind the wine - and outside the May sun shines on the vines. That is exactly what happens every May and June across Switzerland, when more than 500 estates open their doors at the same time. This isn't just a tasting - it's an experience. We've put together all the dates and the best tips for you.
All dates at a glance
German-speaking Switzerland
1-3 May 2026210+ wineries
- •Huge area: Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen, Graubünden, Thurgau, Bern and other cantons
- •The website has a handy map - you can filter by day and location
- •Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau dominate here, but there are also exciting rarities
- •Note: not every estate is open on all 3 days - a quick check beforehand saves frustration
Neuchâtel
8-9 May 202642 wineries
- •Top value: for CHF 30 you get a glass, wristband and access to all 42 estates
- •On top: a CHF 15 wine voucher and CHF 5 for food - the ticket practically pays for itself
- •Buy online and ride public transport free across the whole canton. On Saturday, 5 shuttle routes run
- •Neuchâtel is Oeil-de-Perdrix country - that rosé you have to taste on site
Valais
14-16 May 2026235 wineries
- •Anniversary! The 20th edition - and with 235 cellars by far the largest in Switzerland
- •55 grape varieties on almost 4'600 hectares - you're guaranteed to discover something new
- •Perfect for a day trip: vineyard hikes, shuttles, even activities for kids
- •On Saturday there's a PALP Festival concert with Sébastien Tellier on top
- •Tip: download the tasting map as a PDF beforehand and plan your route
Ticino
16-17 & 23-24 May 2026
- •Cantine Aperte celebrates its 26th edition - pure tradition
- •Here it's all about Merlot. And what Merlots!
- •Sopraceneri (Bellinzona, Locarno) on the first weekend, Sottoceneri (Lugano, Mendrisio) on the second
- •Take in both weekends and you experience the entire Ticino wine universe
Vaud
23-24 May 2026260 wineries
- •200+ winemakers across 6 different wine regions - you almost need a whole weekend
- •Wristband = free public transport across the whole canton. Cleverly done!
- •CHF 20 discount if you buy 6 bottles - hard to stop at just 6
- •Lavaux (UNESCO World Heritage!), La Côte, Chablais - Chasselas in all its facets
Geneva
30 May 202670 wineries
- •70 estates take part - compact and easily doable in one day
- •Geneva is fond of experimenting: alongside Chasselas and Gamay there are exciting new varieties
- •Beautiful setting between the Jura, the foothills of the Alps and the lake
Our tips
- Buy tickets online - In Neuchâtel and Vaud you get free public transport included. Worth it!
- Use public transport or a bike - If you're tasting, you don't drive. Most regions offer shuttles or free public transport.
- Be there early - Especially on Saturday it can get crowded. Friday or Sunday morning is more relaxed.
- Don't miss Valais - 235 cellars, 55 grape varieties, 20th anniversary. The biggest edition ever.
You'll find the complete map with all participating wineries at Swiss Wine: