It is the same procedure every year… Wineries throughout most of the German-speaking Cantons open their doors for wine tastings on the first of May. It is a young tradition…but, one that is growing rapidly in popularity. This year over 190 wineries will host tastings – many of which also include food, music and other interesting cultural events.

Cantons participating this year include: Basel-Stadt, Baselland, Aargau, Luzern, Schwyz, Zürich, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, St. Gallen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden and Graubünden. 

More information about the day and participating wineries can be found in the official informational brochure for Tag der offenen Weinkeller: Brochure (pdf document in German).

Wine visits and tastings are always free, although some of the wineries will charge a nominal fee for the food. Tastings and visits run from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, and many of the wineries will be happy to sell their wines directly. This increasingly popular event is a great opportunity to discover some wines which are rarely available in many wine shops.

Here are a few ideas to consider if you are planning to visit some wineries this year:

• Select a small wine region and walk or drive from winery to winery (some areas will offer shuttle buses) to learn more about that region’s wines
• Pick a specific grape variety and visit several wineries in different regions to discover different regional styles
• Combine a wine tour with a hike – several additional Cantons are participating this year because the first of May falls on a Saturday; they offer fabulous opportunities for a pleasant spring hike. There are some great hikes around Eglisau, Hallau and Oberhallau in Canton Schaffhausen; Lake walks between Stäfa and Männedorf near the Lake of Zürich; mountain vista walks in Canton Graubünden (more about the Graubünden Wine Trail)

You can find out more about this event and get listings of all participating wineries by visiting the official website: www.offeneweinkeller.ch

You can find out more about Swiss wine and their grape varieties in our web site: www.laughinglemon.ch/wine/swiss_wines.htm