Valais

The Valais is Switzerland's largest and sunniest wine region, following the Rhône from the high Alps down toward Lake Geneva. Terraced slopes above Sion, Sierre and Martigny grow more than fifty grape varieties — led by the Chasselas known here as Fendant, the aromatic Petite Arvine and the deep, spicy red Cornalin, alongside Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Dry mountain air, big day-night temperature swings and some of the steepest vineyards in Europe give Valais wines their concentration. Cellar doors cluster along the wine road through Sierre and around Sion, an easy train ride up the valley from Lake Geneva.