Valais

"The vineyards of Valais are responsible for a third of the total wine-production in Switzerland. They extend over a hundred kilometres on each side of the Rhône. The right bank is the most important region: its well-exposed slopes continually stretch from the villages of Fully and Chamoson in the west, through Conthey and Sion in the central Valais, to finally reach Salquenen in the east. On the left bank, small vineyards are scattered from the Lake of Geneva to Sierre, passing through Martigny and Riddes. In the Haut-Valais, the vineyards are deeply penetrating into lateral valleys. That of Visperterminen notably counts among the highest in Europe.
The favourable, sunny and dry climate, as well as the diversity of soils, changing from one plot to another, account for the amazing richness of unique wines that the Valais produces from a wide range of grape varieties. As well as the astonishing and robust reds, originating from indigenous grape varieties, one can also find the noble and delicate Pinot Noir wines, the principal variety in the famous Dôle blend. The range of white wines goes from the light and delicate Fendant to specialities, such as the full and complex late-harvest wines.
The canton of Valais really is a paradise for the wine-lovers, who wish to make new discoveries and to have the most diverse experiences."

With over 5,136 ha (13,000 acres), 20,000 winegrowers and 700 winemakers, the canton of Valais is not only Switzerland's biggest wine-producing region, but it also offers the greatest diversity of wines, both red and white.
Even though the Fendant and the Dôle are the most well-known terms of origin, the Valais' specialities are now winning more and more importance. These specialities are issued from indigenous grape varieties, which are vinified either separately or in blend.