Valais

Located in the southwest, Valais is Switzerland’s largest wine region accounting for approximately one third of the country’s production. Protected by the Alps, and bordering Italy and France in the south, the climate of Valais is a continental one. Annual rainfall is low, and autumns are often warm which allows harvesting of some later varieties. While the majority of wine produced in Valais is red, predominantly Pinot Noir, it is well-known for its white wine, Fendant (Fendant is a synonym of Chasselas and is the official name given to this varietal in the Valais region only) and Sylvaner, which is sold as Johannisberg. It boasts Switzerland’s largest diversity of varietals, 33 white and 26 red, which includes whites such as Petite Arvine, Amigne and Heida, and reds including, Humagne and Cornalin. As one of Switzerland’s warmest and driest regions, it is also successfully in growing international varietals such as Syrah.