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Can you visit the Lavaux Terracede Vineyards in the winter? Two winters ago I started planning a work trip to Lausanne, Switzerland in the winter. That trip ended up falling through, but while I was planning it, I had trouble finding out what I could do during the winter. Last winter when that same work trip came around again, I still had trouble finding out what was open and what wasn’t. I especially wanted to visit the Lavaux Terraced Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but could not find out information about it. Spoiler: you can visit, but maybe not everything.
Lavaux Terraced Vineyards In the Winter: Overview
The Lavaux Terraced Vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. The vineyards stretch 30 kilometers along the shore, between the mountains and the lake, using the retaining wall-type structure to be built into the slopes of the foothills. In 2007, the terraces became a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating the history of the region, and the interconnection of the landscape and the winemakers for centuries.
Can you visit Lavaux Terraced Vineyards in the Winter?
Yes, absolutely you can visit Lavaux Terraced Vineyards in the winter. I visited in early December, and found the weather to be much milder than I anticipated. The temperature was about 50℉/ 10℃ the few days I was there. The skies above Lake Geneva were bluebird blue and sunny, with few clouds. It did rain the last day we were there, and the temperature dropped a bit.
In the winter, you may find that more of the wineries are closed during the week, and open on the weekends. This was the case during my visit. On one Thursday afternoon, the wineries we visited were closed so we couldn’t do tastings there. Many close after the October harvest until the spring. The calendar on the Lavaux site lists opening hours, although in the winter I recommend calling ahead. In the summer, it is imperative you call ahead to make a reservation.
The Vinorama tasting room was open, and we were able to learn about the region and do a tasting of red and/or white wines accompanied by a cheese plate. The chasselas wine, a local white wine from the Lavaux region, was my favorite.
Even with the tasting rooms being closed, we were still able to walk among the terraces on the windy roads, or the well-kept paths between terraces. The sun kept us quite warm. It’s said that this region is home to “three suns” – the sunshine itself, the reflection of the sun off the lake, and the warmth from the stone walls.
Where to hike in Lavaux Terraced Vineyards in the Winter?
In the winter you can make your own way through the vineyards at your own pace. I was quite overwhelmed by the options (like those below) of “the best hikes in Lavaux”. Once I got there, I realized you can always see the lake from the vineyards so…you can’t really get lost. It’s not overwhelming at all!
Below is my patent-pending Best Hike Formula for Lavaux:
- Pick a town that you want to take a train or bus to. Cully, Grandvaux and Epesses are all on a train line directly from Lausanne station and free with your Lausanne transport card. Expect to spend 20-25 minutes on a train. If you want to venture further, purchase a train ticket.
- Get off the train and head uphill. You’ll see steps cut into the terraces or curvy roads back and forth that you can walk along.
- If you find an open vineyard, great! Stop for wine.
- If you bring some water, and pick up cheese/snacks ahead of time you can walk even longer.
- If you don’t, walk until you are tired and then catch a train or bus back home.
That’s it, that’s all you need to know. But if you want recommendations on other hikes in the region:
Lavaux Panoramic Trail:
Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlights: This trail offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the vineyards. Starting in Cully and passing through Grandvaux, it provides an excellent introduction to the beauty of the Lavaux terraced vineyards. Stop whenever you are tired, there are many train stations or bus stops along the way.
Saint-Saphorin to Rivaz Vineyard Walk:
Distance: Around 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Highlights: This shorter hike takes you through the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, passing charming villages like Saint-Saphorin and Rivaz. It’s a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll with plenty of opportunities for wine tasting along the way.
Lutry to Cully Lakeside Hike:
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Highlights: This lakeside trail allows you to enjoy both the vineyards and the scenic shores of Lake Geneva. Starting in Lutry, the path takes you along the lake with great views to Cully.
Grandvaux to Bossière Vineyard Loop:
Distance: Around 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlights: This loop trail takes you through the vineyards of Grandvaux and Bossière, providing varied terrain and great views. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll have the chance to explore two charming villages along the way.
Cully to Riex Vineyard Circular Trail:
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: This circular trail starts in Cully and takes you through the vineyards to Riex and back. It’s a relatively easy hike with rewarding views, making it suitable for families and those looking for a more relaxed trek.
How to reach Lavaux Terraced Vineyards
To reach Lavaux, fly into the Geneva International Airport (GVA). The train station is connected to the airport, and there ~80 trains a day to Lausanne, the largest city near Lavaux. The next largest city is Montreux, on the other end of Lake Geneva. A train to Lausanne takes between 45 minutes to an hour, and another thirty minutes to continue to Montreux. You can get get off at almost any stop between Lausanne and Montreux to reach the vineyards.
Lavaux by car: 20-45 minutes from Lausanne or Montreux, depending on the vineyard. Most vineyards or tasting rooms have parking or you can take a cab, Uber or Lyft. Lavaux is known for its narrow and winding roads. It is illegal to drive intoxicated in Switzerland, so do not drink and drive.
Lavaux by public transportation: The vineyards can be reached by multiple forms of public transportation, including boat, train, bus and funicular. You can even take a scenic lake cruise to Vevey to see the stunning vineyards from the water. It’s also easily bikeable from many of the villages. Bus and train are the most efficient and popular.
Train is the most efficient, as S2 and S3 trains stop along the lake from Lausanne, 15-45 minutes with several per hour.
Buses cover distance along the lake and into the hills and take slightly longer, 30-60 minutes from Lausanne.
Do I need a car to reach Lavaux Terraced Vineyards?
No, you do not need a car to reach the Lavaux Vineyards. The vineyards are easily reachable from all forms of public transportation, and part of the journey is walking between them on the hills.
If you are staying in Lavaux or Montreux, your free public transportation card will cover some or all of the cost of the journey to the vineyards. Swiss public transportation is almost always on time, clean, and frequent.
If you do need a car, consider calling a cab/Uber/Lyft instead. It cost us about 20 francs from Lausanne to Vinorama.
Do I need a guide at Lavaux Terraced Vineyards?
No, you do not need to hire a guide to visit the Lavaux Terraced Vineyards. The vineyards are very easily reachable by public transportation, and the hikes are not technical enough to require a guide.
A guided tour may be beneficial to provide additional education about the wines you are trying, or to visit a winery not normally open to the public. Some tours of Lavaux allow you to visit many sites, like the vineyards, Chateau de Chillon, and small towns from a comfortable bus. These options are a better option for visitors with limited time or limited mobility.
What do I wear or bring to the Lavaux Terraced Vineyards in the winter?
This part of Lake Geneva receives quite a bit of sun during the day, so regardless of weather bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. During the summer, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are wine tasting!
During the winter, dress in layers as it can be quite windy. Many restaurants are closed, so bring water and snacks to enjoy on your hikes. I carried a puffer coat on my trip in December, but was warm enough in the sun without it. The next day it rained and I wore a cashmere sweater and a rain jacket to stay dry and warm.
Where to stay
You can stay in Lausanne or Montreux, both being larger cities with chain hotels. You may also find guesthouses, often called auberges in French, in the towns along the Lavaux area as well.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a lovely city to spend a few days in, has many chain hotels, although few apartment rentals, and is easily reached from Geneva by train. If you are spending time in Switzerland and want a good home base for day trips, Lausanne is a good location. Especiallly if you visit the Lavaux Vineyards in the winter, because Lausanne has grocery stores, shopping, and plenty to do.
Budget
If you’re looking for a budget option, staying in a hotel or hostel is the way to go over a homestay, since you’ll automatically get a transport card with your stay. I only saw three listings on VRBO, and the only centrally located option had no reviews so I won’t link to it.
Youth Hostel Jeunotel (from $50): This Lausanne hostel does not seem to have an age limit, although you do need to be a Swiss Hostel Member.
The Tulip Inn (from $125) is connected to the convention center and is a step up.
Mid-range
Ibis Styles MadHouse (from $160): I stayed here for one night, and I actually preferred the Ibis because, though the room was smaller, it had a coffee pot, came with water and a snack, and the staff was nicer.
Moxy Lausanne City (from $180): I stayed here for three nights. The Moxy got me Marriott nights, had USB ports that worked, and a larger room. The plaza outside was very loud at night; reviews said to ask for a room not facing the plaza.
Upscale to Luxury
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa (from $400): I wish I could have stayed there. It’s down closer to the lake and I heard from friends that it’s amazing. A lot of the blogs I read before visiting recommended their day spa as the best in the city.
Chateau d’Ouchy (from $300): It’s a converted castle for $300 a night on the shores of Lake Geneva. I cannot believe I did not book this hotel – the only way it could be more Hi Friends is if it came with an audio tour.
Montreux
Montreux is known as the “Montreux Riviera” and has a wonderful Christmas market during the winter. It is a little more upscale than Lausanne, and is within walking distance of the Chateau de Chillon castle. This is a good town to visit the Lavaux Vineyards in the winter because of all of the holiday market activities to keep you busy.
Budget
Tralala Hotel Montreux (from $130): A charming Swiss looking hotel with rooms centered on music themes. Many rooms have lake views. Also has a bar!
Cosy and Bright Apartment in Montreux (from $148): A modern looking apartment that sleeps two in the one bedroom. Has a complete kitchen with stainless appliances near the city center.
Midrange
Villa Toscane (from $158): An art deco hotel with a spa that is closer to the train station. They have triple rooms, which are sometimes hard to find.
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (from $230) by Marriott’s Autograph Collection: It’s the Grand Budapest Hotel come to life. The only problem is that it is in MONTREUX. When you search the Marriott site for Lausanne it comes up and I almost booked it, but it is in MONTREUX. So if you are staying in Montreux to go to the Christmas markets and the chateau, stay here!!!! Let me live vicariously through you.
Upscale to Luxury
Le Jazz Apartment (from $526): Stunning apartment in a central location in Montreux, which has a balcony to overlook the lake.
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace (from $375): What a stunning hotel right on the water! You can never go wrong with a Fairmont.
Lavaux Region
Ten communities are part of the Lavaux region, between the Lutry and Vevey Valleys. Any of these will have guesthouses, small hotels or apartments. Look in: Lutry, Bourg-en-Lavaux (Cully, Epesses, Grandvaux, Riex and Villette), Chexbres, Puidoux, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin, Chardonne, Corseaux, Corsier-sur-Vevey and Jongny. If you can base yourself in a larger area in the winter, try to do so.
Budget
Hotel Lavaux, Cully (from $140): On the shores of lake Geneva, with options for twin rooms or apartments. This hotel is pet friendly and has views of the lake.
Hostellerie de L’Hotel De Ville, Vevey (from $129): Located in the slightly larger town of Vevey, and near the Charlie Chaplin statue. This hotel has very affordable rooms with a kitchenette.
Swiss chalet with kitchen, Chexbres (from $153): This flat nestled in a traditional looking Swiss chalet sleeps two with a full kitchen and views of the lake.
Midrange
Castle in the Vineyards, Burignon (from $230): Stay in a vineyard in the hills of Lavaux! This flat is on the upper floor of an older stone home, with a kitchen, bedroom, and a garden in the lawn. Best of all, you can try their wine at the home’s winebar.
Auberge de la Gare, Grandvaux (from $260): This comfortable hotel has views of the lake and the vineyards from up higher on the hill. Pet-friendly and parking included.
Upscale to Luxury
Le Mirador Resort and Spa, Mont Pelerin (from $400): You cannot go wrong with a Swiss spa hotel. Set higher up in the hills, the views from this hotel are stunning.
Conclusion
I hope you found this three day itinerary helpful for when you visit Lavaux Vineyard region in the winter! If you visit and find this helpful, find me on Instagram or Threads- at HiFriendsItsLaura
