Lavaux - Terraced Vineyards
Lavaux is Switzerland's wine region. It consists of 830 hectares of terraced vineyards that span for around 30 kilometers along Lake Geneva's northern shoreline.
Although there is evidence that wine was produced within the area already during Roman times, the original vine terraces date back to the 11th century when the territory was ruled by Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries. Benefitting from a mild climate, the southern face of the terraces, with the sun reflecting in the lake and the stone walls, gives the location a Mediterranean atmosphere. Chasselas is the most common wine grape variety planted here.
The vineyards of Lavaux are protected from development by cantonal law. Lavaux has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2007.
Hiking in the vineyards of Lavaux is a popular activity. From Saint-Saphorin to Lutry, there is a hiking trail called "Terrasses de Lavaux."
