A scenic train journey with SBB transports you to one of Switzerland’s most stunning treasures: the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Especially enchanting in the fall, during the harvest season, it’s the perfect time to hop on a train to Lausanne and then switch to a local line bound for one of Lavaux’s charming villages like Lutry, Epesses, Cully, Rivaz, Grandvaux, Chexbres, Riex, or Dézaley.
Exploring this picturesque region is a feast for the senses—taste exceptional wines crafted by passionate local winemakers while soaking in breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, framed by terraced vineyards.
We had the privilege of visiting the family-owned Domaine Gaillard in Epesses, nestled in the heart of Lavaux with a stunning vista over the lake. For four generations, the Gaillard family has cultivated these vineyards, producing a variety of white grapes—Chasselas, Savagnin Blanc, and Charmont—as well as reds like Gamay, Pinot Noir, Garanoir, and Merlot.
All of Gaillard’s wines are meticulously matured in their cellar in Epesses. The whites are vinified in enamelled steel vats, while their reds age gracefully in barrel cellars. Committed to sustainable practices, the vines are cultivated traditionally and in harmony with the environment, adhering to Vitiswiss standards. Harvesting is done by hand, and yields are carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality grapes.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply in search of a serene escape, a visit to Lavaux offers a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty, all just a scenic train ride away.
Photos Anastasia Diadio
