Wine Travel Guide to Graubünden
Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest canton, offers a unique blend of alpine landscapes and vineyards. This region is home to the country’s highest vineyards and produces distinctive wines from indigenous grape varieties.
Towns and Villages
Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, serves as the capital of Graubünden. Its charming Old Town features wine bars and restaurants showcasing local wines.
Maienfeld, known as “Heidi Country,” combines literary fame with viticulture. Visit the Heidi Village and explore nearby vineyards.
Malans, a picturesque wine village, is home to several notable wineries. Take a stroll through its narrow streets lined with traditional Engadine houses.
Wine Producers
- Weingut Donatsch in Malans: Renowned for their Pinot Noir and Completer wines
- von Salis Weine in Maienfeld: Offers guided tours and tastings of their organic wines
- Gantenbein Wein in Fläsch: Produces highly sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Weingut Obrecht in Jenins: Specializes in biodynamic winemaking
Accommodations
Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina offers luxury accommodation with an extensive wine cellar. For a more intimate experience, try the Weingut Cottinelli in Maienfeld, which combines a winery with guest rooms.
In Chur, the Hotel Stern provides comfortable rooms and a restaurant featuring local wines. For a unique stay, consider the Schloss Schauenstein, a castle hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant and impressive wine list.
Dining
Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau offers a three-Michelin-starred experience with an extensive wine list. In Chur, Restaurant Rathauskeller serves traditional Graubünden cuisine paired with local wines.
For a more casual dining experience, visit Torkel Restaurant in Maienfeld, located in a historic wine press house. In Malans, Gasthaus Zum Ochsen offers hearty local dishes and a selection of Bündner wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Chur’s Weinrampe offers an extensive selection of local wines. Don’t miss Vinothek by Gerstl in Landquart for rare Graubünden vintages.
Torkel Bar in Maienfeld provides a cozy atmosphere to sample regional wines. In Malans, visit Weinbar zum Torkel for a curated list of Bündner wines.
Other Shops
Pick up local specialties at Metzgerei Brügger in Chur, known for their air-dried meats. Läckerli Huus in Davos offers traditional Swiss biscuits and chocolates.
For outdoor gear, visit Mammut Store in Chur. Caotina Chocolateria in Klosters is perfect for Swiss chocolate souvenirs.
Attractions
Explore the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Bernina Express offers stunning views of vineyards and alpine landscapes.
Visit the Swiss National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing at St. Moritz or Davos.
Events
Attend the Bündner Herrschaft Wine Festival in September for tastings and cellar tours. The Chur Wine Festival in August showcases local wines and culinary delights.
Experience the Stützli-Wine event in January, where skiers enjoy wine tastings on the slopes of Davos.
Appellations
Graubünden’s main wine appellation is Bündner Herrschaft, known for high-quality Pinot Noir. Churer Rheintal and Misox are smaller but notable wine-growing areas.
Look for wines labeled AOC Graubünden for assured quality and origin. Malanser is a prestigious designation for wines from Malans.
Grape Varieties
Graubünden’s wine scene is dominated by Pinot Noir, locally known as Blauburgunder. This grape thrives in the region’s cool climate and produces elegant, light-bodied red wines.
Other notable varieties include:
- Chardonnay
- Müller-Thurgau
- Riesling-Silvaner
- Completer (a rare local white variety)
Main Wine Styles
Graubünden is renowned for its light, elegant Pinot Noirs. These wines often display notes of red berries, spices, and earthy undertones.
White wines from the region tend to be crisp and aromatic, with Chardonnay and Müller-Thurgau leading the way.
Food Specialties
Graubünden’s culinary scene perfectly complements its wines. Local specialties include:
- Bündner Nusstorte: A rich caramelized nut tart
- Capuns: Swiss chard rolls stuffed with dough and meat
- Pizzoccheri: Buckwheat pasta with vegetables and cheese
- Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried beef, often served as an appetizer
Drives & Walks
The Weinwanderweg (Wine Hiking Trail) offers a scenic 6km walk through vineyards between Maienfeld and Jenins. This trail provides stunning views and opportunities to taste local wines.
For a longer drive, the Graubünden Wine Route spans 65km, connecting charming villages and top wineries. It’s perfect for a day trip or weekend exploration.
Itineraries
Weekend Wine Getaway
- Day 1: Explore Chur, visit Plantahof Winery
- Day 2: Drive to Maienfeld, hike the Weinwanderweg, end with dinner at Schloss Brandis
Week-long Wine Adventure
- Days 1-2: Chur and surrounding wineries
- Days 3-4: Maienfeld and the Bündner Herrschaft wine region
- Days 5-6: Explore the Valtellina region, tasting Italian-Swiss wines
- Day 7: Return to Chur, visit local wine shops for souvenirs
Getting There & Around
Chur, the capital of Graubünden, serves as the main gateway to the region. It’s well-connected by train to major Swiss cities like Zurich and St. Gallen.
Within Graubünden, the Rhaetian Railway offers scenic routes to wine regions. For flexibility, consider renting a car to explore remote vineyards.
Best Time to Visit
The autumn harvest season (September-October) offers ideal conditions for wine tourism. Vineyards are bustling with activity, and fall colors enhance the landscape.
Summer (June-August) is perfect for outdoor activities and wine festivals, while winter (December-February) combines wine tasting with skiing opportunities.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Graubünden wineries practice organic and biodynamic viticulture. Look for the “Bio Suisse” label when purchasing wines.
The region promotes eco-friendly tourism, with initiatives like the Graubünden ÖV-Inclusive program offering free public transport to guests.
Language Tips
German is widely spoken in Graubünden, but you’ll also hear Romansh, an ancient Romance language, in some areas.
Key wine terms:
- Wein (Wine)
- Weingut (Winery)
- Weinprobe (Wine tasting)
- Prost! (Cheers!)
Further Resources
For in-depth wine information, visit the Graubünden Wine Association website.
Download the “Wein-Wege Graubünden” app for self-guided wine tours and real-time winery information.