Valais Wine Route

Carved into the steep, sun-drenched slopes of the Rhône Valley, the Valais Wine Route is a spectacular journey through Switzerland’s most important wine region. This isn't just a drive; it's a sensory immersion where terraced vineyards cling to mountainsides, medieval villages dot the landscape, and the air smells of apricots and alpine herbs. The route winds for about 120 km between Martigny and Visp, offering world-class white wines (especially the minerally Petite Arvine and Heida), dramatic views of the Bernese Alps, and a deep-rooted wine culture that dates back to Roman times.

Highlights & What to See

• World-class wine tasting – Sample rare Swiss varietals at family-run domaines and village cellars; don't miss the crisp Petite Arvine and the full-bodied Syrah from the sun-baked slopes of Fully.
• Medieval hilltop villages – Explore the cobbled lanes of Sion, with its twin castles (Valère and Tourbillon), and the picture-perfect village of Salgesch, famous for its wine museum and historic vintner houses.
• Bisse du Ro – Hike along this ancient irrigation channel (bisse) that snakes through the vineyards above Sierre, offering panoramic views and a refreshing escape into the terraced landscape.
• Leukerbad thermal baths – Soak in the Alpine thermal waters after a day of tasting; the combination of wine and hot springs is pure Valais indulgence.
• Vineyard terraces of Fully – Walk among the dramatic, steep terraces that produce some of Switzerland's finest reds, with the Rhône River glittering far below.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two full days to properly enjoy the Valais Wine Route. Dedicate the first day to the western section from Martigny to Sierre, stopping at villages like Fully and Saillon for tastings and a hike on the Bisse du Ro. On the second day, explore the eastern stretch from Sierre to Visp, including a morning in Sion's castles and an afternoon tasting in Salgesch or Leuk. If you're a serious oenophile, add a third day for a guided cellar tour or a visit to the vineyards of Visperterminen, home to Europe’s highest vineyards.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Zermatt & the Matterhorn – A scenic train ride away, this iconic car-free resort offers world-class hiking and the unforgettable view of the Matterhorn.
• Saas-Fee – The “Pearl of the Alps” is a glacier village with year-round skiing and dramatic glacier tours, perfect for adventurers.
• Aletsch Glacier – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest glacier in the Alps is accessible from the Valais side via the Jungfrau Railway or hiking trails around Bettmeralp.
• Lavaux Vineyard Terraces – Continue your wine journey west to Lake Geneva’s terraced vineyards, another UNESCO-listed landscape with stunning lake views.
• Montreux & Chillon Castle – Combine wine with lakeside elegance: the flower-lined promenade of Montreux and the fairy-tale Chillon Castle are an easy drive from the western end of the route.

Please check official sources for current details.