La Côte Wine Region

La Côte is a sub-region in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is a region on the banks of Lake Geneva that features vineyards, mountains, rural areas, and charming towns. Its grapes, which ripened across from Lake Geneva, produce exceptional red and white wines. Every vintner's cellar serves Chasselas, the most popular variety. The region is a popular destination for tourists and wine lovers.

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Where is La Côte Wine Region?

La Côte, sometimes known as "The Slope," is a portion of the sloping north shore of Lake Geneva, which runs through the Swiss canton of Vaud and stretches from Nyon to Lausanne. La Côte AOC, which covers around 2,000 hectares of vineyards, is the largest wine-producing region in the Lake Geneva Region and a popular wine tourist destination.

The History of the La Côte Wine Region

The ruins of the Roman era present in this region indicate that the vineyards may be cultivated during that time. But similar to the Lavaux wine sub-region, the La Côte vineyards can be also traced back to the 11th century, when the area was under the administration of the Benedictine and Cistercian monks.

The Terroir of La Côte

The largest vineyard in the Lake Geneva Region is located in the diversified region of La Côte. Lakeshore, hills, or rivers: La Côte's many landscapes and soils make it a great location for numerous grape kinds, whether white or red, delicate or strong. The vineyards are cultivated on the slopes, which means that the region is able to produce wine grapes of the best quality because it’s not too hot or too cold for them to grow. Furthermore, its location also contributes to its unique taste because it’s not influenced by any other climate than the Swiss climate. Some of the grape varieties that are grown here are Chasselas, Gamay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine Characteristics of La Côte Wine

The La Côte region is famous for producing both red and white wines. However, the Chasselas grape variety reigns supreme in the Lake Geneva Region. 

• Chasselas is a very old varietal that originated in the Lemanic Arc (north of Lake Geneva), where it has been known as Fendant. Chasselas ripens early while on the vine, making it an excellent choice for Switzerland's chilly alpine slopes. This white wine has a delicate, sweet taste and a hint of strawberry. This wine pairs well with delicate seafood dishes and cheeses. 

Food to Pair with La Côte wine

Bouchefas 

Swiss sausage called bouchefas is made in the Vaud area. The sausage is produced from pork and placed inside a pig's intestine, where it takes on its characteristically plump shape and is tied shut with a string. Compared to its thinner counterparts, it is kept moister on the interior by its shape.

Fondue Genevoise

A traditional Swiss fondue variant from Geneva is called fondue Genevese. Egg yolks, butter, milk, sugar, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese—either Emmenthal or Gruyère—are all combined to make the fondue. Grated cheese, chunks of butter, sugar, nutmeg, salt, and pepper are combined with the egg yolk.

Tomme Vaudoise Cheese

It is made from raw cow's milk and has a very complex taste. Tomme Vaudoise can be paired with wine for a light and refreshing meal. It is often eaten as an appetizer to accompany red wines. The flavors are fresh, green, and just a little acidic, while the fragrances are fresh. It is advised to use the cheese in pasta dishes, pan-fry it, top salads with it, and serve it with a glass of dry white wine.

Places to Visit in La Côte Wine Region

La Côte is also a historical location, with various castles to visit along with wonderful trails for the ideal relaxing vacation.

La Côte Vineyard Route

With 2,000 hectares of vines, the famed Vineyard Route is the ideal way to discover the La Côte wine area. This beautifully designated trail is more than 50 kilometers long and offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, and Lake Geneva. There is so much to explore, whether you are traveling by foot or bicycle, including breathtaking landscapes, outstanding wines, gourmet foods, and distinctive arts and crafts. For hikers on the Vineyard Route, cozy guest homes, gourmet eateries, and country diners make for the ideal rest and refueling breaks.

Lausanne History Museum

The Historical Museum in Lausanne, completely renovated in 2018, chronicles the town's history. Lausanne, l'Exposition (Lausanne, the Exhibition), a new thematic itinerary that pays witness to Lausanne's extremely rich economic, social, and cultural history, is introduced by the famous model of the Cité in 1638.

Roman Museum

Let the artifacts in the Nyon Roman Museum transport you to Noviodunum, the city that Julius Caesar established on the banks of Lake Geneva more than 2,000 years ago. The museum, which is near the castle, has both temporary and permanent exhibits as well as kid-friendly activities. The exceptionally rich permanent collection includes special sculptures as well as artifacts from daily life, culture, and religion. Numerous amphora and other items related to vines and wine bear witness to the lengthy history of the La Côte AOC vineyard in the vicinity of Nyon.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Côte Wine Region