Valais Wine Region

Valais is Switzerland's largest and most prestigious wine region, located in the upper Rhône valley in the southwest of the country, bordered by France to the west and Italy to the south. The dramatic south-facing slopes of the alpine valley — protected from cold northern winds by the main Alpine chain — create warm, dry growing conditions with intense UV radiation from the mountain altitude (450–1,200m). Fendant (Chasselas) is the dominant white grape, producing crisp, mineral, easily drinkable whites; Petite Arvine is Valais's most distinctive indigenous variety, producing wines of extraordinary complexity — floral, honeyed, saline and intense. Dôle (a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay) is the traditional red; Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Amigne are indigenous rarities of genuine interest. The Valais is Switzerland's most internationally known wine region and the source of its finest wines.