The Edible Switzerland calendar of events to help you plan a food and wine trip to Switzerland
Updated: 22 Feb 2025
If you’re a foodie and you are planning a trip to Switzerland in the coming months but don’t know where to start, it’s well worth checking out a calendar of food and wine events. Not only will you find new locations to add to your list, but you’ll also get to explore the region’s food and wine the way the locals do.
Read on to see what our EdibleSwitzerland travel team has put together to help you plan a tasty itinerary.
Swiss Wine Open Cellar Days
This May (2025) locals and visitors can explore vineyards, meet winemakers, and sample exquisite local wines across all Swiss wine regions.
Open Cellar Days are a series of events where winemakers across different Swiss wine regions open their doors to the public. These events usually occur in April and May each year, allowing visitors to tour vineyards, taste wines, and learn about wine production directly from the vintners. It’s a chance to discover new favourites and buy wines directly from the producers.
Open cellar dates (late April & weekends in May)
- German-speaking Switzerland | 1 to 4 May 2025
The German-speaking region of Switzerland kicks off Open Cellar Days with a unique charm, spread across 16 cantons and 20 AOCs. Known for its Pinot Noir (locally called Blauburgunder) and Müller-Thurgau, this area is bubbling with renewed interest in traditional grape varieties. Watch out for wines produced from indigenous grapes that have all but vanished.
- Neuchâtel | 9 and 10 May 2025
Neuchâtel offers a two-day event where local winemakers showcase their skills. Nestled between the Jura mountains and Lake Neuchâtel, you’ll find great wines and breathtaking views. - Valais | 29 to 31 May 2025
Mid-May brings us to Valais, renowned for its robust reds and crisp white wines. The wines to discover in this region are Petite Arvine, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Humagne Blanc. Wine lovers can delve into the offerings of Switzerland’s most prolific wine-producing areas and discover varieties you’ll have a hard time finding outside of Switzerland. - Ticino | 17 – 18 May 2025 in Sopraceneri and 24 – 25 May 2025 in Sottoceneri.
Experience Italian flair in Ticino, where you can explore distinct regions. Sottoceneri in the south and Sopraceneri in the north offer varied terroirs and wine styles, reflecting Ticino’s diverse landscape. If you’ve got the time, it’s well worth visiting both. - Vaud | 7 – 8 June 2025
Vaud’s Open Cellar Days are a must for anyone interested in the traditional Swiss winemaking heritage in the heart of French-speaking Switzerland. Winemakers here are known for their incarnations of Chasselas but have you ever heard of Charmont? Also, the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly spectacular. - Geneva | 24 May 2025
Geneva’s wineries open their doors on the last Saturday of May. This is an excellent opportunity to explore scenic vineyards (France is right next door, literally) and the variety of wines.
Here is a visual of these wine regions compliments of the national Swiss Wine Promotion organization which published a short guide on the history of wine and wine regions in Switzerland. Click the image to enalarge it.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland during Open Cellar Days, reach out to our travel team to assist with arranging local accommodation (local BnBs, chalets, agrotourism, or 5-star hotels) and local transportation. We’ll also help you discover plenty of other activities, such as hiking or eBiking, to complement your Swiss wine discovery experiences.
Memoroires des Vins Suisses Tasting in Lausanne
Lausanne Palace, Rue du Grand-Chêne 7/9, 1003 Lausanne
Monday, March 10, 2025, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Free entry with pre-registration. CHF 20 at the door.
Every year, the renowned association Mémoire des Vins Suisses—gathering the finest Swiss wine producers, journalists, and experts—unveils its extraordinary collection of aged wines. This storied cellar houses nearly 30,000 premium wines from 59 winemakers across the country, some dating back more than two decades. At this exclusive tasting, the “Memory winegrowers” showcase their latest vintage, a perfectly matured vintage, and a delightful surprise bottle, revealing just how beautifully Swiss wines can age over time.
Lausanne Palace, Rue du Grand-Chêne 7/9, 1003 Lausanne
Monday, March 10, 2025, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Free entry with pre-registration; CHF 20 at the door.
At the Heart of the Harvest (late September, early October)
Experience Swiss wine culture “At the Heart of the Harvest“! On weekends in late September and early October, this nationwide event invites you to experience centuries-old traditions firsthand. Join winegrowers and winemakers for a half-day of fun, learning, and tasting delicious wines. You’ll get to see how grapes are harvested by hand from the steep slopes of the vineyards to the transformation in the cellars–many of which have been around for five or more generations.
Come and be part of the harvest adventure, where you’ll discover the hard work and beauty of winemaking in a natural and friendly environment!
Week of taste (18-28 September 2025)
The Swiss Week of Taste is all about celebrating food and culinary experiences while fostering connections within the Swiss food community. It includes events that celebrate taste, authenticity, and the enjoyment of food, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
Vendors commit to promoting diverse tastes, preserving culinary traditions, supporting local and sustainable production, and educating participants about food and nutrition. The events emphasize the importance of healthy, eco-friendly food systems.
Visit the canton of Valais
The canton of Valais is not only the ideal location to take advantage of several Open Cellar Days, but the region also offers several notable wine events throughout the year.
Each event offers a unique perspective of Valais’s winemaking techniques and culinary traditions, allowing wine enthusiasts to savour local specialities such as Raclette and Heida wine while exploring the region’s picturesque vineyards and historic cellars.
Alpine Terroir and Cheese Market (June)
The Palfestival includes several events, such as the Great Alpine Terroir and Cheese Market. Yep, you read that right – cheese! These markets offer a venue to explore the region’s diverse agricultural products, including wines, cheeses, and other local specialities.
Tavolata Valais (August)
Throughout August, local wineries host a special dinner. A vintner’s tavolata is a joyful feast hosted by local winemakers right in their vineyards or cellars. Picture a long, communal table filled with delicious regional dishes, each paired with the winemaker’s own wines. It’s a fun and relaxed way to savour great food, sip amazing wine, and hear the winemaker’s stories firsthand. Find out all details on their website.
Marché des Cépages (September)
Stroll through beautiful vineyards and taste wines from local producers. Part wine-tasting and part scenic hike, the Marche des Cepages is an immersive way to experience the diversity of Valais wines. Get more details on marchedescepages.ch.
VINEA Le Salon of Swiss wines (November)
Step into the heart of Swiss wine at VINEA salon, where wine lovers unite under a festive tent to sample award-winning selections and meet passionate Swiss wine producers. With tasting workshops, wine box sales, and medal-winning wines on hand, this event offers a true celebration of Swiss wine culture. Buy your tickets here.
Christmas Advent Market (end of November)
As the year winds down, the Christmas Advent Market in Salquenen is a festive way to enjoy the local wines and winter atmosphere. Set against a backdrop of snowy landscapes and seasonal decorations, this market is perfect for finding unique gifts and sipping warm, spiced wine.
Venture to the canton of Vaud
From wine tastings amidst breathtaking landscapes to gourmet festivals showcasing the finest local cuisine, there’s no shortage of delectable experiences to savour in Vaud.
Championnat du Monde des Tracassets (end of April)
Held every other year in the winemaking village of Epesses, the Championnat du Monde des Tracassets involves racing traditional winegrowers’ carts. It’s a celebration of local customs and community, surrounded by the scenery of the Lavaux vineyard terraces. Of course, there is local wine, beer, food, and other delicacies offered throughout this event.
Lausanne à Table
Discover a tastier side of Lausanne with Lausanne à Table! This vibrant association hosts food festivals, tastings, workshops, and markets, celebrating the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Join local chefs, artisans, and producers for unique, mouth-watering experiences that make Lausanne a must-visit for food lovers.
Salon BioVino (May)
BioVino is the reference event for organic wines and winemakers in Switzerland, where visitors can enjoy tasting and chatting with the growers and makers in a friendly atmosphere under one roof.
Sentier Gourmand Lavaux (June)
The Sentier Gourmand Lavaux offers a delightful walking tour through the beautiful Lavaux vineyards. Enjoy gourmet stops along the way and sample some local wines and dishes. It’s a perfect blend of scenic beauty and culinary excellence.
Salon Divinium (March, November)
The Salon Divinum is a premier wine fair where numerous Swiss winemakers from all regions gather to showcase their best products. It takes place twice a year in Vaud, in Morges in March and Aigle in November. It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste a wide array of wines in one place and meet the passionate people behind them.
Chemin du Capitres: Lavaux Vineyard Gourmet Walk (September)
Savor a different local wine and dish at each of seven capites overlooking the stunning Lavaux vineyards. Non-alcoholic Swiss Bulles are available for younger guests, and every ticket includes transport to the trailhead, a tasting glass, and a hat. Plan for an approximate two-hour stroll starting from the Cully Wine Union. This event isn’t suitable for strollers or those with reduced mobility, and menus are fixed. For more details, visit their website!
Salon DiVines (November)
More and more women in Switzerland are joining the world of wine as merchants, vineyard owners, winemakers, or oenologists. Passionate and environmentally conscious, they produce wines that reflect their personality and values. DiVINes!, the Swiss Women Winemakers’ Fair, celebrates their contribution to the wine industry and promotes diversity in wine production and appreciation.
Taste regional delights in the canton of Fribourg
Most people want to visit the Gruyères (cheese, castle, and chocolate), but be sure not to miss Gouts et terroirs. Wander through the heart of the wonderful world of flavours presented by 300 artisan Swiss producers and taste AOP-IGP Swiss products.
The city of Fribourg has joined the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities for Gastronomy. With a rich agricultural backdrop producing iconic Gruyère AOP and Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, Fribourg stands as a guardian of living traditions like the Bénichon and St-Nicolas festival.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland reach out to our travel team to assist with arranging local accommodation (local BnBs, chalets, agrotourism, or 5-star hotels) and local transportation. We’ll also help you discover plenty of other activities, such as hiking or eBiking, to complement your Swiss wine discovery experiences.
Chocolatismo at the Botanical Garden of Neuchâtel (November)
Chocolatissimo in Neuchâtel is based at the Hôtel de Ville in the centre of town. It is a chocolate and patisserie competition by local apprentices, workshops for kids, wine & chocolate pairing, and of course lots of chocolate to try! There are other activities on and around including the one at the botanic garden, free tours of the former Suchard chocolate-making area, gourmet chocolate cooking classes, etc. Or join the hunt and vote for your favourite “golden” truffle! Get the programme here.
Visit German-speaking Switzerland
With its vibrant cities and picturesque landscapes, German-speaking Switzerland offers a range of events celebrating wine and food, attracting foodies from across the globe.
Neuchâtel Winemakers Roadshow
Experience the celebrated Neuchâtel terroir as it journeys through five cities in German-speaking Switzerland. Each attending winemaker will present up to six wines from their portfolio, including the iconic Neuchâtel Non Filtré. Bring home your souvenir glass, and if you purchase CHF 50 or more of wine, you’ll receive a refund of your entrance fee—a perfect incentive to stock up on these crisp and characterful bottles. Find all the roadshow cities and dates on their website.
- Zurich – March 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Basel – March 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Solothurn – March 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Bern – March 27, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Fribourg – March 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Entrance: CHF 10 (includes tasting glass).
Gluscht (May)
Gluscht is a newer addition to the food and wine scene in Switzerland, combining traditional elements with modern gastronomic trends. Visitors can enjoy tastings, cooking demonstrations, and personal conversations with top chefs and other gastronomes (aka: foodies!). Make sure you arrive with an empty stomach!
FOOD ZURICH (June)
FOOD ZURICH is a ten-day festival celebrating the culinary diversity of Zurich and the surrounding region. With over 100 events, including workshops, tastings, and gourmet dinners, the festival offers something for every palate.
Swiss Wine Tasting (end of August)
The Swiss Wine Tasting event is among the most anticipated in the Swiss wine calendar. Held annually, this event showcases a wide array of wines produced throughout Switzerland, with a strong emphasis on labels from the German-speaking regions.
Zurich Wine Festival (October)
The Zurich Wine Festival is a lively event that brings together wine lovers, producers, and connoisseurs in the heart of Zurich. The festival features wines from local and international vineyards, providing attendees with a broad tasting experience. It’s the perfect place to discover new wines and learn from experts in a festive atmosphere.
Soil to Soul Symposium 29 Oct-01 Nov 2025
The Soil to Soul Symposium brings together farmers, chefs, scientists, and innovators to shine a spotlight on the crucial link between healthy soil, sustainable agriculture, and mindful nutrition. Through keynote talks, hands-on workshops, and lively discussions, this annual gathering explores regenerative practices, biodiversity, and the cultural dimensions of our food systems. Attendees leave inspired and equipped with tangible ways to foster a healthier planet—starting from the ground up. Get more information here.
World Cheese Awards (Bern)13-15 Nov 2025
From November 13 to 15, 2025, the legendary World Cheese Awards comes to Switzerland for the very first time—turning the nation’s capital into the “Capital of Cheese” for three unforgettable days. Discover the world’s finest cheeses in a thrilling competition, explore the Swiss Fine Food Market, and immerse yourself in a variety of side events that offer a deeper look into Switzerland’s rich cheesemaking traditions. Whether you’re a lifelong cheese lover or simply curious about new flavors, Bern is the place to be this November.
Discover the food scene in Geneva
If Geneva’s not already on your bucket list, it should be! Geneva is a global city (AND A canton) and is a vibrant centre for gastronomic fusions of local and international flavours. It is a prime destination for those who love to eat delicious food and enjoy locally-grown wines.
Cook’n’Show (November)
Les Automnales, Geneva’s annual fair, features two significant events for food and wine lovers: Cook’n’Show and Arvinis. Cook’n’Show brings together top chefs demonstrating their culinary skills in live cooking shows. Arvinis is one of Switzerland’s premier wine fairs, offering tastings of a vast array of wines.
Geneva Street Food Festival (end of May, beginning June)
The Geneva Street Food Festival celebrates international and local cuisines served on the streets of Geneva. Taste a variety of dishes in a lively, festive atmosphere. The festival showcases the culinary diversity and innovation that Geneva is known for.
Vini in Villa, Lugano (Ticino beginning of December)
Just in time for the holidays, Vini in Villa returns to Lugano, offering wine enthusiasts a chance to explore Ticino’s finest. Set in the elegant Villa Ciani, this event features tastings of around 100 local wines, masterclasses, talks, and live music. Don’t miss Sunday’s Ticinowine Award ceremony—a highlight of this pre-holiday celebration.
Sip, savour, and get inspired for holiday gifting—because nothing says festive like a bottle of Ticino’s best!
More to enjoy
The above food and wine recommendations should give you plenty to consider, and below, we’ve rounded up a few music and art festivals that offer cultural immersion and help you get a feel for Switzerland.
Cultural events to note
- Foodculture Days: Every two years this exhibition throws a big, interactive party where everyone, from young to old, can chat about nature, soil stories, seeds, and even the balance between tradition and technology for a better future! The next one is in 2025.
- Music O Vignes: Featuring local bands performing among the vineyards, this event combines music and—yep, guessed it—wine tasting in the vineyards where the festival is held.
- Bossonn’Art: Held every two years, this small, unique art festival is a local favourite. The next one is in Aug, Sept 2024.
- Bad RagARTz: Switzerland’s international sculpture triennial in Bad Ragaz.
- Paleo and Montreux Jazz Festival: These festivals are renowned globally. They attract big names, so you see world-class performances in spectacular settings.
- Désalpe: Witness the traditional alpine descent of cows in autumn, an event that celebrates Swiss pastoral life and traditions.
- Swiss carnivals typically occur at the end of January, February, and March, offering a lively and colourful way to experience local customs and festivities. You can learn more about just some of the fantastic events planned for this year on this Swissinfo.ch site.
Do any of these events temp your foodie sense of adventure? With such a diverse array of foodie events happening year-round in various regions, there’s always something delicious to discover. And we’ve got more to add: truffle foraging, saffron harvests, farm-to-table events…we struggle to finish a calendar of events. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start. If you want help planning the perfect trip, contact the EdibleSwitzerland Travel team.
Easy ways to contact our EdibleSwitzerland travel team
Feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to plan your foodie trip to Switzerland? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s simplify the process together.
We’ll help you navigate the multitude of options in the local languages, provide valuable insights, and recommend the best activities and locations for a fun and tasty adventure.
About the author and owner: Jen Burke
Travel & experience designer, editor, foodie, digital professional
Hi, I’m Jen. I am a foodie. Which means, I like food and everything around food. I like creating. I like sharing. I especially like creating unique foodie experiences. I am a Canadian-Swiss (who moved to Switzerland in 2010 to marry a Valaisan). Before that, I lived in California wine country (Sonoma/Napa) & Ontario, Canada. But I am from the Yukon Territory in Northern Canada (mile 906.8 Alaska Highway to be exact). I currently live in a pastoral Fribourg village of Bossonnens with that Valaisan husband and two sons.
I am a true wine lover who seeks out the best of each region and indulges in extensive tasting experiences. I host wine experiences in Lavaux and organize experiences in the other wine regions of Switzerland.
Here’s to enjoying and sharing more online and off. Santé! Cheers!