Chexbres: Vineyards, Wine and Trails

Chexbres links the terraced vineyards of Lavaux with marked trails down to the lake and a long history of winemaking. Chexbres can be reached by car and by train via the Train des Vignes.

Lavaux: Terraces and History

The present-day terraced vineyards of Lavaux can be traced back to the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. They stretch for around 30 kilometres along the south-facing northern shore of Lake Geneva. The terraces are continuously cultivated and well maintained. Viticulture also shapes the landscape in Chexbres: here, 25 hectares of vineyards reach down to the lake.

Another historical reference is the Les Gonelles road. Built in 1766 between Chexbres and Vevey, it was used to transport wine to Bern. Those who prefer to explore the history through the wine landscape will find trails in Lavaux with educational panels about the vineyards, appellations, grape varieties and work involved in viticulture. Paths through the slopes offer panoramic views; there are numerous benches and rest areas along the vineyard trails.

Discover Wine and Regional Cuisine

The Route des Grands Crus de Lavaux can be started in Chexbres. At eight stops, at least 24 selected wines from Lavaux are presented. Panels provide information about the region’s history; QR codes offer additional content and a selection of wines from the vineyard being visited. The winegrowers of Chexbres produce wines under the St-Saphorin appellation. Chasselas is considered the characteristic grape variety: it produces dry white wines with pleasant minerality.

You can taste wines and buy them directly at many wine cellars in the Lavaux area. The Lavaux Vinorama is dedicated to regional wines and terraced vineyards; a selection of around 300 wines made from the region’s finest grape varieties offers further insight. In Chexbres, hotels and restaurants serve perch fillets from the lake, other specialities and regional wine on panoramic terraces. If you would like to combine scenery and cuisine during your stay, wine trails, tastings and local dishes offer different ways to explore the area.

Trails, Tours and Practical Information

A network of marked trails leads from Chexbres down to the lake. The Zinzin le grain de raisin circular walk explores the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, animals in the vineyards, the vine’s growth cycle and the importance of the lake. Another way to explore Lavaux is aboard the Lavaux Panoramic tourist train; the fleet of the Compagnie Générale de Navigation also offers a chance to visit the region from the water.

On the Rando-Patrimoine de Lavaux, a certified guide explains the history of the steep vineyards, the winegrowers, and centuries-old knowledge and traditions. The guided hike starts at Chexbres railway station at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, lasts two hours and ends with a tasting. Check the current date before your visit. You can also plan your journey: bus route 218 connects Vevey and Chexbres; stops served include Corseaux, Cerisiers and Vevey, Bergère. Check the timetable before departure.

The entire network of vineyard trails in the Lavaux vineyards is closed to bicycles. Cyclists should use only official SchweizMobil routes and cantonal roads. As a seasonal option, the swimming pool is located in the centre of Chexbres: it opens every year from mid-May to the end of August, from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. In bad weather, opening hours may change or the pool may be closed.

Discover more travel destinations: Rivaz Vd, Lutry, Bussigny-sur-Oron, Cully Vd, Saint-Saphorin, Pully, Grandvaux Vd, Puidoux.

To the main travel overview: Lavaux.