Begnins: Wine Routes and Local History

Begnins offers several concrete points of interest to help you plan your trip: architectural history, wine, and activities along trails. Its history spans different periods, from the church to the Auberge de l’Ecu Vaudois; there are also experiences that share knowledge of wine and village history in different ways. The places and activities below give you specific ideas for your visit.

Architecture from several periods

The church in Begnins dates back to the 13th century. The Manoir was probably built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1631. The Auberge de l’Ecu Vaudois dates from the last quarter of the 18th century. Together, these dates offer three distinct historical reference points for a stay focused on older buildings. The timeline stretches from the Middle Ages through the early modern period and beyond, while the village’s history remains more than the story of any one building.

Wine destinations and visits

Domaine de Serreaux-Dessus sits on the heights of Begnins and was already cultivated during the Bernese period in the 16th century. Today, cellar tours and tastings are offered there from May to December on weekdays by appointment, and on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you plan a visit, confirm the visiting arrangements in advance; an appointment is required on weekdays.

Domaine des Combes offers a different focus. It covers 5.5 hectares and provides an opportunity to discover eight grape varieties: Chasselas, Chardonnay, Doral, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Garanoir, Gamaret, and Merlot. The estate lies on the boundary between the municipalities of Begnins and Luins and offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. At Serreaux-Dessus, the emphasis is on cellar tours and tastings; at Les Combes, the focus is on the variety of grapes and views of the lake and mountains.

Interactive trails and activities

The Balade Oenotouristique de Luins-Begnins is an interactive route of about 5.5 kilometres. It starts either at the Caveau des Vignerons de Luins or in the centre of Begnins. Along the way, it introduces regional winemaking methods and offers a fun way to learn about the history of the two villages. Before setting out, check trail conditions and app availability so you can plan with up-to-date visitor information.

The Jeu de piste de Begnins offers a different way to discover the village: a scavenger hunt lasting about two hours. It is available free of charge from the municipal administration; confirm availability before your visit. The two activities provide different planning details: the wine route has an approximate distance, while the Jeu de piste has an approximate duration.

The Sentier des Toblerones is also connected with Begnins. A shorter option can start here. In the section near Begnins, there is a railway-track footbridge that was intended to be used to block the Toblerones in the event of an attack. The trail therefore combines a route with a specific historical detail. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

For a bike ride, the Balade à vélo autour de Begnins starts in Begnins and follows the Route de Burtigny. This starting point and road section can help you choose between a bike ride, the interactive wine route, and the shorter option on the Sentier des Toblerones; each activity has a different focus.

Getting there and planning your stay

CarPostal connects Begnins with Gland and Nyon every half hour. Check the timetable before travelling if you want to coordinate your arrival or onward journey by public transport. For the rest of your planning, the specific differences between the experiences can help: cellar tours are available during a limited season and time window, the wine route has an approximate distance, and the scavenger hunt has an approximate duration. You can use these details to choose a stay focused on architectural history, wine, or an activity without assuming the same visiting arrangements apply to all of them.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Cergue, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Perroy Vd, Coinsins, Tartegnin, Le Vaud, Saint-George, Duillier

For the main travel overview: Nyon.