Three lakes

This seventh edition of the Gault&Millau awards brings the top Swiss winemakers in the limelight beyond the Swiss borders. In addition to the list of now 125 deserving producers, the guide is enriched with two special categories that highlight the special merits of certain producers: the "rookies" and the "icons". This 2020 edition offers a number of interesting changes and nominations.

For over 20 years, Clement Buffetrille has been the Maître d’hôtel in the restaurant of the “Trois Tours” (Three Towers), in Bourguillon, which is located a few kilometres from the centre of Fribourg. He also assumes the function of chief sommelier with the complicity of the chef Alain Bächler. His first love with Swiss wine happened in Vully, where he was charmed by the Traminer. Even today, Clement speaks passionately about the Vully, 150 hectares of vineyards straddled across the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg and cultivated by passionate winemakers.

Milvignes is now the largest winegrowing commune in canton of Neuchâtel, with 145 hectares of vines. Overlooking the vineyards, this walk offers stunning views of Lake Neuchâtel and of the Mont Vully in clear weather.

Location: 6 minutes by train South West from Neuchâtel, start: Auvernier tram "littoral" stop or train station, end: Colombier train station, distance: 4.4 km, duration: 1 hour 20 minutes, difference in levels: 148 meters upwards and 94 meters downwards, difficulty: easy walk

From Neuville to Cressier, you will pass through beautiful vineyards and picturesque villages with a warm ambience. With a vineyard of over 50 hectares, Cressier is the fifth largest wine-growing municipalities in the canton of Neuchâtel. Very pleasant and without particular difficulty, the ride will let you enjoy the sun, offers stunning views of Lake Biel and sets condition for a wine tasting on arrival!

Location: 15 minutes by train North East from Neuchâtel, start: La Neuveville train station, end: Cressier NE train station, distance : 6 kilometers, duration : 1 hour 30 minutes, difference in levels: 73 meters upwards and 45 meters downwards, difficulty : easy walk

The Bielersee is one of our hidden gems, the vineyard path runs through a beautiful landscape, between Twann and the heights of Ligerz. Along the way, on a clear day, you will enjoy a stunning view of the Bernese Alps. The dominant grapes in this region are Chasselas and Pinot Noir and you will find a couple of places to taste them along the way.

Situation: 7 minutes by train from Biel or 20 minutes by train from Neuchâtel, start: Twann train station, ends: Ligerz train station, distance: 2.6 km, duration: 50 minutes (non stop), difference in levels: 105 meters upwards and 103 meters downwards, difficulty: easy walk

This hike through exquisite, charming countryside is at its best during the height of the grape harvest at Murtensee (Lake Murten), in September and October. The fall foliage has already begun to slowly change color, the cheerful tones of the grape harvesters ring out everywhere from under the vines, the view is clear and you can see all the way to the Alps. Experience this unique circular hike and round it off preferably with a wonderful fish delicacy in one of the numerous restaurants at the lake.

Localisation: 15 minutes by train from Neuchatel or 35 minutes by train from Fribourg, start: Sugiez train station, ends: Môtier pier, distance: 5 km, duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, difference in levels: 92 meters upwards and 99 meters downwards, difficulty: easy walk

The Bielersee region includes 80 wineries spread over 3 main areas; the overall surface is only 220 hectares (550 acres). Schernelz and Twann are located in the largest of the three areas of Bielersee wine region, which is situated on the north shore of the lake, in the foothills of the Jura. The second wine area is located southeast of the lake, and includes the villages of Erlach, Gampelen and Ins. The third, more confidential, is located on St. Peter’s peninsula, somehow in the middle of the lake. It is a nice walk and the place is known having hosted the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Martin Hubacher is undoubtedly the most famous winemaker of the region. He spend a generous time with us at his winery in Twann. A conversation marked by its frankness and a rare honesty, along with humor and gravity. The beginning of Martin’s life at the winery was hard. He had just completed his training in Changins (Swiss wine school), when he had to take over the estate after the unexpected death of his father, a man still in his young age. A heavy burden and many responsibilities for a young man who was not quite prepared yet for the task.

As she takes over the family estate, Sabine Steiner, has reached a crossroad. She holds her fate well in her hands and talks about the future of her 15 acres (6 hecateres) estate and of her fiancé, Andreas, also winemaker in the region. A "fusion" or close cooperation between the estates is being considered. On the Schernelz estate, the team is solid and Marco Menke, the oenologist and wine maker will soon be seconded by a new head of culture which will in turn help move from integarted production to a more organic approach. Biodynamic is already being tested on the estate. Speaking of working in the vineyard, Sabine admits that she could not do without it today, although it was hard for her when she was younger. Nevertheless certain works are hard for a woman.

Adrian Klötzli hosted us with warmth and a little shyness in his small estate near the Twannbach (Twann creek). This young man is a typical representative of the Swiss plurality. Formed both at Changins and Wädenswil schools for viticulture, he trained among professionals from Zürich (including Urs Pircher) and the Graubünden, he worked in the canton of Vaud (Domaine Conne) and Vully (with Jean-Daniel Chervet) before settling in his hometown of Twann, where he now manages two and a half hectares of vines.