The wine regions: Geneva

The 1,400 ha/3,460 acres of vineyards around the city at the south western end of the lake are much flatter than those of the Valais and Vaud and benefit from good sunlight, those next to the lake often escaping spring frost danger. Chasselas dominates white wine production, Riesling–Sylvaner (Müller-Thurgau) is on the wane, while all manner of newcomers, including Chardonnay, Aligoté, Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Kerner, have become popular. In reds, Gamay clearly dominates and is particularly successful here, whether as a well-structured red, a primeur, or a rosé. Pinot comes second, closely followed by gamaret, planted extensively in recent years (120 ha by 2012). garanoir, Merlot, and even Cabernet Sauvignon are increasingly popular with growers and consumers alike. This was the birthplace of Switzerland’s burgeoning controlled appellations. Reliable producers include Jean-Michel Novelle of Le Grand Clos, Domaine Grand Cour, and Domaine Les Hutins.