“Route du Vin”. Lavaux, Vaud Switzerland Becomes A UNESCO World Heritage Site

“Route du Vin” Lavaux, Vaud Switzerland

The Lavaux is a region in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland that was developed mostly by monks about 800 years ago. The vineyards of Lavaux can be traced back to the 11th century. The villages are strung together by miles of stonewalls along steep hills with magnificent views of Lake Geneva. The small ancient villages and the terraced vineyards are reminisant of another time. The stonewalls store the warmth of the sun during the day, keeping the vineyards warm throughout the night hours. Lavaux is mainly know for its white wines. The main wine grape variety grown here is the Chasselas. It is a full, dry and fruity white wine. The villages of Chexbres, Cully, Epesses, Forel, Grandvaux, Lutry, Puiudoux, Riex, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin, Savigny, Treytorrens and Villette makeup the “Route du Vin”. Stone houses grouped along the route, with panoramic views of the lake sit quietly standing watch over their precious vineyards. Under cantonal law, the vineyards of the Lavaux are protected from development. Since July 2007, the Lavaux is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It will celebrate the distinction on September 22, at in Cully along the lake.

“Le Caveau des Vignerons” open on various days of the week for the convenience of guests and wine conoisseurs. Here in the ambiance of a Caveau you can taste the wines of the Lavaux accompanied with the local dried meats and cheeses. Visitors can walk from village to village along the service roads, stopping to enjoy an apéro at one of the many restaurants and café’s along the route.

Having lived in Cully for several years, I enjoyed a daily walk through the vineyards and made it my duty to watch over the growth of the grapes. The peace that blankets the vineyards as the grapes mature was always amazing to me. It is as though they are being attended to by angles whispering encouragement and gently nurturing them. However living in this wine-growing region, I know the effort that goes into the vineyards. Sitting in the afternoons at the “Au Major Duval” restaurant” where many of the locals meet in endless discussions about how the weather is effecting the maturing of the grapes, what the Oechsli degree (sugar content) is or might be, and when the harvesting will start. The endless pruning and testing and finally making the wine is what a vinter’s life is about.

Every year approximately 40,000 music lovers enjoy the Cully Jazz Festival held at the end of March for 9 days. Professional and armature artists from all over perform in an environment with a unique ambiance. Sessions are held in the Caveaus and are free. Buy a bottle of the festival selected wine and enjoy the best of jazz throughout the village; visiting each caveau. Events in a festival tent installed in the park, at the Salle Duval and in the Church require tickets.

There are a number of local restaurants and hotels in the area. I have only listed a few of the more well know establishments.

Au Major Duval, Place d'armes 8,1096 Cully. Tel: +41-21 799 94 94: Fax: +41-21 799 37 82
Email:aumajor@worldcom.ch, www.hotelaumajordavel.ch

My dear friends Bernadette and Rolf Messmer own “Au Major Davel”. The small hotel and restaurant offers its guests superb views of the lake and the hills of the Savoie on the French side of Lake Geneva from every room. The 12 rooms were renovated a few years ago and the restaurant opens onto the park along the lake. In the summer the Messmers offer Jazz one evening a week in the open air in front of the restaurant. Bernadette welcomes every guest as through they were a member of her family. Taking great care that your time with them will be one of your cherished memories. Chef Messmer goes to the local market in Vevey selecting the vegetables, fruits and cheeses that are in season. Local fisherman supply the chef with the daily catch from the lake and the local bakers bring baskets of fresh bread daily. As you enjoy your meal you can watch the steamboats. They seem to float to the dock to drop off or pick up visitors traveling among the villages around the lake. Many evenings after driving a long distance to reach Cully, Bernadette would always welcome us back by saying “Welcome back to Paradise” as we walked in the door. Bernadette and Rolf would sit with us enjoying a glass of wine. I remember these evenings fondly and always looked forward to our time together in this amazing setting.

A few yeas ago I spent 3 weeks learning a little of the culinary arts in Chef’s Messmer’s kitchen. Chef Messmer is a perfectionist and I enjoyed the learning experience. He was kind enough to put up with me.

L’Auberge du Raisin, 1, place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, 1096 Cully (Vaud) Switzerland. Tel: + 41 (0)21 799 21 31,Fax: + 41 (0)21 799 25 01.
At the “Raisin” Chef Hasler and his team is well respected in the world of gastronomy. The hotel is a member of the Relais & Chateaux and has hosted many famous guests. It was built in the 14th and 15th century and is equipped with all the comforts. The wine list, including the wines of the Dezlay, selection of spirits and a fabulous Cigars list await their guests. Located in the center of the village, it is within a short walking distance to the lake. Log on to their web page for more information. www.aubergeduraisin.ch