Savoir-vivre on the sun-drenched banks of nature: you can unwind on Lake Geneva. The white peaks of the Savoy Alps, the farreaching, sparkling blue surface of the water and a mild climate, which promotes the flow of sap into the vines situated on the famous sloped shores of the lake, all characterize this corner of the earth. The best spot on the lake belongs to Montreux. In only a short period of time this simple fishing village has become the glamorous, “fin-de-siècle-dream” of the Vaud Riviera. Many musicians now make a pilgrimage to the Montreux’ promenade, lined with palm trees, and make the town the Mecca of the international jazz elite.
Celts, Romans, lords, preachers and politicians of all persuasions have left their mark on Switzerland’s largest inland lake. And where the Romans have settled, wine is never far away. This is also true of the Aargau, where pious monks and noble “bon vivants” maintained and expanded Roman viticulture. Even here in the north the climate is favourable for ripening the vines. Did you know that Aargau, the wellness and cultural Canton, has lower rainfall than the southern Swiss sun trap of Ticino?
Northern Switzerland is mainly stocked with red grape varieties, headed by Pinot Noir. Only one-third of the area under cultivation between the German border and Lake Zug in the south of the Canton is accounted for by white varieties. On Lake Geneva white wine reigns supreme. Everyone’s gaze is drawn to the steep Chasselas terraces of Lavaux. Wonderful vineyards, which UNESCO has quite rightly designated as a World Heritage site. People who maintain the vines and appreciate a good wine, are also inclined to savour culinary delights. Tasting and cooking make people happy because, as everyone knows, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. In wine-growing regions from the north to the south, tables are filled with delicacies which are made in heaven and become reality on earth. Regardless of whether it is the lime soil of Aargau or the water and sun of the south: vineyards and a traditional culinary art always form a God-like union. And finding the matching kitchen ambiance to this union is a declaration of love for good taste. “A table, s’il vous plaît!”