Discover autumn in Mendrisiotto – known as the Tuscany of Switzerland – on two wheels on a Bike ’n’ Wine tour and learn fascinating facts about how wine is made.

Find out how to identify the bouquets and flavours of exquisite Ticino wines during a wine tasting in the heart of the golden vineyard, under the shade of a pergola and with breathtaking views across the entire region. Rounding off the outing is another wine tasting, where – tired from the day’s exertions – cyclists can enjoy the wine and accompanying aperitifs made using regional produce.  

Mendrisiotto is virtually synonymous with wine. The region is particularly renowned for its merlot, so be sure to try it. The Saturday wine tasting accompanied by food is a delicious way to kick off a gourmet weekend. Guests can get to know the local producers, find out about the local wine cellars and vineyards, and of course sample the choice wines.  

Monte San Giorgio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its fossil finds from the Middle Triassic period and is one of the world’s most important fossil sites. If you want to find out more about this vital heritage, follow the “Sentiero del Monte San Giorgio” in Meride. Lasting about four-and-a-half hours, this circular educational trail takes visitors through the complex geological and paleontological history of Monte San Giorgio to a world more than 200 million years in the past. The Fossil Museum at the starting point in Meride is also well worth a visit. If you have more time, you can take a detour to the Archaeological Park in Tremona-Castello or enjoy the summit panorama with great views of the Ticino Alps and Lake Lugano.

The impressive vaulted ceiling in Atenaeo del Vino transports diners back to the 17th century. The restaurant is located in the heart of Mendrisio in a palazzo that once served as a post house and livery stable.

The stately building, local specialities and homemade pasta all create a very inviting atmosphere and the chef sets great store by quality, freshness and a changing menu. Every day, there is a new and refined menu on offer based on regional ingredients available from the local market.

A small and extremely cosy bed and breakfast in the old town of Riva San Vitale. The nine rooms are decorated simply in a range of different colours and have a private toilet with shower. A substantial breakfast of homemade dishes made with products from the region gives guests the best possible start to their day.

Chery boasts a prime location at the foot of Monte San Giorgio near to the Monte Generoso station. Lake Lugano is just a stone’s throw from the B&B and water sports such as swimming, sailing and windsurfing can all be enjoyed on the lake.