On the wine trail. Hike from Martigny to Loèche to discover the Valais vineyards.
Intro
Petite Arvine, Cornalin and Heida are just some of the best-known wines of the Valais winegrowing area. The grapes ripen in the Rhone Valley, which is crossed by the Chemin du Vignoble. This hike takes walkers from Martigny to Loèche to discover some of the steepest vineyards in the world. In the heart of a unique wine landscape, winegrowers welcome visitors along the way for convivial wine tastings. A feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes.
Valais
Valais’ unique, diverse landscape contrasts imposing mountain peaks with sunny vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Hint
The Valais winegrowing area. Lofty vineyards that get plenty of sunlight
Unique landscapes and vineyards.
The Valais is Switzerland’s largest winegrowing area. Its vineyards cover more than 100 kilometres along the Rhône Valley at an altitude of between 270 and 1,100 metres. They offer a spectacular panorama with steeply terraced vineyards and 3,000 km of dry stone walls. The Valais’ dry, sunny climate and diverse soils promise a surprisingly rich palette for wines with character.
The Valais is a very vibrant canton.
A passion for winegrowing. Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, a winegrower devoted to her terroir.
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, winegrower in Fully.
Marie-Thérèse has been looking after her vines – which are almost 100 years old and were planted by her great-uncle in 1924 – for more than 30 years. She immediately fell in love with the profession, which was a daring choice for a woman at the time. Devoted to her terroir, she now produces 25 wines according to the biodynamic method, and cultivates her vines with a great deal of enthusiasm.
It’s a job that women do because they love it. They are very motivated and bring something different to viticulture.
Wines certified with the Valais brand.
The Valais brand aims to promote more sustainable viticulture. This approach is based on organic production and respect for the Valais terroir. Only local, traditional grape varieties can be certified with the Valais brand. Winegrowers like Marie-Thérèse Chappaz are committed to preserving the special identity of Valais products.
I’m proud to have the Valais name on my label.
The Chemin du Vignoble (wine trail). A hike through the heart of the Valais vineyards.
The pleasures of hiking.
One of the highlights of the Valais is the Chemin du Vignoble, a pedestrian wine trail that stretches for 65 kilometres from Martigny to Loèche. It crosses idyllic vineyards and small wine-producing villages and towns where you can try delicious, sustainably produced wines like those produced by Marie-Thérèse Chappaz. The Chemin du Vignoble is famed not just for its traditional vineyards but also for its beautiful natural landscapes: terraced vineyards, dry stone walls, limestone cliffs and old bisses (irrigation channels) contribute to the hiker’s enjoyment.
A multi-day hike with luggage transport included so you can discover the Valais vineyards in comfort: try the Chemin du Vignoble experience.
Wine tasting.
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz loves it when hikers stop by. After exploring the vines on foot, visitors can meet the winegrower. She loves talking with them and presenting her unique wines. Petite Arvine, Humagne Rouge and Cornalin are traditional grape varieties that bring joy to wine enthusiasts.
Knowing the vineyard before tasting, that gives you something extra. You see the issues the vines have, you know the winegrower, it makes for a stronger connection.
The vines and the wine: a sustainable experience.
Discovering the vineyards on foot and tasting organic wines is part of this experience, which comes under a collective sustainability initiative. Environmentally friendly production results in quality wine and protects the beauty of the natural winegrowing landscape. The commitment of passionate winegrowers is helping to protect the Valais terroir, which is characterised by both its unique products and exceptional natural environment.
Switzerland is committed to protecting nature and promoting a new way of travelling. It has a typically Swiss sustainability strategy: Swisstainable.