367: Why Are So Many Swiss Vineyards Planted on Dangerous Terrain? Simon Hardy Reveals Why in the Smart Traveller's Guide to Switzerland
Release Date: 12/10/2025
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info_outlineWhy are so many Swiss vineyards planted on dangerous terrain? How do the “three suns of Lavaux” shape the ripeness and character of Chasselas? Which unexpected historical figure owns the world’s smallest vineyard in Switzerland?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Simon Hardy, author of the terrific new book The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Giveaway
Two of you are going to win a copy of Simon Hardy's terrific new book, The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights
What makes Switzerland’s vertiginous vineyards some of the most dangerous in the world to farm?
How do growers move grapes from inaccessible cliffside plots during harvest?
Why were vineyards historically planted on seemingly impossible terrain?
What triggered Switzerland’s quality revolution in the 1980s, and how did opening trade with the European Union transform the country’s wine standards?
How do the “three suns of Lavaux” shape the ripeness and character of Chasselas?
Why does the Dalai Lama own the world’s smallest vineyard and how did it become a wine tourism landmark?
What makes Completer one of Switzerland’s most unusual native grapes?
How did the Three Lakes region popularize the term “eye of the partridge” for pale Rosé and why did it slip beyond their control?
What does the Röstigraben reveal about Switzerland’s linguistic and cultural divide?
If you were visiting Switzerland’s wine regions for the first time, which areas are must-visits?
How do raclette and chocolate highlight Switzerland’s expression of terroir?
Why might export growth and wine tourism shape the future of Switzerland’s alpine wine identity?
About Simon Hardy
Simon Hardy brings a rare blend of multinational brand marketing and entrepreneurial flair in the world of wine. Simon champions Swiss wine in the UK, organising Swiss Wine Week London for Swiss Wine Promotion. He is also the co-founder of Alpina Vina, a cross-border guide to Alpine wine regions, including documentary films he writes and presents.
Simon also wrote The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland, which has just been published by the Académie du Vin Library with Club Oenologique. He is also a Regional Ambassador for Switzerland at The Old Vine Conference and a judge for the International Wine Challenge since 2018.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/367.