Valais

The Rhône valley gives the vineyards a continuous geographical thread, but exposure and elevation vary greatly. Dry, sunny conditions and warm foehn winds support the ripening of grapes in this Alpine setting. Some vineyards occupy unusually elevated sites, including the area around Visperterminen.

Petite Arvine and Cornalin offer particularly useful introductions to the region’s white and red identities. Familiar grapes grow here too, so a Valais label does not necessarily mean a rare local variety. Compare a speciality grape with a more familiar variety from the same producer to understand both regional tradition and site.