The Best Wine Bars in Switzerland
Alfred Nobel and Bertha von Suttner loved Le Hall in the Baur au Lac - and who would argue with them? Today, you can sip afternoon tea under chandeliers or browse through the award-winning wine list - here you can feel the grandeur of a true grand hotel.
The Mövenpick Wine Bar is a meeting place for wine lovers and the curious. Hundreds of wines, many by the glass, make it easy to discover. Small dishes accompany the evening and the atmosphere remains relaxed. Champagne à discrétion is served on Tuesdays.
The whole of the Engadin meets at the Donatz Wine Bar, because they know that there is always something good to drink and eat here. Treasures from all over the world are stored in the cellar, but emphasis is also placed on offering wines from all the major producers in Switzerland.
This enoteca and restaurant is an insider tip for oenophiles. High-calibre, rare and select wines are stored in the cellar, with a special focus on wines from Italy. Modern Mediterranean cuisine is also served. The terrace is particularly lovely in summer.
Martel has been an institution for wine in eastern Switzerland for over 140 years - and the tradition continues at Bellevue. Fine wines by the glass, small plates and an elegant ambience: a place where Zurich's wine lovers are easily tempted to linger.
Wine lovers are spoilt for choice in this wine shop and bar. The cellar is stocked with trouvailles produced with minimal intervention by winemakers with soul. These include both big names and unknown producers - a real treasure trove.
This wine bistro not only has a good selection of mainly European natural wines, but also excellent cuisine. There are simple dishes made from outstanding products. The clientele is young and urban, the service friendly and the atmosphere lively.
This traditional restaurant in the heart of Lucerne was recently taken over by a young team. In addition to the wine bar, which continues to offer a great selection of fine wines and delicious snacks, there is now a gourmet parlour on the first floor with casual fine dining.
There is an excellent selection of wines here with regularly changing wines by the glass. Although these are not particularly wild, they are accompanied by display, for example in the form of venison tartare. But the menu also has something for vegetarians and fish fans.
Chez Smith combines everything the aperitif heart desires: fresh tapas, cocktails and long drinks. These are accompanied by selected wines from the more than 60-page menu, to be enjoyed at the bar, at the chef's table with a view of the kitchen or on the leafy terrace.
If you love Champagne, you can't avoid a visit to this shop and bar. The selection is great: around 100 bottles from 16 winegrowers are on offer, some of which are served by the glass. The team is very knowledgeable about the range.
169 West is one of the city's natural wine pioneers. Origin, craftsmanship, and naturalness are what count here. The menu includes rarities, older vintages and exciting new discoveries as well as coffee specialities. Plus homemade small aperitif plates to share.
The bar in the heart of Geneva is part of the Caveau de Bacchus wine shop and Bacchus Spirits, so there is a fantastic selection of fine wines and spirits on offer. From over 800 wines, 40 are offered by the glass every day.
The Gamper Bar is a paradise for lovers of natural and liqueur wines, vermouth and other specialities. In the elegant atmosphere, you can order a glass or a bottle from the regularly changing selection, accompanied by delicious snacks made from selected ingredients.
This new wine bar in Winterthur's old town offers a wonderful selection of artisan wines and a few select drinks. Italian food is also served - simple pasta dishes, focaccia, salads and more, cooked with lots of amore.
The bistro is part of the natural wine shop of the same name, which is why the wine selection is broad: both natural wines and those of a relatively classic style are on the menu. Wine in all colours is accompanied by dishes to share and the finest burgers that you don't want to share.
Selected wines and a small but fine menu with dishes made from market-fresh produce can be found at Bleu Nuit. This wine bistro is small and extremely popular, so you should make a reservation. After your meal, head through the fridge door to the in-house speakeasy.
The Bistro am Helvetiagärtli has a wonderful selection of handcrafted wines. Special attention is paid to Swiss wines without additives. It also serves fine cuisine made from market-fresh produce. The weekend brunch is particularly popular.
Mike's Weinloft in Lenzburg is a classic wine bar with style: exquisite wines that you can enjoy on the spot or take away. Plus tasty cheese and meat platters as well as hot and cold dishes to satisfy both small and large appetites. All in a cosy atmosphere.
Italianità is lived here: the wine bar is part of Pizzeria Più and offers the finest wines, selected by Bindella, which runs the entire Kornhaus. Guests can savour gastronomic delights while enjoying the cosmopolitan atmosphere.