​Watch and Cow’s speciality is showing your guests the secret corners of Switzerland – and this week-long wine tour is no exception. Perfect for oenophiles, foodies, and those searching for a trip with a difference, this itinerary brings you the best of Switzerland’s wineries through Geneva, Vaud and Valais.

In true Swiss-style, there’ll be plenty of breathtaking scenery to soak in and luxurious hotels to indulge in. Your guests will be sipping on Switzerland’s speciality varietals and dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, all with the snow-capped Alps as a backdrop. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Geneva

Among our suggestions for a luxury hotel in Geneva is the Four Seasons des Bergues.

This landmark five-star hotel sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, boasting incredible views of the lake and its Alpine surroundings. It’s sophisticated and has all the bells and whistles, from indulgent suites and a rooftop spa to a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. Upscale shopping, galleries and restaurant are just around the corner.

Impeccable food, service, and facilities with a waterfront location – what’s not to love?

Other hotels we love are La Réserve Hotel – located outside of the city, guests transfer here in a private boat and can access the city when ever they want with transfers across te lake. Also the charming Beau-Rivage with wonverfil views across Lake Geneva.

Geneva’s castles and vineyards.

A mix of fairytale scenery, castles and wine is on the cards as your guests explore the countryside around Lake Geneva. They’ll get out of the city and discover a wealth of gastronomic and historic wonders, visiting one of the main vineyards of the Genevan “mandement” and exploring quaint villages on the way.

Your guests will be in good hands, accompanied by a specialist local guide who knows all there is to know about the local grapes. They’ll learn about the wine production process, from grape to glass. And of course, some samples will be included. Lunch will be served at the wonderful 2-Michelin-starred restaurant, Domaine Chateauvieux of Philippe Chevrier.​

Top it all off with a castle visit for a dose of local history. Pre-wine, of course.

Wine tasting in La Côte Wine Region.

The journey to Lausanne brings your guests through the wine region of La Côte. They’ll stop in Féchy to meet with Raymond Paccot, the owner of a family-run vineyard that prides itself in its biodynamic approach to winemaking. The region is best known for producing light white wines from the Chasselas grape, a varietal found throughout Europe but commonly seen in Switzerland.

And it wouldn’t be complete without delicious food to wash down all that delicious wine. Lunch is up at revered restaurant, l’Ermitage des Ravet.​

In Lausanne, there’ll be time to explore, enjoy the lakeside views and pay a visit to the Olympic Museum.

Lausanne

For a luxury hotel in Lausanne, look no further than Hôtel Beau-Rivage Palace.​

This historic five-star hotel sits in an area of natural beauty on the shores of Lake Geneva, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Lausanne. It’s been hosting guests since 1861 and while its decor is classically luxurious, it’s been given a facelift to bring it into the 21st Century. The final result is an elegant hotel with pampering facilities.

Four hectares of gardens surround the Beau-Rivage Palace, offering respite from Lausanne’s lively centre. The facilities and service are world-class, and the restaurant boasts 2 Michelin stars. Anyone staying here is in for a treat.

UNESCO protected wine tasting in Lavaux

Lavaux is probably Switzerland’s most famous wine region and has protected UNESCO status. To the extent that even the wine is protected and can only be drunk in Lavaux – naturally, exploring vineyards and enjoying tastings is the best way to make the most of this beautiful region. For active travellers, there’s even a hiking route that takes you past all the vineyards!

The wine here is still harvested by hand and so only a small amount is produced every year, making it even more exclusive. The first stop is the village of Chexbres, for a wine tasting at the Domaine Christophe Francey, one of five wine estates in Lavaux.

Two nights have been included here to take in the best of the region’s wines and scenery, both of which are well worth the visit. Ride on the cogwheel train to the top of Rochers-de-Naye for picturesque panoramas across Lake Geneva and continue on the region of Chablais. In Chablais, a visit to the famous Domaine de la Pierre Latine is included.

Where to stay in Lavaux Region

In Montreux, we recommend the five-star Hotel Fairmont Montreux Palace.

This elegant hotel is also on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by soaring Alpine peaks. It has all the facilities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including a spa, restaurant, bars, and gym. Service is fantastic and the concierge is able to organise bike excursions around the lake for an additional treat. Wind down with yoga, pilates or a swim in the spa swimming pool.

In Lavey, we recommend the Grand Hotel des Bains.

This four-star hotel is surrounded by greenery and looks out across the Dents du Midi mountains. It’s a comfortable choice with great facilities, but the piece de resistance is the thermal pools in the garden. Guests of the hotel have complimentary access to the extensive outdoor pools, saunas, hammams and relaxation areas. Soak in the thermal waters and unwind after days of exploring the vineyards, whilst enjoying the mountain scenery.

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Follow in the footsteps of nomadic wine growers.

Travel into the canton of Valais for the final portion of this itinerary, following in the footsteps of nomadic wine growers in Plan-Cerisier. Visit the wine growers’ homes, known as mazots, and be charmed by the authentic village culture. Sample Valais vintages and explore the roots of this unique way of life. Hike through the villages and learn more about biodynamic wine production, which has been on the rise in the region.

A former winegrower’s hut has been transformed into a hole-in-the-wall joint where lunch will be dished up. On the final day, visit (amongst others) the unique St Jodern winery, home to unusual free-standing vines.

Where to stay in Valais

Our choice of unique luxury properties in Valais is Chetzeron.

This former gondola lift station has plenty of charm – and thanks to its elevated position at 2,112masl, the views are pretty mindblowing. Chetzeron is a four-star hotel that sits on the slopes on the Crans-Montana ski area in winter. In summer it becomes a peaceful alpine meadow, perfect for hiking and exploring. The design is simple but stylish, modelled on classic chalets with a modern twist. Facilities and service are fantastic but it’s really all about those views.

Chetzeron is also a part of Switzerland’s official Slow Food movement, committed to only serving food that’s locally sourced and in season, reducing the environmental impact of their restaurant.

For something different we also love the Anakao Lodge. Luxury accommodation in refurbished individual “Mayens” which were small chalets used by farmers when they would stay in the mountains with their herds.

Alternatively, there’s The Crans for a five-star resort experience.

The Crans is a large, chalet-style property that’s perched above the Crans-Montana ski area. Impressive alpine views surround, while inside the decor is cosy and sophisticated. Each room type is named after a famous mountain or mountain range, with decor reflecting the region, from Nepal to