Lavaux Terrace Vineyards in Switzerland, founded by the Ancient Romans

Looking at the terraces with vineyards surrounding Lake Geneva, it is difficult to believe that even the inhabitants of the Roman Empire began to grow the first grapes here. And this is not just a vineyard, but a vast territory of more than 800 hectares, covered with neat terraces with vine bushes. This territory throughout its history was part of different states and belonged to different owners. But each subsequent generation reverently kept the tradition of growing grapes on the shore of this mountain lake, and today you can observe a unique natural and cultural landscape called Lavo vineyards.

Vineyards formed in the form of terraces are located within the French-speaking canton of Vaud, not far from Lausanne. Planting shrubs occupy the northern coast of Lake Geneva and belong to several wineries that carefully control all stages of wine production - from planting grapes to storing the finished drink.

The ancient Romans borrowed wine-making skills from the Greeks and quickly spread the tradition of growing grapes and producing wine throughout the Mediterranean. Grapes were planted wherever the climate allowed, and in the regions with mountainous terrain special terraces were built on which it was possible to grow favorite berries. One of these places was the picturesque coast of Lake Geneva. In the early Middle Ages, monks lived on the lake, who also engaged in winemaking and contributed to the development of this unique terrace landscape.

The presence of such an extensive winery has long played a leading role in the economy of Lausanne. And today, thanks largely to the Lavaux vineyards, the canton of Vaud is the second largest wine producer in Switzerland. Chasla grapes prevail in local planting, which is excellent for growing in local climatic conditions and serves as raw material for the production of white wines. Stone terraces with plantings of grapes, whose age is close to 1000 years, are very popular among travelers. Private wineries offer tourists walks through the vineyards and wine tasting, and an excursion train runs through all the Lavaux vineyards.