Mont Vully, Switzerland’s smallest wine region, is one of my favourite corners of this beautiful country. It runs along the northern shore of Lake Murten, straddling the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud, with vine-covered hills running down to the lake and stunning views across to the Alps.
Lake Murten is part of the Seeland (Trois Lacs) area around Lakes Murten, Neuchatel and Biel, where much of Switzerland’s fresh produce is grown. Coupled with fish fresh from the lake, this makes it a haven for great food as well as excellent wines and stunning scenery. Needless to say, Mont-Vully food and wine are an essential part of any Swiss tour.
Stay Hotel Restaurant Le Mont-Vully
It’s easy to believe this lush property high above Lake Murten was a farm less than 100 years ago. Then it offered casual refreshments to passers-by. Today it offers accommodation with stunning views over the lake to the Alps and delicious food, including the best egli fillet (small delicate fish similar to Australian whiting). In summer the outside terrace is popular, and the cheese trolley is one of the best at any time of year!
Eat Belle5
Also high above the vineyard-covered hills above the lake is this quirky, casual restaurant serving some of the best food I’ve had. Its laidback vibe and magnificent views make it ideal for a leisurely al fresco lunch. Wine and service match the quality of the food and I adore the theatre of steak tartare prepared tableside. The small well-curated cheese trolley is pretty special and I’m still dreaming about the beautiful plum gratin dessert.
Drink Freiburger & Traminer
Switzerland’s smallest quality wine region, Mont-Vully is also its most innovative. The region’s best vignerons have created an accord to guarantee the quality of their two most distinctive grapes: freiburger and traminer. And it’s worked, Javet & Javet’s gloriously amber traminer is one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted. I also love Chateau de Praz’s freiburger by Marylene Bovard-Chervetto, who ages some wines in traditional clay qvevri.
Do ‘Chemin la Riviera’ Vineyard Trail
I love this 5km walking trail through the vineyards – especially early in the morning when the sunrise colours are splashed over the lake. It’s easy going, with only a few uphill sections to get to a good elevation for great views. Along the way you’ll likely meet locals walking their dogs or on their morning jog and there are boards explaining the local grape varieties and the seasonal work of the vignerons.
Shop L’ART’isan Pâtissier-Chocolatier
I happened across this little café one morning as I finished my vineyard walk (above) and I couldn’t resist popping in to check out the sweet treats. I left with a mini-ice cream – chocolate-coated with a tangy fruit sorbet inside – that was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted! If you’re craving something savoury after your walk, nearby Boulangerie Guillaume has slices of excellent Gateau Vully with speck and caraway.
