Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

I always feel drawn back to Lake Geneva, especially the flower-lined promenade of Vevey and the steeply-terraced vineyards above it. This stunning region is an essential part of any Swiss food and wine tour.

Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour - Lavaux Vineyards - HERO

Called ‘the Swiss Riviera’, it’s perhaps the most obviously beautiful location in this most scenic country – and it’s somewhere I feel an uncanny sense of tranquillity. Plus it’s home to my favourite hotel, some of Switzerland’s best wines and delicious food. Let’s go – here are my top tips for your Lake Geneva food and wine tour.

View from balcony at Hotel Trois Couronnes - Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

Stay Hotel Trois Couronnes
There’s no better place to enjoy the dramatic view of the Savoy Alps across Lake Geneva than from a balcony of this majestic hotel – it changes constantly and is glorious at any time of day. The ‘Three Kings’ also has Switzerland’s best breakfast buffet (including bubbly) as well as thoughtful service and a great spa area. Waking here is such a joy, and it’s where we stay on the final night of my Swiss food and wine tour.

Cafe de Riex - Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

Eat Cafe de Riex
Lunch at this casual restaurant, in the hillside wine village of Riex, is an essential part of every visit to Lake Geneva. Chef Peter Hasler makes excellent use of local produce in delicious dishes that combine Swiss tradition with his own innovative flair. The wine list showcases the region, including a producer literally across the road! Service is quirky, informed and fun and the view is superb!

Denis Bovard of Domaine Antoine Bovard - Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

Drink Lavaux Vineyards
The Swiss Riviera includes the prestigious wine region of Lavaux, where hillside vineyards have been in the same families for centuries. Jean-François Chevalley at Domaine de la Chenalettaz is a 19th generation winemaker producing excellent whites and reds including Grand Cru Dézaley. Denis Bovard of Domaine Antoine Bovard (12th generation), works alongside his father adding his own touch with a delicious natural chasselas.

Vevey Paddle Boat - Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

Do Paddle Steamer Ride
Steamboats have been paddling across Lake Geneva since 1823 and today several beautifully restored Belle Epoque boats grace the lake. This unique fleet includes the gorgeous Vevey, built in 1907 with its chestnut-panelled, bronze-trimmed lounge. When I’m out for a lakefront walk, I like to jump aboard at Vevey-Marché and ride back to Vevey-La-Tour near the hotel (which offers guests a discount card for the boat).

Édouard-Marcel Sandoz Water Nymph Sculpture - Lake Geneva Food & Wine Tour

See Lakefront Sculptures
The Vevey lakefront is famous for its sculptures as well as the view. Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey, is immortalised in a bronze statue that looks across at an 8-metre high stainless steel fork protruding from the lake (part of the nearby Alimentarium food mueum). Further along, two bronze nymphs ride bridled seahorses into the lake.

Swiss Food & Wine Tour Highlights

What Other Travellers Say

Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
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Just back from the most amazing trip to Emilia-Romagna with Roberta. Not only the home of Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar, but scenery to die for and more quaint and exciting restaurants and cafés than you ever imagined. And Roberta is just the person to help you discover and enjoy them! Her knowledge of the history of the region and its wonderful cuisine know no bounds and all added to the excitement of the trip. It was faultless - well organized and lots of fun!
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
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Wow, what a tour – I learned so much! Awesome fun traveling through Emilia-Romagna experiencing first hand some of the produce I've worked with over the last couple of years cooking with Roberta's recipe kits – the family are reaping the benefits now. If you're thinking of joining Roberta in future years get ready for an amazing experience.
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
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My wife and I recently joined Roberta's Emilia-Romagna tour. We enjoyed all the temptations offered and learned a lot about that part of Italy, especially its food and wine culture. What was most impressive was Roberta's local knowledge of people and places. The planning and effort she put into making the whole experience seem effortless was remarkable.
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