I strolled across the valley from the Bürgenstock Resort towards a grassy slope overlooking Lake Lucerne, where the sound of cowbells resonated, echoing my very own Sound of Music moment. My adventure began with a train journey from Lausanne to Bern and onto Lucerne, culminating in a stay at the luxurious Bürgenstock Collection. Acquired by Katara Hospitality in 2008, these historic hotels underwent extensive renovations, offering guests a glamorous experience intertwined with Swiss fine wines.
Curiosity led me to explore Dézaley, a grand cru vineyard nearby, known for its unique wines that have roots tracing back to Cistercian monks who cultivated the terraces in the 12th century. The Lavaux region, where Dézaley is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural significance and breathtaking landscapes.
After a rejuvenating night at the impeccably renovated Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne, I jogged along the shore to the quaint village of Pully. Following a refreshing swim in the hotel’s hydrotherapy pool, I visited Domaine Louis Bovard, a renowned producer at Dézaley. I met the venerable Louis-Philippe, who, even at 90, continues to oversee operations from vineyards rising steeply from Lake Geneva.
At Bovard, where 90% of the vines are Chasselas, I tasted the estate’s rich Dézaley “Médinette.” Whereas Chasselas wines are typically light, these from Dézaley stand out for their depth and complexity, influenced by the unique terroir characterized by limestone-rich soils and the vineyard’s strategic orientation capturing sunlight.
Intrigued by neighboring indigenous varieties from the Valais region, I returned to the Royal Savoy to explore their excellent wine list with sommelier Johan Strazzeri. The hotel’s rooftop Sky Lounge offered stunning views of Lake Geneva as I sampled wines, including biodynamic Petite Arvine and a captivating Cornalin from local producers.
In Bern, I checked into Hotel Schweizerhof, where the acclaimed Jack’s Brasserie serves classic French cuisine. Here, sommelier Soren Jerslev surprised me with a wine list that included an impressive array of Swiss labels—50 in total. While tasting, we ventured into chocolate pairings, discovering that local Chasselas complemented white chocolate beautifully.
The journey also introduced me to various Swiss wines, including light and spritely Merlot from Ticino, perfect for warm summer days. Each stop in the capital offered unexpected charms, from medieval architecture to vibrant outdoor cafés, providing a contrast to the elegant interiors of my hotels.
Arriving at the Bürgenstock Resort via a scenic train ride followed by a catamaran, I was greeted by one of Europe’s largest spa facilities, boasting luxurious amenities and breathtaking views. The resort, once popular among Hollywood stars, merged traditional charms with modern splendor, making it hard to leave.
Dining at the resort allowed for more wine exploration, with the option to pair meals with both Swiss wines and international selections. Although my experience was slightly marred by a less-than-inspiring wine selection in terms of high-profile Pinot Noirs, I found plenty of other delightful options to enjoy.
Ultimately, the Bürgenstock Collection stands out not just for its indulgent accommodations and fine dining but also for the chance to explore the hidden gem of Swiss wines that, with only 1% exported, invite visitors to experience their unique charm firsthand. The combination of historic allure and contemporary luxury made my Swiss adventure truly unforgettable, leaving me longing for a return visit.