Wine experiences in the heart of the vineyards

The destination of Crans-Montana is a must for wine and nature lovers. With 320 hectares of vineyards overlooking the Rhone Valley, and passionate local winemakers, the region offers a unique wine experience. Thanks to perfect sunny conditions, an ideal climate and its rich soil, Crans-Montana produces high quality wines.

Be charmed by sunny vineyards as you pass through the vineyards on foot or by bike, visit the region's wine cellars, or take part in one of the many wine experiences on offer. Discover the passion of its winegrowers, who will warmly welcome you for unforgettable wine tasting and cellar visits. Among the wines on offer, you'll find around forty different varieties, including Fendant, Heida (or Païen), Humagne Blanche, Humagne Rouge, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Diolinoir. Two indigenous grape varieties also stand out, thanks to their special characteristics and their history: Petite Arvine and Cornalin, two iconic Valais grape varieties.

Petite Arvine is an indigenous white grape variety, recognised as one of the most prestigious and renowned white wines from Valais. Wine made from this grape variety has a variety of profiles, each with its own unique personality. It can be dry and crisp, or slightly sweet. On tasting, Petite Arvine reveals remarkable complexity and intensity. The nose delicately reveals floral or gentian notes, and an aroma of exotic fruit such as pineapple, mango, passion fruit and grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is complex, concentrated and intense, often with notes of rhubarb and a quite pronounced acidity. Its characteristic hint of iodine is the true signature of Petite Arvine.

Cornalin, a late-ripening red wine, is distinguished by its intense dark cherry colour, with purplish highlights and fruity, spicy aromas. Considered to be the finest Valais red wine, it is often associated with notes of clove and black cherry. On the nose, Cornalin reveals spicy, fruity black cherry notes, while on the palate it is intense, smooth and long-lasting, with refined elegance and a marked tannic structure. For a detailed introduction to this grape variety, head to the village of Flanthey, where you'll find wine cellars, an annual festival Le Temps du Cornalin (6 September 2025), and even a museum dedicated to Cornalin: the Château de Vaas.

Also known as the Maison des Cornalins, Château de Vaas is the place to go for an unforgettable wine and history experience. This 13th-century château, which has been wonderfully restored after years of neglect, offers a total immersion in the world of Cornalin. You'll find a permanent exhibition devoted entirely to this iconic grape variety to find out about its fascinating history and how it has evolved over the centuries. There is also an wine bar where you can taste a selection of local wines, including Cornalin, as well as other regional vintages.

A few wine-related activities to explore

Explore the wine heritage trails

• Le Chemin des Pressoirs: This captivating one-hour walk immerses you in the history of the wine-growing village of Ollon. The path is signposted, and takes you to a viewpoint with a giant letter N, which offers breathtaking views of the valley below. Along the way, you'll pass granite wine presses, silent relics of winegrowing in 20th-century Valais.
• Chemin du Vignoble: This easy trail reveals the treasures of the Valais terroir, with exceptional views over the Rhone Valley and vineyards. Stretching from Ollon to Venthône, an ancient medieval village, it passes through picturesque vineyards and immerses you in the region's wine-growing history. On a two-hour walk, enjoy breathtaking views, explore local wine cellars and discover the charm of Venthône with its 12th-century castle, a listed historic monument.

Visit the cellars
21 local winegrowers welcome you for cellar tours and wine tasting. Experiences like "Les Trois Temps" at Cave Le Tambourin are an opportunity to discover vineyards, taste their wine and share a meal with the winemaker.

Savor local produce
Crans-Montana has a wide range of restaurants and bars where you can savor local produce accompanied by the region's best wines. Here are a few recommendations:

• Château de Vaas, Maison des Cornalins: For a wine and history experience, visit this 13th-century building, with its exhibition about Cornalin and wine bar with over 150 wines to taste.
• Le Tirbouchon: This wine bar invites you to try the best Valais wines, with a wine list that changes every week. You can taste wines from the region as well as local produce, and buy your favourite bottles to enjoy on the premises or to take away.

These are just some of the wonders you can discover in our region. Soak up the riches of the Montana wine region and allow yourself to be captivated by its unique flavours and breathtaking scenery.

Explore wine related activities