The Wines of Neuchâtel – A Vineyard of Precision in the Heart of the Three-Lakes Region

Nestled between the lake, rolling hills and forested slopes, the canton of Neuchâtel benefits from a unique terroir shaped by the Three-Lakes region. One of Switzerland’s oldest winegrowing areas, it is renowned for producing wines of great finesse, centred around three major expressions: Pinot Noir, Chasselas and the iconic Œil de Perdrix.

Signature Grapes of Neuchâtel

Pinot Noir – The Leading Red of the Canton

The exclusive grape for red AOC Neuchâtel wines, Pinot Noir expresses remarkable elegance in this region. These wines are characterised by:

• precise red-fruit aromas (cherry, raspberry),
• a fine, silky structure,
• the fresh, delicate profile typical of the Three-Lakes climate.

Top producers craft deeply expressive cuvées capable of ageing beautifully, confirming Pinot Noir as the leading red reference of the canton.

Chasselas – Fresh and Delicate White

The main white grape of the region, Chasselas produces fresh, fruity wines with subtle mineral notes, perfect with lake fish, light dishes or regional cuisine. Here, its aromatic finesse is enhanced by the limestone soils characteristic of Neuchâtel.

Œil de Perdrix – A Neuchâtel Icon

This pale rosé, made exclusively from Pinot Noir, is one of the region’s most emblematic specialities. It charms with:

• its delicate salmon-pink hue,
• aromas of strawberry, redcurrant and raspberry,
• a fresh, inviting palate with elegant balance.

Œil de Perdrix has become one of Switzerland’s most distinctive rosés, inseparable from the identity of the Neuchâtel vineyard.

Leading Estates of Neuchâtel

Domaine des Landions – Vaumarcus & Cortaillod

A major reference in the region, Domaine des Landions produces biodynamic Pinot Noirs of striking precision. Their style combines purity, tension and impeccable expression of the terroir. The domain ranks among the canton’s most consistent and respected names.

Domaine de la Rochette (formerly Tatasciore)

Under Jacques Tatasciore, the Domaine de la Rochette became renowned for crafting exceptional Pinot Noirs. Cuvées such as Vieilles Vignes or Les Margiles are among the finest Pinot Noirs in Switzerland: finesse, depth, elegance and impressive ageing potential.

Maison Carrée – A Benchmark for Purity

Maison Carrée crafts wines of remarkable purity: chiselled Chasselas, precise and harmonious Pinot Noirs. Its artisanal, meticulous approach makes it essential for understanding the region’s true identity.

These three estates represent the elite of Neuchâtel’s winegrowing landscape, offering a faithful reflection of the region’s diverse terroirs—from bright, mineral Chasselas to profound, ageworthy Pinots.

A Region Rich in History and Tradition

The Neuchâtel vineyard boasts a heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, many producers uphold an artisanal, organic or biodynamic philosophy, preserving terroir identity and showcasing the full potential of Pinot Noir and Chasselas.

The region hosts wine fairs, open-cellar days and tastings throughout the year, inviting enthusiasts to discover the many facets of this discreet, refined and deeply distinctive Swiss wine region.