Definition: Vaud (vineyards of the canton of)

Ranked second among Switzerland's wine-producing cantons (3,830 ha in 2008), this region is divided into several terroirs, allowing Chasselas, the neutral grape variety par excellence, to showcase its many facets.

This variety accounts for no less than 61.01% of the canton's total production. Pinot Noir accounts for 13.25%, Gamay for 10.87% and all other varieties for 14.87% (2011 figures).

Cultivated and unplanted vineyard area in 2011: 3,814 ha.

Here, the wines produced are named after their terroir, a notable exception to the Swiss tradition of naming wines (except blends) after their grape variety. Most of the vineyards are located on the shores of Lake Geneva or Lake Neuchâtel, benefiting from their temperature-regulating effect. These include the Côte vineyards between Nyon and Morges, the Lavaux vineyards between Lausanne and Montreux, and the Bonvillars and Vully vineyards around Lakes Neuchâtel and Morat. The Chablais vineyards stretch along the right bank of the Rhône from Villeneuve to Bex.