On June 26, 2017, I attended a wine exhibition in Zurich. This annual event brings together representatives of AOC Zurich and AOC Zurichsee (the Zurich Lake appellation). For an entrance fee of 20 Swiss francs (around $23), visitors can enjoy wine tastings accompanied by cheese, sausages, and bread—everything needed for a delightful wine-themed evening.
The exhibition takes place outdoors, set within the historic walls of an ancient church in the heart of the city, adding a unique charm to the experience.
The event featured 40 producers, each allowed to showcase up to five different wines.
Think everything in Europe is precise and strictly by the rules, especially in proper Switzerland? Not quite! Clever minds exist everywhere. While five wines are officially on display, special visitors can sometimes enjoy an additional selection of five varieties or vintages.
Events like these remind you that winemakers are very much part of the 21st century. In northern Switzerland, they’re producing Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and even a Sauternes-style dessert wine! While not every wine is award-winning, the innovation and effort are impressive.
As a simple Belarusian who spent a month helping in the vineyards, I felt at home here from the very first moments. By now, I’d even become personally acquainted with a few producers.
In short, it was a positive experience. Everyone was chatting, smiling, and tasting wine. To my delight, I had six hours to explore the most exciting grape varieties, compare the differences within the same varieties, and discover something new.
Each winery had a price list displayed. Interestingly, the quality of the wines that day generally aligned with their prices. For example, the cheapest Riesling-Sylvaner at 11 francs was refreshing but unremarkable. In contrast, a bottle of the same grape variety priced at 25 francs offered more aromatic complexity, minerality, and overall appeal. Pinot Noir ranged widely as well, from light rosés to dark, tannic wines aged for a year in oak, with prices reflecting their quality.
