Join Lydia Harrison MW and Simon Hardy DipWSET to discover the key wine regions of Switzerland, rare local grape varieties, and their expressions of international varietals.
Event details
Switzerland is a lesser-known wine producing country for the simple reason that virtually all the wine it produces is consumed in the country, leaving little for the rest of the world.
At around the same size as the vineyards of Alsace, the country is a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties, many of them found only in Switzerland, growing alongside more familiar international varieties. The unique Alpine terroir has been shaped over thousands of years by the receding glaciers and its wide diversity of climates is heavily influenced by countless rivers, lakes and mountains.
At this unique tasting, Lydia and Simon will guide you through Switzerland’s wine regions and introduce local grape varieties including Chasselas, Petite Arvine, Amigne and Cornalin. You will sample nine distinctive wines including Pinot Noir and Merlot as well as a world-class sweet wine to finish.
You'll also get the chance to taste a selection of fine Swiss cheeses from Borough Market.
Example wine list
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Domaine des Muses ‘Petite Arvine Tradition’, Valais
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Hammel – Terres des Vins ‘Clos de la George 1er Grand Cru’, Vaud
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Domaine Henri Cruchon ‘Altesse’, Vaud
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Wehrli Weinbau ‘Esprit Barrique Küttigen Müller-Thurgau’, Deutschschweiz
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Gialdi Bini ‘Bianco Rovere’, Ticino
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Domaine Histoire d’Enfer ‘Cornalin L'Enfer du Calcaire’, Valais
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Les Celliers de Vétroz Syrah, Valais
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Weingut Pircher Pinot Noir ‘Sélection Stadtberg’, Deutschschweiz
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Kopp von der Crone Visini ‘Balin’, Ticino
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Domaine Jean-René Germanier ‘Mitis Amigne de Vétroz Réserve’, Valais
Please note that the wine list is subject to change.
Tasting level
Intermediate: An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a WSET Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.
About the presenters
Lydia Harrison MW is a born and bred Londoner and has spent her entire career in the wine industry, starting in retail at Majestic Wine where she worked for six years, during which time she completed the WSET Diploma with Distinction and won the coveted Vintners' Scholarship for the highest mark in the UK trade. At the school, Lydia looks after all our Level 1-3 courses across wine, spirits, sake and beer and our ever-changing tastings and events programme. Lydia is one of our core wine educators, teaching at all levels including the Level 4 Diploma in Wines. She became a Master of Wine in August 2019 after completing a research paper focused on online wine education. She is also an Accredited Bordeaux Educator for the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) and a Certified Sherry Educator. Outside of her role at the school she judges for Decanter World Wine Awards and Global Masters and mentors MW students. Read our Q&A with Lydia.
Simon is a leading UK expert on the wines of Switzerland and the organiser of the first ever Swiss Wine Week London in November 2024. He gained the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits in 2010 and has been judging at the IWC competition since 2018. After a 25-year career in consumer marketing and business strategy at Nestlé, Simon founded Fitting Wines in 2010 in Switzerland where he developed a personal wine shopper service for expats. Now based in London, he manages marketing and promotional initiatives for Swiss Wine in the UK and is also the co-founder of Alpina Vina. This is a new transnational guide to the wine regions in the Alpine arc and includes maps, facts and figures, a grape glossary, recommended producers and wines plus a growing number of documentary films.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.