A winery with heart and attitude
Right in the heart of the Vaud wine region of La Côte, on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands a winery that stands for community, innovation and outstanding quality: The Cave de La Côte. Since it was founded in 1929 by a small group of committed winegrowers from the Morges region, the cooperative has developed into one of the most important forces in Swiss viticulture. The importance of the Cave de La Côte for the wine-growing region of La Côte and the canton of Vaud is outstanding, as it contributes significantly to the development, quality and authenticity of the wines of this region.
Today, it brings together around 300 winegrowers who together cultivate over 450 hectares of vines – an area that accounts for a significant proportion of the total area under vines in the La Côte winegrowing region in the canton of Vaud.
Rooted in a special terroir
The La Côte wine region stretches along Lake Geneva, nestled between the Jura hills and the gentle slopes of the Vaud countryside. The sustainable and traditional methods of cultivation have a decisive influence on the terroir and contribute to the high quality and regional identity of the wines. Thanks to the mild climate, the reflective effect of the lake and the sheltered location, the conditions here are ideal for viticulture.
The Cave de La Côte winery is located in the center of this traditional region and cultivates around 1800 plots – from Lausanne to Satigny, via municipalities such as Féchy, Luins, Rolle and Mont-sur-Rolle. The region links the two major cities of Lausanne and Geneva and benefits from its proximity to Geneva, which gives it additional prestige and a special geographical significance.
A modern cooperative – human and sustainable
What sets Cave de La Côte apart is its cooperative model, which puts people at the center. The members are not only suppliers, but also co-owners and jointly responsible for the strategic direction. The committed employees make a significant contribution to the quality and innovation of the winery and shape the sustainable development of the company with their know-how.
The entire harvest of the winegrowers is processed – without intermediate trade, with the profits flowing back to the community. This keeps the value creation cycle local and transparent.
This form of organization is not only rich in tradition, but also sustainable: it promotes regional identity, economic fairness and enables investment in quality, technology and training. The cooperative implements sustainable and innovative methods in viticulture in a special way.
Varietal diversity with a pioneering spirit
Cave de La Côte cultivates an impressive range of grape varieties – more than thirty in number. In addition to typical regional varieties such as Chasselas, Pinot Noir and Gamay, new or rediscovered vines are also increasingly making their mark:
- Doral (a cross between Chardonnay and Chasselas)
- Servagnin (an old Pinot Noir variety)
- Divico, Gallotta (modern cultivars)
The diversity of the grape varieties is reflected in the taste and sensory characteristics of the wines, which range from fruity and fresh to complex and elegant.
International varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Viognier also find their place in the diverse terroirs of La Côte and add exciting facets to the portfolio.
The names of the wines and vineyards are an important part of the identity and stand for the origin, history and quality of the products. The extensive references of the Cave de La Côte underline the experience and quality awareness of the house.
Among the top wineries in the Cave de La Côte portfolio are renowned names such as Château d’Echichens, Château de la Bâtie, Château Malessert and Domaine Kursner. These wineries exemplify the high quality, sustainable cultivation methods and tradition of winemaking in the region.
Quality through innovation – wine culture at the cutting edge
Winemaking takes place at the Nyon and Tolochenaz sites.
Modern cellar technology, precise temperature control and flexible vinification methods guarantee wines with a clear signature and high standards.
In collaboration with research institutions such as Agroscope and the Ecole du Vin in Changins, new grape varieties, cultivation methods and ecological processes are also being tested and further developed.
This innovative spirit does not go unnoticed:
Numerous awards at national and international competitions attest to the quality level of Cave de La Côte wines – including an award at a prestigious Grand Prix, which further underlines their outstanding quality – and make them a flagship of Swiss viticulture.
Award-winning excellence – awards that impress
Cave de La Côte is known far beyond the borders of Switzerland as a winery with exceptional quality and innovative strength. The numerous awards that the winery has received over the years are impressive testimony to this. Cave de La Côte is particularly proud of the prestigious title of “Swiss Winery of the Year”, which it was awarded in 2019 – a recognition that underlines the winery’s connection to the terroir and its consistent quality philosophy.
Cave de La Côte also continues to cause a stir internationally: its Merlot was named “Best Merlot in the World” in 2010, while the Chasselas won the title of “Best Chasselas in the World” in 2016 and 2018. These successes are not only proof of the excellence of the wines, but also of the sustainable and innovative winegrowing practices practiced at the winery.
A key driving force behind this success story is cellar master Rodrigo Banto, who is considered one of Switzerland’s outstanding wine personalities. With his keen sense of the region’s potential and his passion for top quality, he has played a key role in shaping the profile of Cave de La Côte. Every award, every title is testimony to the winery’s close connection with the terroir, the care taken in the vineyard and the innovative spirit in the cellar – values that make Cave de La Côte one of the leading addresses for Swiss wines.
Variety in a glass – products and worlds of pleasure
The product diversity of Cave de La Côte reflects the full range and richness of the La Côte wine region. Whether characterful red wine, elegant rosé or fresh white wine – the winery’s wines impress with their high quality and unmistakable character, which comes directly from the region’s unique terroir. The most important grape varieties include Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Garanoir, each of which brings its own signature and character to the wines.
The Cave de La Côte attaches great importance to sustainable viticulture and therefore also offers a selection of organically produced wines that are made according to strict principles. Behind every wine are winegrowing families who have been shaping viticulture in the region for generations with passion and expertise, thus keeping the connection with the land and tradition alive.
The products of Cave de La Côte are not only in demand in Switzerland, but also internationally and are appreciated by wine lovers and restaurateurs alike. In addition to the wide range of wines, the winery also offers a selection of articles and accessories that stylishly round off the enjoyment of wine. If you would like to discover the world of Cave de La Côte, you can find all the information about the wines, the history and the current offers on the winery’s website. For personal advice or orders, the Cave de La Côte team at Chemin du Saux 5, 1131 Tolochenaz, is available by e-mail or telephone – a direct line to one of the most traditional and innovative wineries in Switzerland.
Conclusion: A winery with a future
Cave de La Côte is exemplary of a new generation of cooperative wineries:
Deeply rooted in the region, open to innovation, sustainable in structure – and with a diverse, multi-award-winning wine portfolio that delights connoisseurs far beyond the country’s borders.