Ah yes…the days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is finally warming up. We’re ready for the onslaught of spring and summer events that are coming our way, including one of our favorites – caves ouvertes (open wine cellars) ! It is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family outside, tasting delicious local wine, among the vineyards. It’s day drinking at its finest, wrapped under the disguise of culture.

We’ve listed out all the caves ouvertes happening in 2026, make sure to add these in your calendar!  

• German-speaking Switzerland (Graubünden, Schaffhausen, Zurich, Aargau) | 1–3 May 2026
• Neuchâtel | 8–9 May 2026
• Valais | 14–16 May 2026
• Ticino
  • Sottoceneri wineries 16–17 May 2026
  • Sopraceneri wineries 23–24 May 2026
• Vaud | 23-24 May 2026
• Geneva | 30 May 2026

German-Speaking Switzerland (1–3 May)

Caves Ouvertes, or more appropriately, Offene Weinkeller on the German-side actually spans over 17 cantons and is more decentralized. The more popular areas are Zurich, Schaffhausen, Graubünden, and Aargau, where each specializes in different wines.

In Schaffhausen, you’ll find yourself in medieval villages like Hallau, drinking Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder). Contrast this with Zurich, where the vibe is decidedly more urban and chic. Here, you can hop on a public ferry across the lake to visit wineries in Stäfa, sipping on Räuschling—a crisp white grape that is an endangered indigenous grape varieties found uniquely around Lake Zurich. Graubünden is known for it’s high-altitude vineyards that produce world-class reds.

⚠️ Unlike on the French-speaking side, there’s no 1 admissions ticket for the weekend. Most areas will charge a flat admissions fee (10, 15 chf) and a tasting glass, which you can use for the wineries around the area.

Not all winemakers open on these 3 days, so best doublecheck the individual wineries before heading out

Neuchâtel (8–9 May)

Neuchâtel is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chasselas wines, including the famous Œil-de-Perdrix rosé, which is the original Swiss rosé. Neuchâtel is widely recognized as the region that perfected and popularized it.

🎫 CHF 30.- for a single ticket over the weekend (includes shuttle between wineries, free public transportation in Neuchâtel network, vouchers)

View this post on Instagram

Valais (14–16 May)

Held over the Ascension holiday and celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Valais Caves Ouvertes is the one of the most popular regions for wine tasting. With over 230 wineries participating, it dominates in terms of sheer scale, with a dramatic mountain-scape backdrop.

This area features rare, indigenous grapes. Some can’t-misses: Petite Arvine, a white wine with a signature salty finish, and Cornalin, a dark, spicy red that was nearly extinct 50 years ago. Eat plenty of rye bread and HYDRATE as you navigate the steep, terraced vineyards.

There will be a special concert on the 16th to celebrate the 20th anniversary, featuring French singer Sébastien Tellier. Tickets sold separately.

🎫 FREE! No central pass is required. Each winery typically provides tasting glasses, which may come at a small fee (but you get to keep the glass as a nice souvenir). You’re also responsible for your own transport in the area.

⭐ Start in Sion or Sierre; these are major hubs with easy train access and the most concentrated number of shuttles to nearby villages

View this post on Instagram

Ticino (16–17 & 23–24 May)

Ticino is a “monochrome” wine region—it is almost entirely dedicated to Merlot. Cantine Aperte (open cellars) is split into two halves: the Sopraceneri (North – Bellinzona) and the Sottoceneri (South – Lugano and Mendrisio). Don’t leave without trying a Bianco di Merlot, a refreshing white wine made from red grapes.

🎫 Expect to pay a small fee at the first cellar (typically CHF 10–20) for a tasting glass, which you can use for the other wineries in the area.

⚠️ Ticino is divided by the Monte Ceneri mountain, and the wineries are only open on their specific designated weekend. Your glass from the first weekend will not work for the second weekend.

🚌 While you’re responsible for the cost of transportation during the event, you can ask for a “Ticino Ticket” at your hotel if you stay for a night. This covers all transportation in the canton

Vaud (23–24 May)

Conveniently timed with the Pentecost weekend, Vaud offers one of the most beautiful scenery during the open cellar season: the Lavaux Terraces. It’s one of my personal favorites, as you can easily walk from wine cellar to wine cellar and enjoy the gorgeous views along the way. This region features chasselas, a subtle white wine.

🎫 CHF 40.- for the whole weekend, including tasting glass, CHF 20.- gift voucher for wines, and free public transportation (Mobilis) in Vaud.

Geneva (30 May)

To finish the season, Geneva’s caves ouvertes is centered around Satigny, the large wine-growing area near the city. The villiage transforms into a giant open-air festival with live music, tons of food, and everyone enjoying the good vibes and perfect spring weather. Geneva is a red wine hub – make sure to try Gamay, Garanoir, and Gamaret.

🎫 CHF 20.- 

🚲 As we’re based in Geneva, I personally love attending caves ouvertes on bike. It is much easier than public transportation and you can enjoy the beautiful ride through the vineyards. But be careful about drunk riding!

🕺Looking for to continue the party? Check out Genève Fabuleuse Festival. It takes place at Domaine des Champs-Lingot from 17h-1h, the natural extension caves ouvertes.