Fondue in the heart of the Lavaux vineyard

Discover a Unique Fondue Experience in the Heart of Lavaux Vineyards

The Fondue in the heart of the Lavaux vineyard tour offers a distinctive taste of Swiss tradition combined with stunning vineyard scenery. Located in Epesses, Vaud, this 2-hour experience from Gaillard & Fils SA includes a cheese fondue served on a terrace or panoramic veranda overlooking the UNESCO-listed vineyards. With wine tastings of your choice from the estate and artisanal cuisine, it’s perfect for those seeking a cozy yet picturesque culinary outing.

This tour is available 7 days a week and features flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It suits visitors who want a relaxed, authentic Swiss experience with the chance to savor local cheeses and wines amid breathtaking vineyard views. While the tour focuses mainly on tasting and scenery, it’s accessible with wheelchair-friendly facilities and offers the comfort of a heated veranda in winter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Location: Epesses in the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards
• Duration: 2 hours, with flexible starting times
• Cuisine: 100% local, artisanal cheese fondue
• Wine Tasting: Includes three wines of your choice from the estate
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and available in all seasons
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours

The Charm of Lavaux’s UNESCO Vineyards in Epesses

The tour takes place at Domaine Gaillard & Fils SA, a family-run winery founded in 1964. Since 2020, the estate offers visitors the chance to enjoy Swiss traditions atop the panoramic terrace or in a heated veranda in winter, providing flexible comfort year-round. The vineyard views are a highlight, offering a stunning backdrop while you indulge in authentic Swiss cheese fondue.

The location’s scenic setting is complemented by the family’s artisanal approach to wine and cheese production, emphasizing local craftsmanship. The estate’s welcoming atmosphere makes this experience suitable for anyone interested in local flavors and Vaud’s renowned vineyards.

Fondue in the Vineyard: A Swiss Classic with a Twist

The cheese fondue served here is the main highlight, offering a timeless Swiss dish in an extraordinary vineyard setting. The fondue is prepared with local cheeses, providing a rich and creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the estate’s wines.

Guests can enjoy their fondue on the terrace or veranda, with spectacular vineyard views adding to the dining experience. The cozy setting, especially with the heated veranda in winter, makes it an ideal spot for relaxing and savoring authentic Swiss cheese.

Tasting Three Selected Wines from the Estate

Included in the tour is a wine tasting of three wines of your choice, allowing you to explore the estate’s portfolio. This flexible tasting option provides a chance to sample local wines, crafted with care from the vineyards of Vaud.

The wine selection complements the cheese fondue perfectly, enhancing the tasting experience amid the vineyard scenery. Whether you prefer whites or reds, the estate’s artisanal wines reflect the terroir of Lavaux, making each sip memorable.

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Artisanal Cuisine from Local Producers

Beyond the fondue, the experience includes a dessert of your choice, rounding out the tasting. The cuisine emphasizes 100% local and artisanal ingredients, supporting regional producers and showcasing the best of Vaud’s culinary offerings.

This focus on local craftsmanship ensures that every bite and sip highlight authentic flavors. It’s a genuine chance to enjoy Swiss traditions in a setting that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour departs from Epesses, just a 5-minute drive from the Puidoux highway exit or a 15-minute walk from Puidoux train station, making it easy to reach by car or public transport. The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with mobility needs.

Guests can reserve online with flexible payment options, including pay later. The free cancellation policy allows for peace of mind, with the chance to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience without penalty.

The Setting: From the Terrace to the Veranda

The terrace provides an open-air option to enjoy the vineyard views, especially in good weather. During colder months, the heated veranda ensures comfort without sacrificing the scenery. Both locations offer a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff guiding you through the tasting and fondue experience.

The combination of scenic vistas and warm indoor space makes this tour adaptable to different seasons, perfect for both summer afternoons and winter outings.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others in the Region

Unlike many wine tours, this experience centers on pairing cheese fondue with estate wines in a vineyard setting. The focus on artisanal and local products adds a genuine touch, emphasizing regional craftsmanship.

The family-owned estate provides a personalized and authentic environment, where guides or staff explain the winemaking and cheese tradition. The flexibility in tasting choices and the accessibility features make this tour appealing and inclusive.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience Most

This tour suits food lovers eager to try authentic Swiss cheese fondue paired with local wines. It is ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, scenic outing without extensive walking or complex schedules.

Couples, small groups, or solo visitors interested in regional cuisine and vineyard views will find this experience especially enjoyable. It’s also a good choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Vaud in a comfortable, accessible setting.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Swiss Vineyard and Fondue Experience

Fondue in the heart of the Lavaux vineyard offers a delightful combination of local flavors, scenic beauty, and flexible comfort. The 2-hour experience delivers a taste of Swiss cheese fondue paired with wines from the estate, set against the stunning backdrop of UNESCO-listed vineyards.

While the focus is mainly on tasting and scenery, the welcoming atmosphere and artisanal quality make it a memorable outing for lovers of regional cuisine and vineyard views. The accessibility options and easy logistics add to the appeal, making it suitable for a broad range of visitors.

This experience is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, authentic slice of Swiss culture in a picturesque setting. Expect excellent local cheese, carefully selected wines, and the chance to enjoy Swiss traditions in a beautiful vineyard environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2 hours, providing enough time for fondue, wine tasting, and enjoying the scenery.

What is included in the experience?
Guests enjoy a cheese fondue, three wines of your choice, and a dessert of your choice.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and held in locations suitable for mobility needs.

Where does the tour take place?
The experience is based at Domaine Gaillard & Fils SA in Epesses, in the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Do I need to pay in advance?
Reservations are book now, pay later, offering flexible planning.

Is this tour suitable in winter?
Yes, the heated veranda allows for year-round enjoyment, including in colder months.

How do I get to the estate?
It is just a 5-minute drive from the Puidoux highway exit or a 15-minute walk from Puidoux train station.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby