basel wine tours

Basel Wine Tasting Trips

• Start Date Select Month April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 OR, More specific start
• Food & Wine
• Most Popular
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Festival Visits
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Small Ship Cruises
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Wine Tasting
• Avalon Envision
• Avalon Expression
• Avalon Panorama
• Avalon Tranquility II
• Avalon Vista
• Emerald Dawn
• Emerald Sky
• Emerald Sun
• MS Amacerto
• MS Amalucia
• MS Amaprima
• MS Amaserena
• MS AmaSiena
• MS Amastella
• MS Amaviola
• MS Symphonie
• River Empress
• River Queen
• S.S. Antoinette
• S.S. Victoria
• Scenic Crystal
• Scenic Opal
• Scenic Pearl
• Viking Cruises

The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam

• Enjoy panoramic views of Zürich
• Walk along Lucerne's famous streets
• Visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle
• Admire Amsterdam's beauty

Castles along the Rhine

• Tour the Kaysersberg village
• Wander through historic Strasbourg
• Enjoy wine tasting at Boppard
• Visit the Marksburg Castle

Rhine Getaway

• Explore the village of Kinderdijk
• View the sites of Rüdesheim
• Discover the Speyer Cathedral
• Visit resplendent churches

Rhine & Moselle Splendors - Cruise Only

• Explore historical Trier
• Discover the Reichsburg Castle
• Visit Rüdesheim on a gondola ride
• Enjoy the beautiful Neckar Valley

Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only

• Explore “La Petite France”
• Bike along the Rhine River
• Discover Porta Nigra's secrets
• Enjoy the fairytale town of Cochem

From Basel to Amsterdam: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River

• Visit the spectacular Rhine Falls
• Enjoy a free morning in Breisach
• Admire the wine-growing region
• Explore the Gutenberg Museum

The Enchanting Rhine

• Join a city tour of Zurich
• Bike along Strasbourg
• Visit the iconic Lion Monument

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps

• Explore Amsterdam
• Visit Cologne Cathedral
• Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
• Admire views of the Lake Como

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

• Enjoy Amsterdam
• Join a tour through Old Town
• Hike through Rüdesheim
• Tour Parc de l’Orangerie

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

• Admire Amsterdam's famous canals
• Bike along Rüdesheim
• Visit Strasbourg’s Christmas Market
• Enjoy Europe's Christmas markets

Rhine & Moselle Fairytales

• Enjoy Cologne's local delights
• Explore charming Koblenz
• Discover scenic Cochem
• Admire the famous Fraumünster Abbey

German Grandeur with a trip in Munich

• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
• Roam around the city of Frankfurt
• Learn about the history of Bamberg
• Enjoy exploring Rüdesh
• Tour to the Kaysersberg village.
• Visit the historic town Strasbourg.
• Explore beautiful Marksburg Castle.
• Walk through the Town of Cologne

Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only

• Discover Cologne's Gothic cathedral
• Bike along the Moselle River
• Enjoy views of the Neckar Valley

German Grandeur

• Explore magical Black Forest
• Discover Mechanical Music Museum
• Enjoy the visit in wine producer
• Explore Bamberg

Festive Time on Romantic Rhine

• Enjoy lots of Christmas Market
• Join an excursion to Black Forest
• Visit La Petite France district
• Explore Mainz' architecture
• Take an Amsterdam canal tour
• Enjoy bike tours and wine tastings
• Hike up the Philosopher's Path
• Join a panoramic tour of Strasbourg

Top Basel Travel Destinations

• Rhine River
• Switzerland

Basel Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Basel trips (45)
• 2025 Basel trips (30)
• May 2024 (21)
• June 2024 (22)
• July 2024 (22)
• August 2024 (21)
• September 2024 (23)
• October 2024 (21)
• November 2024 (17)
• August 2025 (18)
• November 2025 (18)

Top Experiences in Basel

• Basel Cruises (49)
• Basel River Cruises (41)
• Basel Luxury (24)
• Basel Cultural (14)
• Basel Food & Wine (4)

Basel Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (3)
• 8 day trips (32)
• 11 day trips (5)
• 12 day trips (3)

Basel Trips by Activity

• Basel wine tasting (28)
• Basel biking (28)
• Basel hiking (23)
• Basel village visits (15)
• Basel small ship cruises (14)
• Basel urban exploration (13)
• Basel christmas market visits (9)
• Basel archaeological site visits (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

THE 5 BEST Basel Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tours & tastings in basel.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!

2. Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.

3. Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg

4. The Vine Tour (Private Tour)

5. Cheese Chocolate and Wine from Basel

6. Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel

7. Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich

Zurich Chocolate Hunting Tour with a Local

Lucerne Zvieri Swiss Traditional Tasting Experience

Zürich Food Tour

Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern

Ethical Chocolate Tour

Lake Lucerne Region Wein Tasting

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Tour in Luzern region

Cooking courses in Liestal

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Private Swiss Cooking Class in Kriens with a Professional Chef

Bern Private Photoshoot with Optional Picnic by the River

Cheese platter by Boat on Lake Thun, Interlaken

Lucerne Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Cheese, Chocolate and Wine in the Bern Region from Luzern

eTukTuk The Chocolate side of Zurich Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!
• Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel
• Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine
• The Vine Tour (Private Tour)
• Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.
• WineWeinVinoVin
• Rosotravel - Basel City Tours
• Juan Lo Bello

THE 5 BEST Basel Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tours & tastings in basel.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!

2. Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.

3. Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg

4. The Vine Tour (Private Tour)

5. Cheese Chocolate and Wine from Basel

6. Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel

7. Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich

Zurich Chocolate Hunting Tour with a Local

Lucerne Zvieri Swiss Traditional Tasting Experience

Zürich Food Tour

Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern

Ethical Chocolate Tour

Lake Lucerne Region Wein Tasting

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Tour in Luzern region

Cooking courses in Liestal

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Private Swiss Cooking Class in Kriens with a Professional Chef

Bern Private Photoshoot with Optional Picnic by the River

Cheese platter by Boat on Lake Thun, Interlaken

Lucerne Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Cheese, Chocolate and Wine in the Bern Region from Luzern

eTukTuk The Chocolate side of Zurich Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!
• Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel
• Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine
• The Vine Tour (Private Tour)
• Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.
• WineWeinVinoVin
• Rosotravel - Basel City Tours
• Juan Lo Bello

THE 5 BEST Basel Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tours & tastings in basel.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!

2. Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.

3. Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg

4. The Vine Tour (Private Tour)

5. Cheese Chocolate and Wine from Basel

6. Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel

7. Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich

Zurich Chocolate Hunting Tour with a Local

Lucerne Zvieri Swiss Traditional Tasting Experience

Zürich Food Tour

Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern

Ethical Chocolate Tour

Lake Lucerne Region Wein Tasting

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Tour in Luzern region

Cooking courses in Liestal

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Private Swiss Cooking Class in Kriens with a Professional Chef

Bern Private Photoshoot with Optional Picnic by the River

Cheese platter by Boat on Lake Thun, Interlaken

Lucerne Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Cheese, Chocolate and Wine in the Bern Region from Luzern

eTukTuk The Chocolate side of Zurich Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!
• Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel
• Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine
• The Vine Tour (Private Tour)
• Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.
• WineWeinVinoVin
• Rosotravel - Basel City Tours
• Juan Lo Bello

An Alsace Wine Tasting Tour From Basel Switzerland

As we climbed out of the van the rain had lightened up, but not stopped. It had been raining on and off all week. It didn’t bother me too much today because I was about to embark on a fun wine tasting tour, one of several Basel day trips.  I have been in Basel Switzerland for a week house and pet sitting. I was lucky to be there for the Fasnacht Carnival (one of Five Fantastic Festivals in Switzerland ) and now it was time to enjoy some great wines in the area. Although Basel is in Switzerland, the city borders France and Germany. We got into the van in Basel city center and about 45 minutes later we exited in the Alsace region in France. Our guide for the day was Colin, an award-winning wine sommelier.

Table of Contents

Alsace France

As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, we may earn commission on qualifying purchases.  Disclaimer  |  Advertise With Us

Alsace is a historical region in northeastern France on the Rhine River plain. The Alsace Wine Route crosses 53 different wine districts and is one of the oldest routes in France. The famous Alsace grapes found throughout the French wine regions here are freckled with Instagramable villages and medieval towns. These vineyard vines are home to some of the most sought-after grapes(Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Riesling) around the world. I wasn’t going to let the rain dampen my mood, I knew we were in for a great Alsace France wine tastings tour.

Our Alsace Wine Tour Itinerary

The wine tour included 4 different wineries sampling various French wines at each stop. In addition to a one-hour lunch break in a medieval village.

The First Vineyard

Our tour began at a vineyard representing the 6th and 7th generation of a family. The vineyard has perfectly exposed hillsides with steep slopes. Half of the splendid terroirs and terraces supported by dry stone walls have been classed in Alsace Grand Cru appellation. This vineyard has been farmed with the same passion and dedication for over 2000 years. Complete production is done here. From growing to harvesting, to bottling, inserting the wine cork (no twist-off caps here), and adding wine labels.

“As winegrowers, we exclusively vinify our own harvest. As we do not buy either grapes, juices, or wines. This enables us to have complete traceability as well as a sustained quality of our production.”

Additionally, nothing goes to waste at this vineyard. After the wine production, spirits are made and the remaining byproducts are sent to the medical companies in Basel.

Their wine cellars contain 120 century-old oak casks and 80 thermal controlled stainless steel vats used for a strict selection of wine and rare vintage wine. Their wines include:

• Alsace Riesling
• Alsace Pinot Gris
• Alsace Muscat
• Alsace Pinot Blanc
• Alsace Pinot Noir
• Alsace Gewurztraminer

The Second Vineyard

The second winery we went to is located in one of the many beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr. With over 70 hectares, this family winery has been growing grapes since 1574 to produce Alsatian wine. At this winery, we learned how they became the pioneers of the marketing of wine in stemmed bottles.

“In 1913 this vineyard owner was the first to have the idea of commercializing wine in stemmed bottles, the elegance of which, even to this day, distinguishes Alsace wine from other wines. This ‘invention’ was not easily accepted. In order to combat reticence and to prove the perfect conservation of bottled Alsace wine, he wagered that his bottles would be able to support the journey from Alsace to Australia and back. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The demonstration was so brilliant that the jury of the Strasbourg Exhibition awarded him the highest possible distinction – the silver medal with the inscription ‘for a particularly successful achievement’. This little revolution meant that Alsace wine could set off to conquer Paris France and… the rest of the world. As proof of its supremacy, the enterprise became suppliers to all the great steamships and long-distance mail boats. In 1972 his idea was given support by the issuing of a decree which made it obligatory for Alsace wine to be bottled in the region in which it was produced”.

Crémant d’Alsace is their main product. It is a special sparkling wine of the Alsace wine region in France. They also produce the following white wine:

• Riesling wine
• Pinot Gris wine
• Muscat wine
• Pinot Blanc wine
• Pinot Noir wine
• Gewurztraminer wine

The Third Winery in Alsace France

Our third winery has 13 generations of family tradition at their vineyard. This family-run estate owns 30 hectares of land in the Alsace region. They also buy grapes from another 100 hectares by a partner grower. The hand-picked grape varieties throughout the vineyards are up to 35 years old. Their production averages 100,000 cases of wine per year. Ninety percent of it is exported to over one hundred countries around the world. Here was the only Alsace red wine tasting we had.

“This family drafted the legislation to govern the production of late-harvest Alsace wines, Vendange Tardive, and Selection de Grains Nobles. They also revived Gentil, a traditional blend of Alsace noble grapes”.

Under 16th-century buildings, in the heart of a medieval town is their cellars. Within this wine cellar is the famous ‘S. Catherine’ barrel. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the oldest working wine casks in the world, dating back to 1715.

The Fourth Vineyard

This winery, situated on the Alsace Wine Route, has had a passion for wine since 1626. The 13th generation

“extols the virtues of all the Alsace grape varieties, their true passion lies with the Riesling. Its unequaled fruitiness, finesse, elegance, and pedigree make it the finest white wine in the world!”

The 50 hectares that make up this estate extend over fifty parcels and seven villages. The strictly hand-harvested grapes are meticulously selected for each wine. The combination of modernity and tradition are used with stainless steel tanks and old wooden casks. More than 85% of its highly sought-after dry wines are exported around the world.

Basel, Switzerland Day Tours

Although there are several day tours you can take in Basel and visit Vineyards in Switzerland, there is no wine tasting tour like the Alsace region, right on Basel’s doorstep. Here you will not get mulled wine, sangria wine, port wine, or ice wine. You will be tasting wine from vineyards that produce some of the finest wines in France…. some say the world! Learn about which amazing vineyards these are and book this wine tour contact the award-winning wine sommelier, Colin at WineWeinVinoVin here .

I highly recommend this wine tasting tour when you visit Basel. The day was filled with a vast amount of information about the area, the wines, and several tastings in various wine glasses. Some of these wines at the vineyards are not available in wine stores, you can only buy a bottle of wine at the vineyard.

While in Basel, you should also go on a Swiss Chocolate Tour , get a Thai Massage,  and stay at the Hotel Euler .

Sally Pederson is an award-winning travel writer and member of the International Travel Writers Alliance. Sally holds the title of Lady of Kerry and Baroness of Burgund. To date, Sally has traveled to over 40 countries.

Similar Posts

Hugo’s – An exceptional restaurant behind the famous blue façade

Dine in a 13th Century Palace in Florence – Locale Firenze

Hotel Euler Basel Switzerland Review

5 Cool Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants In Toronto

Guinness’ 250 Years of History in Dublin, Ireland

Winenium Review: Barcelona Premium Exclusive Wine Tasting Tours

25 comments.

I believe every single person who is reading this blog post want to experience this aleast once. Great Post, Appreciation.

Alsace wine tasting tour is an amazing trip. You are so lucky that you have seen the beautiful scenes on your tour. In my country, there are no vineyards it has just gardens. I like the apple wine in red colour. Your journey is amazing and I wish you all the best.

I love wine (as you can tell from my blog name). I’ve always wanted to go on a wine tasting tour!!!! This one sounds amazing.

I love wine (as you can tell from my blog name). I’ve always wanted to go on a wine tasting tour!!!! This one sounds amazing.

Yes, it was a great way to spend the day in France.

I have not been to Basel, I’ve just passed by it on the car and it looked a little too industrial to me. But I see that my initial impression was probably not complete. Basel looks amazing! 🙂 I would love to visit it one day.

You should definitely go. I’m sure you will be surprised by everything it has to offer.

I would love to visit these places! So pretty!

Though I dont drink but would like to share this with a friend who would love to go on a wine tasting tour like the Alsace. 🙂

It was a very enjoyable tour with a lot of information about the area as well as the wine tasting.

Oh wow this sounds so fun! And like Stephanie, I would LOVE being behind the scenes in all these historic production facilities and the underground vaults and everything – LOVE that pic of all the casks!

Wine tasting is very good, have tried once in India @ Nashik it was wonderful experience with my whole family…!

I’m sure it was a great experience. I never would have thought of going on a wine tour in India.

Wine tasting tour that’s so much fun and cool. Wish I could be there.

It was a very nice day with some wines I have never heard of before.

This sounds like such a fun trip! I don’t drink wine, but still enjoy tours to see the winery and how everything works.

It was very informative even without the wine tasting.

How fun!! I love wine, and wine tasting tours are so fun! Maybe someday if I am ever there I can do that wine tour!

It really was a fun and interesting day. I learned a lot about the area and the wines there.

The Alsace wine tasting tour sounds like my kind of fun! I’m a Riesling and Pinot Noir girl but am always looking those hidden gems.

I prefer red wine, but we only tried one red. However, they were some great wines.

I’ve never done a wine tasting tour but I’d love to… and this one sounds like it was great!

Yes, you should go on one. You can go almost anywhere in the world.

I love Europe, especially Switzerland…so much history and it is fun to see how many generations of the same family have been continuing on, working the family business! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, it was a very interesting tour. Some of the vineyards have been run by 13 generations.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

THE 5 BEST Wine Tours & Tastings in Basel, Switzerland

Wine tours & tastings in basel.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!

2. Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.

3. Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg

4. The Vine Tour (Private Tour)

5. Cheese Chocolate and Wine from Basel

6. Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel

7. Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich

Zurich Chocolate Hunting Tour with a Local

Lucerne Zvieri Swiss Traditional Tasting Experience

Zürich Food Tour

Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern

Ethical Chocolate Tour

Lake Lucerne Region Wein Tasting

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Tour in Luzern region

Cooking courses in Liestal

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Private Swiss Cooking Class in Kriens with a Professional Chef

Bern Private Photoshoot with Optional Picnic by the River

Cheese platter by Boat on Lake Thun, Interlaken

Lucerne Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Cheese, Chocolate and Wine in the Bern Region from Luzern

eTukTuk The Chocolate side of Zurich Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!
• Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel
• Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine
• The Vine Tour (Private Tour)
• Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.
• WineWeinVinoVin
• Rosotravel - Basel City Tours
• Juan Lo Bello

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Wine tasting Tours & Trips from Basel

See the best Wine tasting trips from Basel, Switzerland. We have 7 adventures that range from 8 days up to 15 days in length. The most popular time for tours leaving Basel is August.

Filters applied

7 wine tasting tour packages from basel with 8 reviews.

Castles along the Rhine (2025) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2025)

The Majestic Rhine (Start Basel, End Frankfurt, 2024-2025, 8 Days)

Medieval Treasures (Wine Cruise) (Wine Cruise) 2024

Timeless Rivers of Europe: The Rhine & Seine for Wine Lovers

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards with Amsterdam

The Rhine & Moselle for Wine Lovers (Northbound)

Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery (2025) (Basel to Brussels, 2025)

Travel styles.

• Wine tasting
• Discover the Best Switzerland Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• Switzerland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Viking River Cruise Adventure: Basel’s Wine Varieties Unveiled

• January 16, 2024

Steve White

• No Comments

Introduction

When embarking on a wine journey along the Rhine River, Basel, Switzerland, serves as the perfect starting point. This charming city not only welcomes you with its picturesque landscapes but also introduces you to the world of Swiss wines. In this article, we’ll explore Basel’s role as the gateway to the Swiss Rhineland and its vibrant wine culture, with a focus on the wines of German-speaking Switzerland.

Basel – The Gateway to Swiss Wines in the Rhineland

Discover swiss wine charms.

Your wine adventure begins in Basel, Switzerland, a city that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation when it comes to winemaking. Swiss wines, often underrated on the international stage, hold hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Basel, at the crossroads of French, German, and Swiss influences, offers a diverse range of grape varieties that contribute to its unique wine scene.

Switzerland’s wine culture emphasizes sustainability, producing wines that truly reflect the region’s terroir. Within Basel’s vineyards, you’ll find the cultivation of grape varieties like Chasselas, Pinot Noir, and Müller-Thurgau. Chasselas, also known as Fendant, is a crisp white wine with delightful hints of apple and citrus, embodying the essence of Swiss winemaking.

Basel Wine Exploration

Sampling swiss wines.

As you begin your wine journey, take the opportunity to explore Basel’s wine culture. Dive into the world of Swiss wines by sampling them at local wine bars or dining at restaurants renowned for their wine selections. What makes Basel even more captivating is its role as a hub for distributing Swiss wines worldwide, making these hidden gems accessible to travelers on their river cruise.

If your cruise aligns with the timing of wine festivals, make sure to attend. These events offer a vibrant atmosphere where you can savor Swiss wines while immersing yourself in the local wine culture.

Wine Varietals in Switzerland

Pinot noir and müller-thurgau.

Beyond Basel, your wine journey delves deeper into the enchanting world of Swiss wines, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland. This region encompasses 17 wine-producing cantons, each contributing to the diverse and flavorful Swiss wine landscape. The vineyards here can be categorized into three areas: the western region with Basel and the canton of Aargau; the central region with Zurich, Schaffhausen, and the canton of Thurgau; and the eastern region with the cantons of Graubünden and St. Gallen.

In German-speaking Switzerland, red grape varieties are grown in the vineyards. An impressive one-quarter of the vineyard acreage is dedicated to Pinot Noir, locally referred to as Blauburgunder. These vines produce remarkable well-nuanced red wines that captivate wine enthusiasts. White grape varieties, predominantly Müller-Thurgau (known as Riesling-Sylvaner in Switzerland), cover 25% of the wine-growing surface.

Microclimates and Terroir

The climatic conditions in German Switzerland are rather northern, which limits the number of grape varieties that can reach maturity. However, the region benefits from various factors that create microclimates favorable to vine cultivation. Lakes, rivers, the foehn (a warm wind), and the advantageous exposition of the vineyards all play a role in shaping the wine character. Rainfall varies significantly from one zone to another, and the risk of frost in spring and autumn remains a factor to consider.

What further enhances the complexity of German-speaking Switzerland’s wines is the diversity of its soils. This region stretches from the Jura to the Alps and includes vital basins formed by water flows. These diverse soil compositions contribute to the uniqueness of the terroir, allowing each vineyard to impart its distinct character to the wines.

Exploring Swiss Wines

Basel’s influence on swiss wine distribution.

Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe has played a pivotal role in the distribution of Swiss wines. The city’s international port connects Swiss winemakers to markets worldwide, making Swiss wines more accessible than ever. As you explore Basel’s wine culture, you may come across bottles from various Swiss cantons, offering a diverse tasting experience.

Tasting Swiss Chasselas

One of the highlights of Swiss wine is Chasselas , known as Fendant in the Valais region. This white grape variety produces wines with a crisp and refreshing profile, often accompanied by subtle notes of apple, citrus, and minerals. Chasselas pairs wonderfully with Swiss cuisine, and you’ll find it featured prominently in local restaurants.

Pinot Noir: The Red Jewel

Swiss Pinot Noir, referred to as Blauburgunder in German-speaking Switzerland, is a red wine lover’s delight. These vines thrive in the region’s unique terroir, resulting in Pinot Noirs with a complex flavor profile. Expect to savor notes of cherry, red berries, and earthiness in these well-crafted wines. When dining in Basel or other Swiss cities, be sure to explore the Pinot Noir offerings on wine lists.

Müller-Thurgau: A White Gem

Müller-Thurgau , also known as Riesling-Sylvaner in Switzerland, is a versatile white grape variety that graces Swiss vineyards. It produces white wines with a refreshing character, marked by green apple notes and a hint of minerality. Müller-Thurgau wines are the perfect accompaniment to Swiss cheese fondue or raclette, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Wine Festivals and Events

Basel wine festival.

Throughout the year, Basel hosts various wine-related events and festivals. One of the highlights is the Basel Wine Festival, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Swiss and international wines. Winemakers from across Switzerland gather to showcase their finest creations, allowing you to taste an array of wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Wine Tastings in Basel

Many wine bars and cellars in Basel offer wine tastings where you can explore Swiss wines in depth. Knowledgeable sommeliers guide you through tasting flights, providing insights into the characteristics of each wine and the regions they hail from. It’s an excellent opportunity to refine your palate and discover your personal wine preferences.

Basel, Switzerland, and German-speaking Switzerland are just the beginning of your wine journey along the Rhine River. Basel’s Swiss wine charms offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, while German-speaking Switzerland immerses you in the captivating world of Swiss wines. As you explore these regions, take time to savor the flavors, explore the terroirs, and engage with the passionate winemakers who shape the wine culture of the Rhine. Want to learn more about the benefits of drinking wine? Read our article on Wine and Health: Revealing the Secrets Behind the Elixir of Life .

Whether you’re sipping Chasselas by the Rhine in Basel or indulging in Pinot Noir in the vineyards of German-speaking Switzerland, Swiss wines will leave an indelible mark on your palate. Stay tuned for the next leg of your journey, where we’ll uncover more wine regions and the exceptional wines they have to offer. Cheers to a wine-filled adventure along the Rhine!

Interesting Posts

Europe Trip with Your Tastebuds: 5 European Dishes You Need to Try

The Insider’s Guide to Authentic Greek Food

Wine Tasting and Scenery in Breisach on a Viking River Cruise

Essential Travel Packing Hacks for International Travel

Alsace Wine Tasting During a Viking River Cruise

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. - Mark Twain Tweet

Related Posts

Top 10 Best Places to visit in Oregon with family in Summer

Places to Visit in the USA for the First Time in 2024

Wine Tasting Review – Wines from Italy, Chile, France, and Spain

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to the mailing list to receive posts updates!

• Follow Us on Instagram

Welcome to Barefoot Travels and Wine!

Join us on this remarkable adventure, and together we will raise a toast to the beauty of the world and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead!

Useful LInks

• Terms & Conditions

Most newsletters suck. Our’s doesn’t.

THE 5 BEST Canton of Basel Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in canton of basel.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!

2. Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.

3. Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg

4. The Vine Tour (Private Tour)

5. Cheese Chocolate and Wine from Basel

6. Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel

7. Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine

8. Cooking courses in Liestal

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland

Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich

Zurich Chocolate Hunting Tour with a Local

Lucerne Zvieri Swiss Traditional Tasting Experience

Zürich Food Tour

Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern

Ethical Chocolate Tour

Lake Lucerne Region Wein Tasting

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Tour in Luzern region

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Private Swiss Cooking Class in Kriens with a Professional Chef

Bern Private Photoshoot with Optional Picnic by the River

Cheese platter by Boat on Lake Thun, Interlaken

Lucerne Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Cheese, Chocolate and Wine in the Bern Region from Luzern

What travellers are saying.

• Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!
• Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel
• Basel Private Tour - Gruyères, Cheese, and Lavaux's UNESCO Wine
• The Vine Tour (Private Tour)
• Alsace Rocks! Visit 3 fabulous wineries.
• WineWeinVinoVin
• Rosotravel - Basel City Tours
• Juan Lo Bello

• Destinations
• Winery Directory

Basel Cellars Estate Winery

Walla walla, washington.

Located in the heart Walla Walla, Basel Cellars offers the ultimate escape. Whether you are looking for premium wine, a breathtaking panorama, food and wine pairings or a weekend away, Basel Cellars offers you all that and more. Our Estate House and Winery are situated on a hilltop nestled between Yellowhawk Creek and the Walla Walla River south of downtown Walla Walla. We currently produce between 7,000 and 10,000 cases annually of small batch, high quality wines. In addition, the stunning grounds, estate buildings and panoramic views make this a “must see” winery.

You’ll feel whisked away while you enjoy a glass of wine on our patio, overlooking the Blue Mountains and our Estate Vineyards. During peak season weekends, take the opportunity to indulge in our gourmet food and wine pairings. If you’re looking for your next family vacation or perhaps the perfect wedding venue, we have that too. Perfect for large groups and weddings, the estate house is available for rent and sleeps 16 across its 8 bedrooms and nearly 14,000 square feet of living space. The home is extremely well appointed and features a chef kitchen, 3 indoor dining areas, formal living room, outdoor kitchen and abundant outdoor living space. The basement offers a club like world of its own, furnished with a board room, pool table, full bar and home theatre. Our surrounding grounds offer patios in all directions, an outdoor kitchen, a large pool with waterslide and water features running throughout.

Come escape with us daily from 10am-4pm!

Event Space

This winery offers event space on their property. Learn about hosting weddings, private parties, company meetings or custom events.

Food & Wine Pairings

This winery offers a variety of wines paired with food.

Take home souveneirs and wine.

This winery includes lodging on or nearby the property.

Outdoor Patio

This winery is popular among visitors for its outdoor patio. Sip and swirl your wine while enjoying a beautiful patio setting.

Picnic Area

There are areas to relax, eat and drink outside.

There is a restaurant on-site.

This winery offers space for RV Parking on their property.

Wedding Venue

This winery is also a Wedding Venue. 

Wine Tastings

This winery offers wine tastings on the property either by walk-in or appointment.

Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Styles

• Bordeaux-style Blends
• Dry Red Wines
• Dry White Wines

Leave a Comment, Ask a Question or Share a Review Cancel reply

Wineries near by, amavi cellars, tripadvisor traveler rating, saviah cellars, pepper bridge winery, northstar winery, cheers to free membership.

Explore new paths. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts.

Get free access to all the goods:

• Exclusive articles
• In-depth itineraries
• …and more

One of the oldest hotels in Hong Kong is the definition of luxury. 13 photos offer a glimpse inside Art Basel's hotel partner, The Peninsula.

• The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, an iconic property that opened in 1928, offers a luxury experience.
• The hotel boasts nine restaurants, a spa, a mall featuring high-end brands, and over 50 suites.
• The Peninsula also offers unique experiences like the Art in Resonance program and a helicopter pad used by celebrities.

Steps away from the glistening Victoria Harbour sits the Peninsula Hotel.

The flagship hotel in the Peninsula Hotels group, which boasts properties worldwide, opened in December 1928, making it one of the oldest hotels in Hong Kong. The original building only housed six floors and was the tallest building in the city when it was built.

Now, the hotel has a 30-story tower, more than 50 hotel suites, nine restaurants and lounges, a spa, and what they call a "shopping arcade," or an intimate mall featuring Chanel, Harry Winston, and other luxury brands.

The iconic hotel, one of the official hotel partners of Art Basel Hong Kong , sponsored by the global lead partner UBS, is nestled right on the Kowloon Peninsula in Tsim Sha Tsui. Thanks to their Art in Resonance program, it's also home to four memorable art pieces featuring "emerging and mid-career" artists. I toured the 5-star hotel and saw exactly why the Peninsula provides the best in hospitality and accommodations, from the hotel's helicopter pad, which has welcomed Bon Jovi and Tom Cruise, to the gym that Madonna specially requested be outfitted in the hotel's biggest suite.

When you first walk up to the hotel, you're greeted by an art installation in the hotel's signature green.

Kingsley Ng, a visual artist based in Hong Kong, was the creator behind the art installation affixed to the hotel's exterior. During Art Basel, " Esmeralda ," as it's titled, was unveiled revealing a sky-high art moment that mimics water waves.

You're also greeted by a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars.

Before you enter the hotel, guests know they'll be treated to a luxury experience thanks to the Rolls-Royce fleet parked outside. The hotel has 14 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms on hand for guests to use.

Every car is in the hotel's signature green with a peanut butter leather and wood paneling interior.

The cars are facing two stone Chinese lions, placed outside the hotel for protection, according to Kylie Cheung, the hotel's assistant director of communications.

There's also a vintage Rolls-Royce tucked away in the hotel's basement.

Housed in the garage is the hotel's most precious member of the fleet, a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II , a tailor-made car that belongs to the Kadoorie family. The family owns the Peninsula Hotel Group along with China Light and Power, an electricity company servicing most of Hong Kong.

The car, built in antique fashion, is preserved beautifully. I got a chance to sit inside the car, to feel the buttered leather under my hands. There's even a rotary telephone inside the vehicle, a call back to an earlier time before cellular phones and devices.

The hotel lobby is lavish. It features tall white columns with 76 hand-painted gargoyles on top.

Walking inside the hotel, you're met with two sides, both for dining.

The hotel's communications director told Business Insider that the middle of the lobby was previously used as a dance floor and that men and women would sit separately on two sides "so as not to cause embarrassment."

Today, the lobby is the place for the hotel's famous afternoon tea , held from 2-6 p.m. local time for a minimum cost of $350 Hong Kong dollars, or around $44. The all-day menu features an assortment of salads, pastas, sandwiches, and what they call "Asian specialties."

The lobby also houses an art installation by French artist Elise Morin. The art dune-shaped piece, titled "SOLI," comprises broken CDs, a nod to the piece's sustainable message.

The 300-room hotel has over 50 suites, including its finest, the Presidential Suite.

BI toured two of the hotel's suites, including the 4,000-square-foot Presidential Suite that's welcomed presidents, billionaires, and business leaders, according to Cheung.

The room, number 2608, is the picture of opulence thanks to marble floors, an executive dining table, a piano, and custom-made furniture.

Walking in, you're greeted by artwork, a 2011 wooden sculpture by Sun Yi titled "Dancer II." To the left is a media room where guests can relax and enjoy a movie.

If you'd rather look at the Harbour, floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace offer the perfect unobstructed view.

A gym, specially requested by Madonna, sits in one of the suite's rooms.

As you move through the suite's dining room, if you walk too fast, you might miss the hidden full-sized kitchen, which features Miele appliances, a wine fridge, and an espresso machine .

Along with a bedroom comes a his-and-hers closet and bathroom. There's also a gym, the brainchild of Madonna. Yes, that Madonna.

When she stayed at The Peninsula, she didn't want to go downstairs to the gym, Cheung told BI, with the other hotel guests, and requested a gym be built inside the suite for her. It's stayed there ever since.

The cost for the entire suite? A mere $234,000 HKD or around $29,900 per night.

A smaller suite, costing about $2,000 per night, includes a spacious vanity area and closet.

If that price tag gave you a bit of sticker shock, don't worry. There are plenty of smaller, more affordable suites that aren't as grandiose as the Presidential Suite but are elegant all the same.

One of the smaller suites I saw included a dining room table, a living room with a faux fireplace, and a sitting area in the bedroom, along with a roomy closet and vanity area. The room even came with a nail dryer in case you need an impromptu manicure.

Outside The Verandah, a buffet-style restaurant, sits another art installation.

Lachlan Turczan, a native of Los Angeles, created one of my favorite art pieces with his water sculpture titled "Harmonic Resonance."

This kinetic sculpture moves water , thanks to submersible low-frequency vibrations.

When staring at the drum, I felt a sense of calm, feeling the remnants of the vibration through my feet. Looking at the sculpture reminded me that every cause has an effect.

A tucked-away music room also serves as the hotel's archive.

With such a history, the Peninsula Hotel also houses an archive of its achievements. It also serves as a soundproof room for the many musicians who've stayed at the hotel.

The hotel houses nine restaurants and lounges, featuring different cuisines.

Dining is one of the best aspects of staying at the Peninsula Hotel. The hotel boasts nine restaurants and lounges with two restaurants earning a Michelin star.

A Swiss chalet inspired Chesa, a manager told Business Insider. In fact, the entire interior of the restaurants was flown in from Switzerland.

There's also Spring Moon, which has earned a Michelin star and features Cantonese on its menu, a Japanese-inspired restaurant named Imasa, and Felix, which boasts "Contemporary European" cuisine, according to the hotel's website.

There are also two lounges, The Bar, and The Lobby, which I previously mentioned, and The Peninsula Boutique & Café that serves coffees and delicate pastries.

There's a reason Gaddi's has a Michelin star.

Business Insider tried a six-course meal at the French restaurant Gaddi's, led by Chef Albin Gobil. He recently earned a Michelin star, and it's easy to see why.

He's clearly a thoughtful artist who doesn't skip any detail regarding presentation. He also served a foie gras that was my best this year.

The experience is complemented by a dining room featuring chandeliers and textiles from the Ming dynasty, part of the private Kadoori family collection.

While shopping in the arcade, don't miss Saya Woolfalk's art installation.

According to on-site materials, Woolfalk's " Visionary Reality Portal ," is created by two kaleidoscope videos, 3D animation, live action, and hand-painted paper. The installation is meant to mimic the stained glass of churches.

Guests can skip Hong Kong traffic by landing at the hotel's private helipad.

Before walking out to the hotel's helipad, guests are treated to a small museum documenting the history of the China Clipper. The first plane, which could only go up about 10,000 feet in the air, lasted 10 years starting in 1935.

It's an area used for private dining and for going over safety precautions for anyone about to board the hotel's helicopter. And a few famous faces, including Tom Cruise and Bon Jovi, have walked this corridor since a helicopter is only an 18-minute ride from the city's airport, operator Paul Leigh, who's worked at the hotel for 30 years in various capacities, told Business Insider.

For any Batman fans, you might recognize the helipad from a 10-second shot in Christopher Nolan's 2008 film, "The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader and the late Heath Ledger as Joker.

Today, the hotel's helicopter is also used for many proposals. Leigh told BI he's never seen anyone say no to a proposal in the sky.

• Main content