Wine

Vineyards have been in operation on the castle grounds for centuries. In 1260 Count Peter II of Savoy, acquired a large vineyard in the Perrevuit region, part of the parish of Les Planches, which was dedicated to Saint Vincent, patron saint of winemakers. Records of Chillon’s domain in 1314 include various details on this vineyard’s expenditure.

A quick glance at maps of Veytaux in the 18th century shows almost all the land between the village and the lake was already taken up by vines. Part of this was already named Clos de Chillon. Crop scourge, urbanisation and economic crisis all led to this communal vineyard being gradually abandoned in the first half of the 20th century. 2,000m² of the chasselas vine survived until 1965. This was when the heirs to the Châtelanat family estate donated the vineyard to the Association for the Restoration of Chillon Castle to help preserve this exceptional monument. The Association decided to replot the land and purchase an additional 2,000m². The first plot was replanted in 1968. In 1977, it was expanded even further, eventually reaching its current size. With that, the area’s winemaking trade was reborn and Chillon began producing its own wine under the ‘Lavaux’ appellation d’origine contrôlée.

Nowadays, the Clos de Chillon spans two large plots of land, totalling 12,000m²: one on the banks of the lake where the chasselas, gamaret, garanoir and merlot varieties are grown; and another beneath the railway lines, which is especially reserved for the chasselas variety. Chillon’s designated winegrower passionately and devotedly oversees all of the work on the vines year-round using an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art technique known as Integrated Production of Wine (IPW). This is monitored by our partner Badoux Vins.

CLOS DE CHILLON GRAND CRU – AOC LAVAUX: WHITE

In a beautiful lemon-yellow colour with a splash of golden tones, the Clos de Chillon has a bouquet of inimitable fresh notes, mainly of aniseed and fresh lime tree. A hint of lightly diluted verbena brings out the sweetness of the honey notes enveloped within.

All these aromas are combined with discreet, elegant, fresh vanilla undertones. Lightly smoked, fruity notes are released in the mouth; its round, soft structure enhanced by its viscosity and smoothness.

Bottle price: 22 CHF

Prizes and awards:

• Gold Medal, Concours Sélection des vins vaudois, 2019
• Silver medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Beijing, May 2018
• Gold Medal, Concours Sélection des Vins Vaudois 2017
• Silver medal at the Mondial du Chasselas at Aigle Castle, spring 2014
• Silver medal at the Sélection des Vins Vaudois, 2013

CHILLON CASTLE FOUNDATION RESERVE: WHITE

A selection of chasselas from Lavaux’s terraced vineyards, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The Chillon Castle Foundation Reserve is a holy trinity combining the tradition of the chasselas grape variety, the prestige of the Lavaux vineyards, and the renowned quality of Badoux Vins.

In a rich, clear, scintillating lemon colour, the Chillon Castle Foundation Reserve’s bouquet is one of white flowers and white-fleshed fruit, with mineral undertones. It has a fresh, crisp mouthfeel. Its character and body, stemming from its invigorating structure, are enhanced by its pleasantly mineral and sophisticated finish.

Bottle price: 18 CHF

Awards and distinctions:

• Gold Medal, Concours Sélection des vins vaudois, 2020
• Silver Medal, Concours International de Vins Zürich, 2020
• Silver Medal, Concours International de Vins Zürich, 2019
• Silver Medal, Concours Mondial at Bruxelles, 2017
• Silver Medal, Concours Vinalies Internationales at Paris, 2017
• Gold Medal, Concours Sélection des vins vaudois 2016