Neuchâtel Day Trip

Unbeknownst to most non-Swiss, Switzerland has an abundance of thriving vineyards that produce wonderful wine. Forty vines are indigenous to the region, all of them practically unknown anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately for foreigners, the Swiss do not export any of their wines as they do not produce enough to make a profit, but visitors can enjoy them during a stay.

The small city of Neuchâtel is a 45-minute drive north of Lausanne. Surrounded by villages, the drive takes you up a windy dirt road to where the Caves de Chambleau vineyard and winery (Avenue DuPeyrou 5; 41-32-717-7695; www.chambleau.ch) is nestled on a hill overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. The owner Louis-Philippe Burgat grew up in the region, and after honing his winemaking skills in California's Napa Valley, he returned to live and make wine on his family’s vineyard. Beautifully situated and without any modern frills, the vineyards make one envy this seemingly simpler and authentic way of life. Creating fifteen different types of wine on approximately 17 acres of land, the vineyard is open to the public on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for tastings.

Arranging a private wine tasting on the property is an absolute must. Visitors are provided with fresh bread and aged Gruyere cheese from the town of Gruyere across the lake to pair with their wine. Guests are invited to sit and enjoy the breathtaking views while tasting wine and, for the lucky few, chat with Bergat, who loves to talk about his wines and vineyard and give a tour of his wine cellar filled with oak barrels. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a private tasting and transportation to the vineyard.

For those who would like to spend the night in the region, the modern Hotel Palafitte is located just east of downtown. Enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Neuchâtel before settling into one of the glowing cabins that hover over the lake.