Table of contents

Climate

The climate in Valais, with its foehn winds and northern and southern exposures, is particularly conducive to grape concentration.
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Diego Mathier

6. January 2025 - 7 min reading time

Table of contents

Climate - Viticulture and weather conditions in Valais

The most important facts in brief

  • Precipitation: Only approx. 500 ml per square meter per year, which creates particularly dry conditions for growing vines.

  • Climate & location: The Rhone Valley is an open east-west valley with southern and northern exposures; foehn winds and temperature fluctuations (cool nights, warm days) promote the aromas of the grapes.

  • Wine-growing potential: The temperate climate enables the successful cultivation of white wine, rosĂ© wine, red wine and sparkling wine.

  • Sustainability: For years, Valais viticulture has received the highest award from Vitiswiss for sustainable production, landscape and biodiversity conservation and resource protection.

Climatic advantages of viticulture in Valais

The Rhone Valley is a so-called “clear” valley because it is open from east to west, with unique southern (altitude) and northern exposures. The permanently prevailing, light foehn wind blows over these vineyards in Valais and promotes the concentration of the grape juices. Down in the valley flows the Rhone; without it, our Valais homeland would not only be a helpless steppe landscape – without this water, growing vines here would simply not be possible. At the same time, we are blessed with minimal rainfall, with only 500ml of precipitation per square meter per year. The considerable temperature fluctuations with cool nights and warmer than average days are also real turbo engines for the aromatic structure of our grapes. And last but not least, the Rhone Valley is located in an ideally temperate climate belt for the successful cultivation and development of outstanding white, rosĂ©, red and sparkling wines.

Rainfall and climate in Valais - influence on vines and wine quality

However, this is only possible if we show due respect for nature. This is why we have continuously received the highest award for our activities from Vitiswiss (Swiss Association for Sustainable Development in Viticulture) for many years. Among other things, Vitiswiss promotes the production of healthy grapes, the preservation of landscapes and biodiversity as well as the conservation and promotion of natural resources.

Autumn in Valais - vineyard landscape and climatic influences

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