Wines

The Lake Biel winegrowing area

There are a plenty of discoveries to make along the shores of Lake Biel, and the variety of wines cultivated on the steep sunny slopes of the Jura is fascinating.

Grape gathering, lake Biel
Grape gathering, lake Biel. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber

Around 60 winegrowers cultivate an area of 220 hectares of vines on Lake Biel. The soils on the dry, stony south-east slope of Lake Biel are barren and very chalky, and they produce wines of great character. Molasse soils prevail in the area around Erlach and on St. Peter’s Island. The vines benefit from the heat storage effect of the lake and from the microclimatic advantages of the terracing.

A total of over 70 grape varieties have found a home on Lake Biel, which is traditionally a white wine region. The typical limestone soil is ideal for Chasselas and Burgundy Chardonnay varieties as well as the Pinot family (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc). Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and many other specialties also find the conditions here ideal.

Malbec, Diolinoir and St. Laurent, which are often aged in oak barrels, are also becoming established among the red varieties in addition to Pinot Noir. These specialties are often only available in small quantities.

 

Scooter ride from Prêles to Gléresse - a fun and original way to discover the wine region around Lake Biel!



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Activities in the vineyards
Museum, Ligerz

Today's visitors learn about growing wine where the masters of Ligerz once enjoyed the good life.

Fun & Adventure, Ligerz

A relaxing way to discover this beautiful region.

Regional products, Bielersee | Lac de Bienne

Enjoyed in winter, the Treber sausage is regarded as one of the specialties of Lake Biel.

From CHF 89.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

Wine tasting and hiking – an offer that enables you to experience the delightful world of the Lake Biel/Bienne wine-growing region.

 

Hiking

Vine Path
Biel/Bienne - La Neuveville

The northern shores of the Bielersee (Lake Biel) are cultivated to a high degree with vines. The hike...



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Wine festivals at lake Biel
Festivity, Festival, Twann

The "Trüelete" is the largest and best-known grape festival on Lake Biel. Held at the vintner's village of Twann.

Gastronomy, Tastings, Twann

A pleasant moment in the middle of the vineyards.

 

Individuals, couples and groups have the possibility to taste, compare and discuss the regional wines and to pick out their favourites in a welcoming atmosphere.



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Wine producing villages
Town, Erlach

Situated on the western shore of Lake Biel, Erlach is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Biel with its picturesque lanes, squares and majestic castle.

Town, La Neuveville

With its towers, terraced houses, alleyways and impressive fountains, La Neuveville is a magnificent medieval town on the shores of Lake Biel.

Town, Twann

Twann: the village with Mediterranean panache

Town, Ligerz

Ligerz: the dreamy wine village