Mendrisiotto Wine Region - Ticino

Discover a hidden wine paradise

About Mendrisiotto Wine Region

Available: All year but particularly recommended for May-Oct.

Example travel costs - book locally

All prices are per person, in 2nd class (where relevant)

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE 

Ticino Ticket: FREE 

Half Fare Card: To Mendrisio: 7.80 Sfr return from Lugano, 25 Sfr return from Locarno

Wine tasting and vineyard tours payable locally in addition to travel. The Ticino Ticket gives a discount on some tours and on wine purchased at selected vineyards.

Tucked into Switzerland’s southernmost corner, Mendrisiotto is home to some fantastic food and wine traditions. With its rolling hills and vast acres of picturesque vineyards, a day spent here is one to be remembered. As the vine-garlanded valleys slope toward the Italian border, palm trees sway beside charming stone villages, and long lunches drift lazily into sunset aperitivos.

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

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Highlights

Merlot dominated vineyards

Mendrisiotto enjoys a warm, Mediterranean-influenced climate. It is one of Switzerland’s most distinctive wine landscapes, best known for its elegant Merlot wines which have been produced here for over a century. Local vintners believe that their attention to detail, the gentle micro-climate and the beneficial terroir (Mendrisiotto enjoys the perfect Ph and a gentle southern exposure) make for a superior product.  

A local specialty is white Merlot - a white wine that is actually made from red Merlot grapes, using a delicate process that limits contact with the grape skins. Well suited to summer drinking, it is the perfect accompaniment to salads, fresh cheeses and fish fresh from the lake. It also makes for a splendid summertime aperitivo thanks to its delicate floral aroma.

Saturday cellar visit and wine tasting

Enjoy a great start to the weekend! A selection of wineries open their cellars every Saturday so that you can meet producers, learn about their label and or course, taste the wine.

Please book via Mendrisiotto Tourism by 10am on the preceding Friday. 20 Sfr per person, pay locally. 

Historic wine villages with traditional culture

Traditional villages are dotted throughout the area and the wineries combine modern techniques with long-standing family traditions. During harvest season, local towns celebrate with wine festivals, tastings, and cultural events that showcase the region’s strong winemaking heritage and community spirit. The region is strongly influenced by nearby Italy, meaning wine tasting is often paired with hearty local cuisine in rustic eateries and traditional grotti, where visitors can enjoy regional dishes alongside local vintages.

Walking in the scenic region

Rolling hills covered in neatly terraced vineyards create a striking patchwork landscape. In spring and summer, the vines are lush and green, while autumn brings golden and red tones that make the region especially scenic. There are 340km of walking trails to explore here, taking you past vineyards, hilltops, and picturesque villages with panoramic views.

The Mendrisio circular route is a recommended trail that takes in some of the corners of Mendrisiotto most closely linked to the world of winemaking. Panels along the route highlight how viticulture grew from a secondary agricultural activity to occupying an important place in the region's economy. This is a fairly easy hike of around 4 hours, covering almost 14km of wonderful scenery and history. 

 

Other recommended walks include one based around Tremona and an entire medieval village which archeaologists have uncovered in recent years (3.6km /1 hr 15) and the hike up from Bellavista to the Monte Generoso summit (3.4km/1 hr 30). This does have some steep sections but the slopes are mostly moderate and at the summit you have a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano and the Alps. 

Bike 'n' Wine Tour

This guided bike tour takes you through the glorious scenery with stops at four local wineries and tastings of regional wines, paired with typical local specialties.

Mendrisiotto is the most vineyard-rich area in Ticino and offers a unique terroir, perfect for producing high-quality wines. Along the way, on a gentle biking route, you’ll meet the winemakers and get a closer look at their passion and craft. 

Available March-November. The tour takes approximately 5 hours and covers 5km over easy terrain. Book via Mendrissiotto Terroir. 119 Sfr per person, including expert guide, bicycle, helmet, water, and visits to 4 wineries with tasting of regional wines, accompanied by local delicacies from the Mendrisiotto region.

There are plenty of other biking routes in the region including one which takes in Riva San Vitale at the very edge of Lake Lugano.

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Directions

There is a regular train service Lugano (21mins) or Locarno (49mins) to Mendrisio. From there local buses take you into the heart of the wine country.

Please check before travel for vineyard availability.

Photography (c) Ticino Tourism

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com