St. Jodern Kellerei

Named in honor of a local saint (the area’s first Catholic bishop), St. Jodern Kellerei has grown to encompass some 500 vintner members and an annual production of approximately 400,000 bottles.

Overview

The largest of Switzerland’s wine producing regions, Valais shares an Alpine border with France and Italy. Carved by the retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age, the turbulent terrain is famous for its terraced vineyards that majestically overlook the Northern banks of the Rhone River. Though mountainous, Valais is known for its sunny climate and warm growing season. Further assisted by the Alpine Foehn winds, this unique microclimate allows vineyard cultivation to occur at much higher altitudes than other parts of Europe.

Located at 3,773 feet above sea level, the steeply terraced vineyards of Visperterminen are the highest elevation vines in Europe. Cultivated for centuries as a patchwork of small, independently farmed plots, the “Heidadorf” was finally unified in 1980 with the creation of a cooperative winery to vinify the grapes that are produced.

Dedicated to preserving Visperterminen’s rich heritage, the winery’s primary efforts are focused in the hillside’s famed Heida grape (a variant of Savagnin Blanc). Smaller quantities of Pinot Noir, Johannisberg, Gamay, and Fendant (Chasselas) are also produced.