Experience Switzerland's Wine at Zurich's Dolder Grand Hotel

  • August 18, 2011
Experience Switzerland's Wine at Zurich's Dolder Grand Hotel
In Switzerland, though space is limited, a wide variety of grapes are cultivated to produce excellent wines. Since Swiss wines are not well known throughout the United States, the Dolder Grand in Zurich is offering a new Swiss Wine and Dine package this autumn. Stay at the Dolder Grand and enjoy a three-course dinner in the modern Garden Restaurant and a five-course dinner in The Restaurant, with the Swiss Wine and Dine package from the Dolder Grand in Zurich.

The Swiss Wine and Dine package from the Dolder Grand starts at $2,798 (from 2,220 CHF) for two people including:

• Two nights luxury accommodation including Garden breakfast
• Three-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant and five-course dinner in The Restaurant, accompanied by selected Swiss wines
• One Signature drink in The Bar

Surprising Wines and a Sommelier's Insights

With demand outstripping supply, most Swiss wines are rarely exported. While the country's most common grape varieties are Chasselas and Pinot Noir, lesser-known varieties such as Cornalin, Humagne Blanc, Humagne Rouge and Heida reveal fascinating characteristics that are well worth experiencing.

The Dolder Grand's wine list comprises approximately 500 wines including many of the local Swiss varietals which are housed in the 'Wine Cube,' a centerpiece in The Restaurant holding 1,300 bottles. "Young Swiss winegrowers have innovative ideas and are keen to experiment," says Didier Clauss, who has been Manager and award-winning Sommelier in The Restaurant since the hotel reopened in 2008 and has worked with Fine Dining Chef Heiko Nieder for many years.

Which Swiss wines does Clauss recommend to accompany the meals?

• Sauvignon Blanc by Adrian Kaufmann from Ticino is a perfect accompaniment to seafood
• Torpa, a cuvée from Marsanne Blanche and Savagnin by Cédric Flaction from the Valais are ideal with the turbot
• Pinot Noir from the Gantenbein vineyard in Graubuenden goes well with lighter meat dishes
• Merlot Platinum by Guido Brivio from Ticino is delicious with stewed meat
• The refreshing "Zürichseewein" Raeuschling by Erich Meier of Uetikon is the perfect wine to enjoy while admiring views of Zurich, the lake and the Alps from the terraces of the Dolder Grand.

The Swiss Wine and Dine Package from the Dolder Grand starts at $2,798 for two people in a double room and is available September 1 - November 30, 2011. For more information or to reserve a Swiss Wine and Dine Package at the Dolder Grand, please contact +41 44 456 6000 or visit www.thedoldergrand.com/en.

Hotel Profile: The Dolder Grand