Capite in the Concise vineyard © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
With more than 30 municipalities in the Jura-Nord Vaudois district where grapes are grown, the vineyards of the Bonvillars and Côtes de l’Orbe AOCs make up a significant part of the Northern Vaud landscape. Covering more than 350 hectares of vineyards, where the classic Chasselas, Gamay, and Pinot Noir varieties are grown, each winery offers traditional wines and sometimes even a few specialties worth exploring.
Some even dare to call it the “Burgundy of the South.” The Côtes de l’Orbe region does indeed have a terroir that shares some similarities with that of Burgundy, located just a 3-hour drive from Northern Vaud. But the fact that the wines are labeled by grape variety reminds us that we are indeed in Switzerland. With its clay-limestone terroir, the Côtes de l’Orbe is defined as “red wine country,” and the 75% of red grape varieties grown here certainly live up to that reputation. Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret, and Garanoir are among the most distinctive; Galotta, Divico, Mara, Merlot, and Syrah round out this mosaic of red grape varieties.
Once the canton’s largest wine-growing district (the former Orbe district), the region now accounts for only 4% of the total area of Vaud’s vineyards. Its modest size, however, does not prevent it from racking up awards at various competitions, both national and international. The various accolades it has received attest to the growing quality of this vineyard, which has not always enjoyed a good reputation.
Further north in Northern Vaud, toward the canton of Neuchâtel, the Bonvillars appellation offers excellent wines, particularly Chasselas and Pinot Noir, as well as exceptional landscapes, enhanced by views of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps in the background. From Montagny-près-Yverdon to Concise, a total of nine municipalities make up this small appellation. At its center lies the village of Bonvillars—also known for its truffles—which gives its name to the AOC. This is where the Cave des Viticulteurs de Bonvillars is located; it represents nearly 50 winegrowers who entrust their harvests to the cooperative.
In Valeyres-sous-Rances, in the heart of the Côtes de l’Orbe, lies… a cooperage. Since the Sother family acquired the Domaine du Manoir, this cooperage project has taken shape alongside the takeover of the winery. Today, a variety of barrels made from Swiss wood are crafted on site.
And if you’re curious about the manufacturing processes behind the barrels, you can learn about them on a tour of the cooperage: from drying the staves to the final laser engraving, including machining and toasting.
Tours are organized upon request on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 3:00 p.m. They include a tasting of the estate’s wines and products. It promises to be a convivial experience, combining conversation and discovery.
Life in the vineyards of Northern Vaud moves at a leisurely pace—that famous “Vaud rhythm,” said to be slower than elsewhere. Discover the wines and vineyards by visiting the cellars, which are generally open on Saturday mornings or by appointment during the week. You can explore the vineyards via one of the many hiking or biking trails, or follow the Vineyard Route, which takes you from Grandson to Concise. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, some wineries offer all kinds of events throughout the year, with activities combining humor and wine tasting, tastings on the lake, concerts at the winery, hiking and picnic packages, or customized experiences for groups. Check out the wineries’ social media pages to discover them, and you’re sure to find a hidden gem.
August 29: Open House at the Cave des Viticulteurs de Bonvillars
September 12: 16th Côtes de l’Orbe Half Marathon
September 20: Arnex-sur-Orbe Gourmet Walk
November 13–14: Côtes de l’Orbe Wine Fair in Daillens
December 12: Wine Festival