Vétroz is best explored through its wine-growing landscape: 30 of the 38 hectares of Amigne vines found worldwide are here; this rare grape variety is grown exclusively in Valais. There are also two wine trails, a historic wine cellar and art on prominent buildings. When looking for accommodation, it may help to consider whether you want to focus mainly on vineyards and winegrowing, or also on murals and festive traditions.

Vétroz and its wine trails

Vétroz is in the district of Conthey, in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The municipality is located on the southern flank of the Alps, on the northern side of the Rhône Valley, and is characterised by vineyards on sun-facing slopes. It comprises the two villages of Vétroz and Magnot. The soil is also part of the wine-growing landscape: the vineyard has black shale formed from marine sediments deposited 160 to 170 million years ago.

The 11.2-kilometre wine trail is accessible year-round and follows a hilly road and path through the vineyards of Vétroz and Conthey. Another route, the “Balade au coeur des Coteaux du Soleil”, leads from Ardon to Conthey through 716 hectares of terraced vineyards and past the Amigne vines on Vétroz’s upper slopes. The first route can be gauged by its length and hilly terrain; the second focuses on the route between Ardon and Conthey and its terraced vineyards. Check local conditions before setting out.

Amigne and wine cellar visits

Amigne is a rare grape variety. There are 38 hectares worldwide, all in Valais; 30 hectares of these are in Vétroz. Jean-René Germanier’s wine cellar is in the hamlet of Balavaud and is considered a historic, two-hundred-year-old cellar. Individually arranged tours offer insights into the work of winegrowing.

The cellar also offers guided wine tastings and regional specialities, including raclette and Glareyarde fondue. These experiences require advance booking; confirm the arrangements for your visit before making plans. This makes it easy to distinguish between the different experiences: a tour focuses on the work of winegrowing, while tastings and specialities bring wine and regional cuisine together.

Murals and festive traditions

The murals add their own distinctive touches. “Aquamarelle” by Jasm One is at Les Plantys primary school and explores water as a source of life and dreams. The mural “Phoenix” by Spanish artist Sabek is on the façade of the fire station and symbolises rebirth and resilience. The free “Art Valais” mobile app offers geolocation, information about the artists and a short documentary video about the creation of the work to help visitors discover “Aquamarelle”. Check whether the app and its features are available before using it.

The annual Fête interculturelle takes place as part of the Fête de la Madeleine. It showcases the traditions, flavours and craftsmanship of numerous communities. This makes it clearly distinct from the wine trails and cellar visits: the focus here is on cultural exchange and a wide range of traditions. Together, these experiences reveal different sides of Vétroz, from its grape variety and vineyards to art and community celebrations.

Discover more destinations: Chamoson, Conthey, Ardon Vs, Nendaz.

Return to the main travel overview: Conthey.