July 29, 2009

A real corker

Europe's highest vineyard produces award winning wines.

Visperterminen in Valais has always been proud to lay claim to the highest vineyard in Europe, rising from 650 to 1150 metres above sea level. But ten years ago, the terraces were in a sorry state. Local winemaker, Pirmin Heinzmann, saved the vineyard by setting up a 'Zunft' or guild to repair the terraces and resume wine production. The grapes from this vineyard are now used to make the highly acclaimed 'Heida' wine. (Julie Hunt, swissinfo.ch 23.06.2009)