Open Wine Cellar Days / Offene Weinkeller / Caves Ouvertes

Recently, Centrepoint members were offered complimentary passes to the Basler Wymärt, thanks to the generosity of Centrepoint member Bras Barão, who presented a wonderful array of organic wines from Portugal at the Markthalle.

 Prior to this well-attended event, the Wyschiff Basel (wine ships docked at Schifflände) offered tastings from approximately 300 Swiss family-owned wineries and wines. Additionally, a number of Basel-area wine emporiums, such as Delinat-Weindepot and Siebe Dupf Kellerei, have set aside dates this spring focused on sampling new releases.

 Of special note, the annual Open Cellar Days for visiting wine estates and tasting recent vintages in the German-speaking region of Switzerland commences in May. Though it is recommended to check with the establishment first, May 1 to 3 are the days when various Baselbiet wine cellars open to the public.

Sissach Winery 

Establishments include Arlesheim’s Rediger Weine, Aesch’s Tschäpperli winery and in Muttenz, Weingut Jauslin (their Sauvignon Blanc Grand Cru 2023 won 2^nd place in the Finale des Grand Prix du Vin Suisse), will certainly be popular with visitors.

 Of course, other Swiss wine regions also hold open cellar days in May and are worth a visit. I have enjoyed excursions with friends to Tessin (Mendrisio wineries) and the Lake Biel winegrowing area. This year the Valais winemakers are celebrating their 20^th anniversary of hosting from May 14 to 16. So, if you have the time, wine not?

Text: Denise Morrison