This summer, wine lovers should look no further than Geneva, the third largest winegrowing region in Switzerland, when picking their post-lockdown getaway.
The safe city break’s vineyards (Switzerland is safest country in the world for Covid 19 according to Forbes) are delighted to be welcoming back Open Cellars after being postponed in May. Located in the heart of Geneva’s countryside, 26 wine cellars will open their doors every Saturday (10am – 4pm) until early September.
In response to the coronavirus, Geneva’s wineries have been reviewing measures – such as increasing opening hours to spread visitors out and welcoming smaller groups to each cellar – to manage wine tasting in a safe setting. Take a bike ride to Geneva’s landscape of vineyards stretching along the lakeside, and discover a new favourite vintage with complimentary tastings. Open Cellars also provides an opportunity to meet with the producers and learn of their passion that goes into the wines from the previous year’s harvest.
Beyond Open Cellars, the city is also welcoming back the Sculpture Garden biennale for the second time from 12 June to 10 September 2020. Taking place in three breathtaking open green spaces (Parc des Eaux-Vives, Parc La Grange, and Quai Gustave-Ador), the biennale will host thirty large-format sculptures, many of them produced specifically for the exhibition by young artists. Curated by Balthazar Lovay, former director of Fri Art Kunsthalle, Fribourg, the vision of the project is to establish itself as a major summer artistic event for the region, offering both Geneva’s locals and visitors an outdoor exhibition which fuses nature and internationally-acclaimed art into one.
No summer trip to Geneva is complete without enjoying the lake and visitors can dive head first into the wild swimming craze at Bains des Paquis, one of the most popular sunbathing spots in the city. Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest lakes, also offers a range of sporting activities including sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding and windsurfing at Tropical Corner. For a more relaxing experience, opt to take a dip at Geneva’s new public Eaux Vives beach.
For more information on Geneva and other special offers and activities, please visit: https://www.geneve.com/
