Wine worlds · Guide
Wine & sparkling wine at the apéro
Tradition meets joie de vivre: the apéro is a fixed part of the culture of enjoyment, a moment of pausing, of being together and of fine enjoyment.
From an appetite-whetting drink to a ritual
The apéro has its origins in France and French-speaking Switzerland, originally conceived as an appetite-stimulating drink before a meal. But it has long since become more than that.
Whether among friends, at work or in a private setting: the apéro is an invitation to briefly leave everyday life behind. Small bites, good conversation and suitable drinks take centre stage. The selection is more varied than ever: from classic sparkling wine to elegant white wines and exciting rosés to light reds.
What goes well with an apéro?
Five ways to a successful start, with matching wines from our range.
Sparkling wine: the perfect start
Refreshing, light and festive: for us, sparkling wines are the perfect companions for raising a glass with friends and family, whether at the aperitif or a festive occasion.
All sparkling wines
Maison Antech
Antech Emotion Rosé AOP Crémant de Limoux
2022 · Languedoc-Roussillon · Chardonnay
Maison Antech
Antech Réserve Brut AOP Blanquette de Limoux
2021 · Languedoc-Roussillon · Chardonnay
Astoria
Astoria Sweet Lounge Spumante Dolce
Veneto
Bera
Brachetto del Piemonte Bera M.O.
2022 · Piemont
White wine: freshness in the glass
Fruit-forward and refreshing wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or young Chasselas are ideal companions for the aperitif, including with Asian cuisine featuring lime and herbs.
All white wines
Maires Bodega y Viñedos
Ademán Adalia Verdejo DO
2025 · Toro · Verdejo
Sélection Sébastien Chappuis
Aigle AOC Aléo blanc
2023 · Waadt - Chablais · Chasselas
Henri Badoux
Aigle AOC Les Murailles
2024 · Waadt - Chablais · Chasselas
Domaine Château du Crest
Aligoté AOC Château du Crest
2022 · Genf · Aligoté
Rosé: the star of summer
Rosé is simply part of summer: well chilled, wonderfully fruity and gloriously uncomplicated. That's exactly what makes it the perfect companion for aperitifs on warm days.
All rosé wines
Cave de Jolimont
Ancora Rosé VdP Suisse
2025 · Waadt - La Côte · Gamay
Bodegas Murviedro
Audentia Rosé Valencia DOP
2022 · Valencia · Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Vineyards
Beringer Zinfandel Rosé
2023 · Kalifornien · Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonvin et Varone
Dahu Rosé
2025 · Wallis
Light red wine: the alternative
Red wines can be a stylish alternative for an aperitif, provided they are fresh, fruity and served lightly chilled. A Gamay or Pinot Noir pairs excitingly with savoury nibbles.
All red wines
Casa Lo Alto
12 Uvas de la Suerte Crianza DOP
2021 · Utiel-Requena · Cabernet Sauvignon
2 PR
2 PR Reserva
2021 · Douro · Tinta Roriz
Azienda Montepeloso
A Quo Montepeloso IGT
2021 · Toscana · Cabernet Sauvignon
Bodegas Aalto
Aalto D.O. Ribera del Duero
2023 · Ribera del Duero · Tinto Fino
Port: spice and character
Port wines bring spice and character into play: wonderful companions for an aperitif, best served on ice with a twist of orange zest.
All port wines
03/ Our recommendation
«The art lies in the balance: the wine should stimulate the appetite, but not be too heavy or dominant.»
Varieties with moderate alcohol content, lively freshness and pleasant acidity are ideal. When it comes to food, too, variety is preferable to abundance. Olives, cubes of cheese, air-dried ham or a fine puff pastry pastry always go down well.
More than just beer for the BBQ
Once you have discovered the right wine to go with your grilled food, you won't want anything else: wine makes aromas shine, complements delicate roasted notes and lifts any BBQ to a new culinary level, whether meat, fish or vegetables are on the grill.
Meat from the grill: bold is welcome
A robust red wine suits dark meat with roasted aromas, such as a Primitivo from Apulia or a Tempranillo matured in barrique.
White meat & poultry: better a little lighter
Chicken and light meat prefer something finer: a light, fruity red or a full-bodied white accompanies without dominating.
Fish & seafood: freshness is key
Fresh, lively white wines with pleasant acidity, or a well-chilled rosé, are the perfect match for fish and seafood from the grill.
Vegetables & veggie grills: versatile and exciting
Grilled vegetables are aromatically versatile: from fruity rosé to aromatic whites to light reds, much is permitted, the main thing is freshness.
Our tip for hosts
Offer a small selection, for example a robust red, a fresh white and a fruity rosé. That way, every guest will find the perfect companion for their plate.
Prefer to taste straight away?
With our tasting packages you can discover new favourites, or you can visit a wine tasting with us in the Emmental.