I keep hearing people say that Switzerland is so expensive, honestly it doesn’t have to be if you know where to look. This year I partnered with Vinum and discovered an incredible amount of affordable wine tasting events around Switzerland that are super affordable and some are even FREE.
Now putting the cards on the table, I’ll tell you that these kind of events are usually mostly fun for “proper” wine lovers as they don’t always hold a supporting program. There are view events that got a special flair to them that I would also recommend to “light” wine lovers and that would be for example the open wine cellars and the EXPOVINA in autumn. I also added some other tasting events that I felt might fit to the list.
Let me spill the tea:
Zürich: Winter Blues Degustation Vol. 2 07.02.2026 | Free
For those who enjoy a casual, high-end “pop-in” tasting to escape the grey weather. Baur au Lac Vins opens up over 50 bottles (focusing on bold reds and dessert wines) in a nice hotel setting. More Info
Zürich, Consorzio Valpolicella Tasting 25.02.2026 | Free (Registration required)
If you love the intensity of an Amarone and want to meet 20 producers from Verona right here in the city, you will love this. It is a rare chance to taste these powerful, historic red wines for free in a premium hotel setting (Ameron Bellerive au Lac). More Info
Winterthur, WINE DATE 26.02.2026 | CHF 20.00 (Door)
If you love a social, after-work atmosphere where wine is the lubricant for conversation, you will love this place. It is modern, accessible, and unpretentious. More Info
Winterthur, Weinmesse (Rutishauser-Divino) 02.03.2026 | Free
For those who want to taste a wide range of solid, everyday wines to get an inspiration on how to restock the cellar. It is a classic portfolio tasting. More Info
Zürich, Liquid Whisky Days 12.03.2026 (Also in Basel, Morges, Bern) | CHF 40.00 (Presale)
This is not about wine but I thought to include it here anyways for those high-end spirits and want access to over 50 whiskies (including rarities) in one evening. More Info
Zürich, Salon des Vins Vaudois 16.03.2026 | Free (Registration required)
For those of us that love the elegance of Chasselas and the specific terroir of the Lake Geneva region. Personally, I am a huge fan. It brings a very specific regional charm to the city (Razzia Seefeld). More Info
Winterthur, Swiss Wine Festival 2026 19.03.2026 | CHF 10.00
If you love supporting the local scene and discovering what Swiss winemakers are doing right now, you will enjoy this. It is super affordable and patriotic in the best sense. More Info
Zürich, EXPOVINA Primavera 19.03.2026 – 26.03.2026 | Approx. CHF 33.00
This one is a “big fair” energy, we are talking about around 2,000+ wines under one roof. It is the major spring event for a reason. The location is less picturesque than their autumn fair but still holds a great wine selection. More Info
Various Locations, Neuchâtel Roadshow 23.03.2026 – 27.03.2026 | CHF 15.00
If you enjoy Pinot Noir and Oeil-de-Perdrix, you will like this. It is a targeted showcase of Neuchâtel’s specific strengths. Which is one of my favorite regions in Switzerland btw. More Info
Bern, Zürich, Basel, Gomes Wine Days – Best of Portugal 15.04.2026 | CHF 10.00 (Presale)
Perfect to explore another country’s wine scene with a wine tasting that offers an incredible value for money. Portuguese wines are currently some of the best deals in Europe. More Info
German-Speaking Switzerland, Open Wine Cellars 01.05.2026 – 03.05.2026 | Mostly Free
If you love the experience of visiting vineyards and getting to know the winemakers, you will love this weekend. It offers unbeatable opportunity to explore the vineyards around the region and enjoy delicious tasting and in some cases also great view. More Info
Basel, WINE DATE 07.05.2026 | CHF 17.00 (Online)
A “Thursday night out” vibe and a modern tasting experience in Basel. More Info
