As well known as Valais, just not as much of it, the vineyards of Neuchâtel stretch over 40 km. The region can also be subdivided by three areas: “La Béroche”, from Vaumarcus to Bevaux, “The Coast”, from Cortaillod to Neuchâtel, and “Entre-deux-Lacs”, which lies between the lakes of Bienne and Neuchâtel.

The modern age for the Neuchâtel wine industry begins in 998. Some documents point to a gift from Count Rudolf of Neuchatel, to the Abbey Bevaix, and other documents refer to the founding of the monastery Bevaix, and the first permit to plant vineyards in 998. Either way, we can say that the monastery is the nucleus of viticulture in the region of Neuchâtel.

The biggest area expansion was in the 17^th century. This was during the Thirty Years War, and was probably due to the increased demand for wine, which effectively took France out of the equation.

Detailed data about the development of the vineyards start in 19^th century, and we see vineyard areas drop from 1200 ha to 570 ha in the 1970’s. Today it is around 650 ha. Like everywhere else in Switzerland, the topography and climate vary, and Swiss wine from this area is subject to highs and lows.

Principle white grapes are the Chasselas, Pinot gris and Chardonnay. Pinot noir holds up the red end. There is also the odd Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot blanc, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamaret, und Garanoir (GxR). Three specialities of Neuchâtel are: Oeil-de-Perdrix, Non Filtré, and Perdrix Blanche.