Beyond the Brew: Uncovering Interlaken’s Best Wine Spots

The Alpine Glass

The air in Interlaken smells like pine needles, damp earth, and the faint, sweet promise of melting snow. You’ve spent the day battling gravity on a paraglider or trudging up a mountain trail, and now your legs are heavy. You want something that tastes like the landscape—sharp, clean, and entirely indifferent to the chaos of the tourist crowds. Forget the overpriced, watered-down lager at the nearest souvenir shop. It’s time to find a wine that actually reflects the altitude.

Interlaken isn’t a wine region in the traditional sense—you won’t find sprawling vineyards here like you might in the Vaud or Valais. Instead, it’s a hub of curation. The best way to drink here is to seek out the spots that prioritize Swiss terroir over mass-market imports. If you’re drinking anything other than a crisp, mineral-forward Chasselas or a light, expressive Pinot Noir while staring at the Eiger, you’re doing it wrong. Let’s look at where you should actually spend your money.

Husi Bierhaus: The Unexpected Cellar

Walking into Husi Bierhaus, you’re hit with the hum of conversation and the clinking of heavy glassware. It’s a beer hall, sure, but look closer at the back bar and the chalkboards. The staff here understands that a true drinker doesn’t stick to one liquid diet. Their wine list is a deliberate subversion of expectations. They stock local Swiss producers who are often overlooked in favor of the big French houses. When you sit down, don’t just order the house white. Ask them for a glass of something from the Valais. According to the Swiss Wine Promotion board, these high-altitude vineyards produce wines with a distinct acidity that cuts right through the richness of a local cheese plate, and Husi is one of the few places in town that curates these bottles with genuine intent.

The Refined Alpine Standard

If you want to experience how the pros handle wine service, head to the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. It’s opulent, yes, but it’s also where you’ll find the best-maintained cellars in the Bernese Oberland. The goal here isn’t just to get a drink; it’s to understand the nuance of Swiss viticulture. When you’re ordering, lean into the Pinot Noir. Switzerland produces some of the most underrated Pinot in Europe—it’s earthy, structured, and perfect for the cooler mountain evenings. Don’t be afraid to ask the sommelier for a recommendation that isn’t on the main menu. They often have limited-run bottles from small, family-owned producers that never make it to the retail shelves. That’s the kind of access you’re paying for.

Pairing for the Environment

You can’t talk about Swiss wine without talking about the food. The WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) emphasizes the importance of regional pairing, and nowhere is that more vital than in the Alps. You’re likely eating fondue, raclette, or dried meats. These are heavy, fat-forward dishes. If you pair them with a high-tannin, oak-heavy red, you’ll end up with a metallic, unpleasant mess in your mouth. You need acid. You need structure. Stick to high-acid whites like Fendant or a lighter red served slightly chilled. The chill tames the tannins and highlights the fruit, making the wine feel lighter and more refreshing after a long day of hiking. It’s about balance, not excess.

Seek Authenticity Over Prestige

The biggest mistake most visitors make is chasing famous labels. In Interlaken, the best wine is often the one you’ve never heard of, produced by a vineyard you couldn’t find on a map. Look for the ‘Grand Cru’ designation on Swiss bottles—it’s a mark of quality that actually means something in this region. If you find a place like Restaurant Laterne, which leans into the traditional, rustic side of things, trust their local suggestions. They aren’t trying to impress you with a fancy pedigree; they’re trying to show you what they drink at home. That’s the authentic Interlaken experience. Next time you’re in town, skip the tourist traps and find a glass that tells a story. We’re always looking for the next great pour here at dropt.beer—let us know what you find.