Vins d’altitude & fromages d’Anniviers

Between high-altitude wines and alpine cheeses

From Ayer, you can reach the gourmet addresses of Anniviers in just a few minutes — tastings in Vissoie, a mountain cellar in Grimentz, and the Anniviers cheese dairy.
Here, wine is enjoyed “in the high valley” (cellars, tasting rooms, events), while the cheeses come from the alpine milk of the Anniviers pastures. It’s the perfect pairing: Valais wines + Anniviers cheeses.

Where to taste in Vissoie (easy access by foot, car, or bus)

• Fromagerie d’Anniviers (shop): Anniviers AOP raclette, tommes, sérac, fondue blends — open year-round.
• Local shops & wine cellars: cured meats, rye bread, Valais wines — ideal for creating a local aperitif.
• Local product dispenser (Vissoie): cheeses and dry products available in self-service — convenient in the late afternoon.

The mountain cellar in Grimentz

• Cave Viaccoz: tastings in the village and “altitude-made” wines (cellar in the heart of Grimentz); a great introduction to Valais grape varieties tasted in the high valley.
• Vin du Glacier (Bourgeoisie de Grimentz): heritage tasting straight from the barrel — a unique Anniviers experience available on specific dates.

Grape varieties & perfect pairings

• Petite Arvine (white) → tommes & dairy products; crisp and saline finish, perfect for aperitifs.
• Humagne Rouge → charcuterie and raclette; smooth tannins and dark fruit aromas.
• Cornalin / Syrah → dried meats and aged cheeses; structured and refined.

Sample day “Ayer – Vissoie – Grimentz”

• Morning: walk along the Bisse du Moiry & Vallon de Réchy (short version).
• Noon: cheese break at the Fromagerie d’Anniviers (Vissoie).
• Afternoon: wine tasting at Cave Viaccoz (Grimentz); depending on schedule, discover the Vin du Glacier.
• Evening: local platter and selected wines back at the lodge.

Access & practical information

Buses and parking available in Vissoie and Grimentz. Book tastings in advance (limited capacity). Prefer eco-friendly transport (bus or taxi) if you plan to taste wines. Bring a soft cooler to take home tommes and raclette.

Recommended periods

All year round for the cheese shop; May → October for hikes and tastings; September–October is harvest and color season — book ahead.