August 2020
Experience autumn in the Valais. Take part in the Marathon des Saveurs.
Dear journalists,
On October 17, the Marathon des Saveurs will begin in Sion, leading participants over a distance of 23 kilometres and with five tasting stations to the wine-making village of Salgesch. For their part, Valais winegrowers will be on hand to welcome you to the Open Cellars from the end of August. Other autumn-related themes in Valais, such as the most beautiful autumn hikes, a perfect weekend for gourmets, autumn recipes, craft breweries and wine-related experiences are also covered in this communication, along with portraits of winegrower Mikaël Magliocco and chef Klaus Leuenberger.
Would you like to find out more about Valais? Don’t hesitate to contact us: we would be delighted to provide you with further information or organise interviews.
Marathon des Saveurs
Marathon des Saveurs, 17 October 2020
Following the first sold-out Marathon des Saveurs last year, the second edition will take place on 17 October. The route covers 23 kilometres through the vineyards of the Valais, from Sion to Salgesch, with five tasting stations along the way. At each stage, two Valais wines and a culinary speciality based on regional products will be served. There is no set time although an arrival check will be carried out and a gift offered to all finalists. Experienced sportsmen and amateur athletes: register now and secure your place at the Marathon des Saveurs start.
The Marathon des Saveurs is also included in the programme for our "Colours and flavours of autumn in Valais" group press trip from 14 to 18 October 2020. You’ll be introduced to the Chamoson’s cultural and natural heritage, recipes from yesteryear and the Crans-Montana ecomuseum. Cellar visits and wine tastings will also be a must on the agenda. Click on the link to the right to see the detailed programme and please contact us should you wish to participate in this media trip.
Open cellars
Valais wines: Open cellars, from 28 to 30 August 2020
Valais winegrowers invite you to visit their cellars during a three-day period, during which they look forward to meeting you and introducing you to their wines. In total, more than 230 cellars between Monthey and Brig take part in this ideal opportunity to discover the diversity of Valais wines.
Wines certified with the Valais brand
The Valais brand is not just a territorial brand but also a cross-sectoral quality label that certifies Valais products. Consumers thereby easily recognise products of superior quality from producers in the region. Wines can now also be certified as being part of the Valais brand, through their own certification process. The approach is designed for the long term and is based on thirteen measures focusing on the areas of winemaking, social engagement, oenology, heritage and communication.
Selection of craft breweries
Even those who prefer beer to wine will find what they are looking for in Valais. In recent years, more and more craft breweries have opened in Valais, with great success. Throughout the canton, enthusiasts are brewing beers that are full of character – just like the people of the region. The styles vary enormously: take advantage of your stay in Valais to try a few.
Autumn recipes
Chestnuts, pears, apples or game: Valais has many many culinary delights to offer in autumn. You can taste them on the spot in a restaurant bearing the "Saveurs du Valais" label or prepare them yourself with the help of our autumn recipes. What would you like to cook? The classic brisolée or a Williams pear wrapped in cured bacon? Or would you prefer a trout galantine? How about a Johannisberg tart for dessert? You're spoilt for choice.
The perfect weekend for gourmets
The perfect weekend for gourmets
Autumn in the Valais offers epicureans a wide range of activities to do and places to visit. From hiking to cycling or mountain biking tours to wine tasting, the possibilities are many and varied. To help you choose, we have prepared a perfect weekend for foodies.
The 10 finest autumn walks
Nature puts on a spectacular show in autumn, the ideal season for (re)discovering the landscapes of Valais on foot. Enjoy magnificent displays of colour along with superb autumn visibility on any of these ten walks, specially selected for this time of year. Climbs to mountain lakes, panoramic hikes, walks through vineyards: we have trails to suit all tastes.
Did you know?
Our tips
Portraits
Discover two creators of Valaisan culinary delights.
Mikaël Magliocco
Date of birth: 5 April 1983
From: Saint-Pierre-de-Clages
Activity: Wine-maker
Note: In 2020, the Daniel Magliocco et fils winery obtained organic certification and seven wines are bearing the Marque Valais label.
Klaus Leuenberger
Date of birth: 28 December 1963
From: Huttwil, Emmental
Activity: Chef
Note: This naturalised Valaisan worked, amongst others, for the former Emir of Qatar. He obtained his 16th point in the Gault&Millau in 2019.
Valais in figures
• 300 days of sunshine a year
• 45 summits above 4,000 metres
• 55 grape varieties
• 1/3 of the Swiss vineyards
• 3,000 km of dry stone walls
• 8,000 km of hiking trails
• 40,000 hectares of natural parks
• 100 working “bisses” (historical irrigation channels)
• 8 AOP and IGP products
• 56 typical products with the label “Valais Brand”
• 1,928 tons of Raclette AOP produced in 2019