Wine for Fondue & Raclette

Melted cheese, good company and the cold season outside – fondue and raclette are among the finest moments of Swiss indulgence. But which wine goes best with them? The short answer: a fresh, dry white wine with lively acidity. It cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, keeps the palate fresh and rounds off the meal beautifully.

The rule of thumb: acidity beats heaviness

Cheese fondue and raclette are rich, fatty and aromatic. A wine with plenty of acidity acts as a counterweight: it "cleanses" the palate between bites and keeps the cheese from feeling heavy. Bold, tannic reds do the opposite – their tannins clash with the fat and quickly turn bitter and metallic. So reach for a white wine or a light, fruity red.

Our recommended white wines for fondue

• Heida Valais AOC – the alpine classic from Valais: powerful, mineral and subtly spicy. Ideal with mature mountain cheese.
• Petite Arvine Valais AOC – elegant, with citrus freshness and a saline touch that balances the cheese beautifully.
• Johannisberg Valais AOC – soft and round, perfect for those who prefer something milder.
• Epesses Blanc Lavaux AOC – a classic Chasselas from Lake Geneva: light, fresh and easy-going – the quintessential Swiss fondue wine.

An old tradition says: the wine in your glass may well be the same as the wine in the caquelon. If you make your fondue with a dry white, serve it alongside, too.

Raclette: a little more freedom

With sides like boiled potatoes, gherkins and pickled onions, raclette is a touch more versatile. Alongside the whites, light, fruit-forward reds without harsh tannins also work well:

• Pinot Noir Valais AOC – velvety, with delicate red fruit, without being too heavy.
• Cornalin Valais AOC – a Valais speciality with spicy fruit, for a little more character.

What to avoid

Bold, tannic reds such as a young Barolo, Bordeaux or Amarone, as well as heavily oaked wines, do not pair well with melted cheese. Very sweet wines rarely suit either. And the old myth about ice-cold water? A glass of white wine or a warm herbal tea is far kinder to the stomach.

The right serving tip

Don't serve the white wine ice-cold, but at around 10–12 °C – that's when its aroma and acidity show at their best. One glass per person to toast, then top up at your leisure.

Discover our white wines and find the perfect match for your next fondue or raclette evening. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.