When thinking of wine, most people think France, California, Australia, Chile... but Switzerland? Yes, Switzerland. The savvy Swiss, though not the most renowned for their vintages, create a variety of delicious wines they prefer to keep for themselves (only about 1% is exported outside of the canton they’re bottled in). The country produces over 200 million bottles a year, which means that the Swiss know and enjoy their native wines.

The cantons of Valais and Vaud are chief producers. Cressier , right outside of Neuchatel, is known for its family-run caves. Here, you're welcome to schedule personal tours of their facilities and enjoy a private tasting at your leisure without having to arrive with a crowd of strangers. Just be sure to call ahead. For a sampling of wines from several local vintners, you can try Maison Vallier , which sponsors a group tasting.

If you find you take a liking to Swiss wines, you may want to venture towards Vevey (about 15 minutes from Montreux of jazz festival fame) and grab the Winetrain through the vineyards of Lavaux.