From Amigne to Briegler, Cabernet Sauvignon, Schwarzer Erlenbacher and Zalagyöngye: these grape varieties among others thrive on the Au peninsula on Lake Zurich. We use the slightly more than five hectares of vines for research, training and grape production.

With over 280 varieties and clones, the variety collection serves to preserve genetic resources. These include over 140 grape varieties that are important for Switzerland. The collection is supported by the National Action Plan for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources (NAP-PGREL) from the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). Th 38 vine training systems are on display on a demo plot: these range from stick vine training methods such as Goblet, to single vine, pergola, and more open systems such as Lyre.

The vineyard

• 5.7 ha, 5.23 ha planted
• Height above sea level 420-460 m
• Exposure from east to southwest, up to 50% inclination in the steepest slopes
• Precipitation 1114 mm
• The vines are cultivated by the Wädenswil Wine Centre on behalf of the ZHAW.

History

There is evidence that vine growing has been practised on the Au peninsula since 1484. In 1824 the area under vines was extended to 4.56 ha by clearing the forest. In 1824, the vineyard area was extended to 4.56 ha by clearing a nearby forest. However, as a result of the great viticulture crisis, the vines were cleared in 1912. In 1950, under the direction of the landowner Dr. Boller-Baer, the Au consortium, and Dr. W. Eggenberger from the previously named Fachschule für Obst- und Weinbau Wädenswil, vines were once again planted on the Au. Today, the ZHAW has leases for these vineyards with the Canton of Zurich, the city of Wädenswil and the Au-Konsortium. Since 2018 the vines have been cultivated by the Wädenswil Viticulture Centre on behalf of the ZHAW.

Wine sales

The grapes of the Au peninsula are pressed in the wine cellar at the Wädenswil Wine Centre. The wine, which is marketed under the Dreistand brand, can be purchased from the Wine Centre.

Every Monday from 16:00 to 19:00, the wines can be tasted and purchased at the Wädenswil site.

Further information: Dreistand