Vaud is located in western Switzerland along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, bordering France and the cantons of Valais, Fribourg, and Neuchâtel. It is one of Switzerland's most important wine-producing regions and is internationally recognized for its terraced vineyard landscapes.
The most famous area within Vaud is Lavaux, a UNESCO-listed vineyard region overlooking Lake Geneva, where steep terraces maximize sun exposure and benefit from heat reflection from both the lake and stone walls. Other key subregions include La Câte, Chablais, Bonvillars, and Câtes de l'Orbe, each with distinct soil and climatic influences.
Vaud is particularly known for Chasselas, which dominates plantings and produces fresh, mineral-driven white wines with strong expression of terroir. Red varieties such as Pinot Noir and Gamay are also widely grown, along with smaller amounts of Gamaret, Garanoir, and Chardonnay. Wines are classified under the AOC Vaud system, with additional geographic designations identifying specific districts and villages.
Production is primarily quality-focused and largely consumed domestically, with growing recognition abroad for its distinctive lake-influenced styles.