Luins lies in the lower part of the La Côte wine-growing region and offers views of Lake Geneva. The church shapes the village skyline, rising above the houses and vineyards. Its panoramic views stretch across the La Côte AOC vineyards, the lake, Mont Blanc and the Alps. In Luins, village history and wine country come together—two themes to explore along various routes and through wine tastings.
Village History and Views
The Temple de Saint-Pierre was first mentioned in 1392. The nave and bell tower of the church in Luins are Gothic and date from the 15th century; the church’s last major restoration took place in 1952. The Temple is on the hiking trail and Huguenot memorial route. A fortified house has been documented in Luins since 1315—another historic landmark of the village.
Trails Through Forest and Vineyards
The Sentier des Châtaignes is a six-kilometre circular route linking Luins, Vinzel and Bursins. It passes through the forest and along the ridge above the vineyards, is signposted as Route No. 12, and offers views of the vineyards, the Alps and Lake Geneva. Picnic and rest areas are located along the route. In Luins, hikers can also use the Devens shelter, built entirely from chestnut wood.
For a wine-themed hike between Luins and Begnins, there are two starting points to choose from: the Caveau des Vignerons de Luins or the centre of Begnins. The route is about 5.5 kilometres long and offers smartphone-based discoveries and games. Another route runs between Vinzel, Luins and Bursins. It is also about 5.5 kilometres long and can be started at the Caveau, in the centre of Vinzel or in Bursins. Along the way, visitors can learn about the area’s history and discover its products through games. The wine-themed hikes in Luins and Vinzel use the free Vaud:Guide app. It sends notifications at each stop and offers quizzes, photo challenges and GPS tasks. Check that the app and its features are available before setting out.
Wines, Cellars and Seasonal Events
The Caveau des Vignerons de Luins-Vinzel invites visitors to taste local wines. It is open from mid-February to mid-December on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as public holidays; checking the opening days before your trip will help you plan. During the grape harvest, grape juice and fresh grape must are also available there, subject to the harvest season.
Domaine Maison Dutruy welcomes visitors to its cellar to discover and taste its wines. Private tastings with a small platter of food can be arranged on request; reservations are required. Check availability and arrangements in advance. At the Carnotzet, the traditional tasting room at Château de Luins, wine enthusiasts are also welcomed to taste the estate’s wines. Be sure to check the visiting arrangements in advance. Six Palanche presses, installed in the 1920s, can still be seen in the Château’s cellar. The estate offers wines made in the Vaud tradition.
The winemakers of Luins offer, among others, Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Chenin, Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer, as well as Pinot Noir, Garanoir and Grenache. Since 1997, winemakers from Begnins, Luins, Vinzel and Bursins have opened their cellars for a whole weekend. Visitors can discover Bourru, a new wine that is still fermenting and contains little alcohol. Check the dates for the relevant year before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Begnins, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Vinzel, Gland Vd, Crassier, Perroy Vd, Commugny, Grens.
For the main travel overview: Nyon.
