【 Lucerne 】To Vitznau, for a Glass Chosen Just for You
〜 A Guide to the World of Wine with an Award-Winning Sommelier 〜
Have you ever found yourself unsure what to choose from a wine list at a restaurant while travelling? You would like something that complements your meal, but finding a bottle you will enjoy among pages of regions and producers is not always easy. This is when a sommelier can help.
At Park Hotel Vitznau, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, there is someone you might like to ask for a recommendation: Marius Müller, sommelier and Deputy Cellar Master. In an announcement dated 27 October 2026, Maison Ruinart and Moët Hennessy Switzerland named him the winner of the Swiss Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2026.
Having a wine chosen for you adds another pleasure to a day of lakeside dining. His award offers a fresh reason to visit Vitznau.
Getting to Know the Sommelier Behind the Award
When we think of a wine expert, we may picture someone with extensive knowledge and the ability to distinguish subtle aromas and flavours. As restaurant guests, however, we are more familiar with the sommelier’s role in recommending wines to suit our food and personal tastes.
There is comfort in choosing a familiar wine, but also pleasure in discovering a new favourite through a recommendation. Hearing about the producer or the place it comes from can deepen our interest in what is in the glass, beyond its taste alone.
Park Hotel Vitznau, where Müller works, has an extensive collection that makes such discoveries possible. As part of the team led by Head of Wine Sven Uzat, Müller contributes to the hotel’s wine culture.
His award is an opportunity to consider how a sommelier can enrich a meal. Whether you know your wines or tend to choose the same familiar bottles, asking an expert for advice can offer a chance to approach your next choice a little differently.
Describe What You Like in Your Own Words
You do not need any technical vocabulary to ask for a recommendation. For example...
“I usually drink white wine.”
“I like reds that aren’t too heavy.”
“I’d like something that pairs well with my meal today.”
You can begin by sharing these simple preferences. If you are unsure what you like, you might mention a wine you recently enjoyed, or a flavour you found less appealing. Sharing your budget at the outset also makes it easier to choose from the recommendations.
What matters is expressing how you would like to enjoy your meal, rather than demonstrating your knowledge. Would you like to learn a little more about the style you usually drink, or try a wine from an unfamiliar region? These wishes can help guide the choice.
Once you taste the recommended wine, take a moment to notice your response. Do you enjoy its aroma or the way it feels in your mouth? Does it taste different alongside the food? Identifying even one reason you like it can make choosing your next wine all the more enjoyable.
The World Behind 4,500 Wines
The cellars are said to house around 40,000 bottles spanning 4,500 wines. The collection is divided among six cellars: France, the Old World, the New World, Château d’Yquem, Champagne and rare wines. The French collection focuses on Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhône.
These numbers may suggest a place reserved for wine enthusiasts. Yet such variety also offers the pleasure of having someone recommend a wine to suit your tastes and your meal. The sommelier’s role in connecting an extensive list with an individual guest becomes part of the appeal.
If the collection itself sparks your curiosity, a cellar tour is another option. Listed in the hotel’s official 2026 guide, the Wine Cellar Journey is a 60-minute tour through all six cellars. At CHF 95 per person, it includes a glass each of Champagne, white wine and red wine, accompanied by three different snacks. Tasting while viewing the bottles offers a chance to discover more about the stories behind the wines.
If you would like Müller himself to advise you, check his availability when booking. The anticipation of discovering what this award-winning sommelier might recommend can become part of the pleasure of the visit.
Taking in the views, enjoying good food and discovering a wine you might never have chosen yourself—why not add a small adventure to your dining experience in Vitznau?
Make the journey for a glass chosen just for you. You may come away with a new favourite.
Information
Address:
Seestrasse 18, 6354 Vitznau, Switzerland
Getting there:
Around one hour by scheduled boat from Lucerne to Vitznau pier. A transfer from the pier to the hotel is available at an additional charge.
Phone:
+41 41 399 60 60
Website:
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