Wine And Ride Lavaux — Attraction in Rivaz

Our experience with Wine and Ride differed significantly from most reviewers. The tour was brief, omitted the wine tasting, and left us disappointed.

We opted for the “GOOD EVENING” package, which was initially cancelled but later reopened due to favorable weather conditions. Unfortunately, booking late proved to be a mistake, as most vineyards close early. My communication with Wine And Ride was just thru WhatsApp and email.

According to our guide Francois, starting at quarter past 18:00 is already late. However, the owner suggested we take the train arriving at 18:09. Given the need to test the bikes, it became clear that the wine tasting would not be possible—a fact we were unaware of at the time. Additionally, my wife felt uncomfortable with the bike and ended up walking to the rendezvous point, which turned out to be a bus station.

My main gripe is that Wine and Ride did not disclose the risks associated with the “Good Evening” package. If the late booking could make it even more challenging, why bother offering it? The ball was in their side, and we had 3 hours to decide on that. Based on Francois’ statement, it seemed there was no possibility of wine tasting from the outset. If we had been informed of the risks when the slot was offered back to us, I would have declined as wine tasting is a big part of our plan. I would have preferred to stay with my kids and friend at Chateau Chillon instead.

If customers do not feel safe with the bike from the beginning, Wine and Ride should offer an alternative plan. In our case, it was not apparent that such a contingency plan existed. We assumed Chexbres was the destination for the wine tasting, but it turned out to be just a bus station where we could take a ride back to Vevey or Montreaux. Francois kindly offered my wife a ride in his car, but she declined, thinking it might delay our trip further. This gesture was compassionate, and we appreciated Francois’ efforts under challenging circumstances.

Francois and I reached the base at around 19:55 to conclude the tour and picked up my wife at Chexbres station afterward. Since we had not had dinner yet and still had about 30- minute to spare, we accepted his offer to take us to a nice restaurant in Vevey. Francois drove us first to Charlie Chaplin’s place before dropping us off at a restaurant for a fondue dinner. We are grateful for Francois' hospitality and his effort to compensate for the short wine tour.

Like any other unsatisfied customer whose mishap is not totally his/her fault, I requested for a refund for my wife’s part and the missed wine-tasting. I didn’t expect a full one but just something to make us feel that what we paid was commensurate to the experience we got. Ride and Wine offered 20 Swiss franc as a gesture of goodwill, which according to them is equivalent to a fine wine. It’s not worth sharing bank information so I just declined.

Writing this review is difficult, but necessary to bring change and provide awareness. The whole experience was a tough pill to swallow, but we will learn from it and move forward. We shall ask all necessary questions when we engage on this type of this activities in the future. For Wine and Ride, I recommend clearly outlining the risks involved in night ride offerings, including the possibility of a shortened ride or no wine tasting. It is the onus of the business to provide this information rather than expecting customers to "know the territory." Additionally, having a backup plan in cases where the user is not confident riding is crucial. For anyone reading this and has plans on touring, you’re better off with morning and afternoon but consider how much you are expecting from the...

Anna is a knowledgeable guide when everything goes according to plan. However, when faced with challenges or unexpected situations, I found her response lacking in flexibility and professionalism.

As an experienced cyclist who regularly rides over 100km, I was surprised at how unsafe certain portions of the route felt. One team member fell during practice, and after reassessing the difficulty of the terrain, two people in our group opted to sit out. Unfortunately, no accommodations or adjustments were offered, despite the website stating the tour was suitable for beginners.

In addition, the bikes provided appeared poorly maintained—our brakes made loud, concerning noises, which is not what you’d expect for the price point of this experience.

We were denied a refund for the two members who didn’t continue, even though this was due to safety concerns and a lack of pre-ride assessment from the guide, which could have avoided the situation entirely.

The wine tasting also ended abruptly at 12pm, although the site advertised it would continue until 12:30pm. This added to the confusion caused by inconsistencies between what was stated online and what was communicated via email.

Update: I did not demand a last-minute booking; I simply asked if it was possible. If handling changes or late bookings is too stressful or disruptive, it would be better to state that clearly and decline rather than accept with reluctance.

Anna informed us that the winery was closing at noon—just 10 minutes before it actually did—leaving us little time to enjoy the tasting experience

This experience left me feeling disappointed, particularly given the high expectations set by the online description. I hope others have a smoother experience, but I would encourage potential guests to proceed...

If you're seeking an unforgettable experience that combines the sublime pleasures of wine tasting with breathtaking scenery, a visit to Lavaux in Switzerland is an absolute must. I recently had the pleasure of indulging in a wine and ride adventure with my colleagues through this picturesque region, and I can confidently say that it was an absolute delight for the senses.

Lavaux, with its terraced vineyards overlooking the serene waters of Lake Geneva, is a true haven for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The journey began with a leisurely bike ride along the winding paths that weave through the vineyards, offering panoramic views of the majestic landscape. The gentle breeze rustling through the vines created an idyllic atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings instantly put me at ease.

The highlight of the journey was undoubtedly the wine tasting experience. The winemakers themselves were incredibly passionate, sharing their knowledge and stories with genuine enthusiasm. They guided us through the wine tasting process, explaining the distinct characteristics of each wine and providing insightful pairings to enhance the flavors.

In conclusion, a wine and ride adventure through Lavaux is an experience that should be on every wine lover's bucket list. The combination of breathtaking scenery, world-class wines, and the genuine passion of the winemakers creates an enchanting journey that lingers in your heart long after the last drop has been savored. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I can't wait to return to Lavaux to create more cherished memories in this vinous paradise.

Thanks again to Ana and Guillaune for this amazing...