Anyone standing in the vineyards on Lake Biel can enjoy a breathtaking view. Vines are not only grown on the south-eastern slope, but also on St. Peter's Island and in the municipalities of Ins, Erlach, Tschugg and Gampelen.

Vines stretch across some 220 hectares here, with Chasselas and Pinot Noir setting the pace. But local winegrowers aren't stopping there - Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Diolinoir are also making waves as beloved speciality varieties.

Small but Mighty

The small but mighty growing area, which is part of the Three Lakes region, is considered an insider tip.

A trip to St. Peter's Island, which can only be reached by boat or in just under an hour on foot, is particularly worthwhile. Five hectares of vineyards are cultivated there in a favorable climate.

The first three bottles: Winemaker Lorenz & Andrea Hämmerli with Simon Klarer from the Hotel St. Petersinsel. (Image: zVg)

Formerly Irrelevant Drops

Like the island itself, the vineyards belong to the civic community of Bern. Today, the Hämmerli family winery in Ins has taken the reins, determined to unlock the full potential of this unique terroir - something previous caretakers never quite achieved. Once known for rather unremarkable wines, the area is now poised for a bold revival.

The first 2024 vintage is already very promising. i was recently able to taste the first three bottled wines exclusively for finews.ch.

New Hotel Ambitions

The wines from St. Petersinsel are best enjoyed in the courtyard or, in bad weather, in the lakeside lounge of the historic and impressive Hotels St. Petersinsel.

Christian Dexl from the Keller am See winery. (Image: zVg)

This season, the traditional hotel has come under the management of the Swiss Design Collection and now operates under the «Swiss Design Hotels» brand. Here, too, there is a sense of change everywhere. In the future, not only will all seven island wines be offered, but the already impressive range of fine wines from the Lake Biel region will also be expanded.

Our five selected examples from Lake Biel, which we tasted during a visit to the region, show that the quality is excellent:

1 St. Petersinsel Wein Pinot Gris 2024, Winery Hämmerli, Ins

Unlike other Pinots Gris, this white wine is neither opulent nor broad. Instead, it offers impressive density, balanced by medium acidity, lively tension and a long finish. A hint of residual sweetness adds finesse. Fermented in wooden barrels and aged on fine lees, it's a refined accompaniment to food. 24 francs; https://www.weingut-haemmerli.swiss

2. St. Petersinsel Wein Rosé de Pinot Noir 2024, Winery Hämmerli, Ins

This dry, no-fuss rosé charms with its delicate salmon-pink hue and enticing red berry aromas. On the palate, it's fresh and juicy, with bright fruit and a clean, lingering finish. An easygoing aperitif - ideal for warm summer days. 18 francs; https://www.weingut-haemmerli.swiss

3 Chasselas Clos à l’Abbé 2024, Winery Steiner-Krebs, Schernelz

Chasselas is often underestimated - but unfairly so, as this single-vineyard cru clearly shows. From a trusted producer, it delivers a youthful yet impressive profile: dry, light, fresh, and mineral, with surprising depth and a long finish. A perfect match for fish dishes. 24 francs; https://ww.krebs-steiner.ch 

4 Chardonnay 2023, Winery Johanniterkeller, Twann

This relatively neutral grape variety is often matured in barriques. This successful example is no exception. The wood is perfectly integrated into the medium-bodied white wine. it is dry, juicy, with good acidity and tension and ends with a relatively long finish. Good potential. 27.50 francs; https://www.johanniterkeller.ch

5 Pinot noir 2023, Winery Keller am See, Ligerz

This excellent Pinot noir comes from a boutique vineyard, 40 percent of which is aged in new barriques and 60 percent in used barrels. The nose reveals an engaging aroma of red berry and spicy notes. Medium-bodied on the palate with present, ripe tannins and good acidity. Decant this wine full of character or put it aside for a while. 38 francs; https://www.kelleramsee.ch