Chablais

Chablais is a subregion of Vaud and Valais. The eastern part of the basin of Lake of Geneva, the part within the Alps before the "lock" at St Maurice, Chablais is the most Alpine part of Vaud and the gateway to the Valais proper. It is below all the Vaud ski resorts and the Valais Portes du Soleil. 

The vineyards stretch out on the right bank of the Rhône as far as Bex, through the delighful towns of Yvorne and Aigle. Other AOCs include Ollon and Villeneuve. Chablais has 15% of the Vaud's grapevines and here you'll find the famous Aigle area. 

• 4% of national production.
• Cultivated area, 590 ha approximately .
• 55% white and 35% red.
• Average 20.3°C in summer and a minimum 2.2°C in winter.
• Sun exposure,  1800 hours per year.
• Average annual rainfall, 1200mm with rainy days.
• Lowest elevation 375metres, highest elevation 700 metres.
• Soils are varied over short geographical area see below in Terroir section.

Chablais does not have the lake influence that the rest of Vaud experience, but on the other hand it is sheltered from most rains and cold winds, much like Valais. Yvorne is typically the highest and dryest corner of Vaud in the summer.

Villeneuve: Extremely diverse subsoil of Triassic and Jurassic limestone, glacial moraine, scree and gravel.
Yvorne: Scree and marl, landslide soils, Triassic limestone.
Aigle: Gravely and clay soil on a base of Triassic limestone.
Ollon, Bex: Soils containing large quantities of gypsum on a base of Triassic limestone. Quite different. 

Aigle Castle: The Vine and Wine Museum highlights the winegrowing culture. If you are into illustration, the wine label collection alone is worth wasting an hour or two.