Heida
About this grape variety
When we talk about Paien, called Heida in Upper Valais, we’re referring to the Valais name given to the white wine that comes from the Savagnin grape–which is also known as Traminer.
Gewurztraminer is a genetic mutation of this grape. It was at first grown on slopes near Visperterminen, up to 1,100 metres altitude, making these some of the highest vines in Europe.
Today this variety is being more widely planted, in French-speaking Valais as well in German-speaking areas.
Heida
212.5 ha out of 4675 ha, or 4.5%
Tasting profile
179 wine producers cultivate this grape variety
Find a cellarEtymology
Heida means very old, ancient, from pagan times, hence the French translation Païen. In Valais, Heida is identical to Savagnin, whose name may stem from the French word sauvage, meaning wild, referring to the wild vine.
wine cellar(s)
Taste this grape variety
Chamoson
17 wines from this cellar
Cave St-Pierre
Named Swiss Winery of the Year in 2020, Cave St-Pierre’s policy is firmly focused on the quality of its wines and native grape varieties.
Ayent
13 wines from this cellar
Cave Orcyre
Jean-Paul Aymon is a winegrower as well as an artist. Discover his wines and his paintings.
Ayent
9 wines from this cellar
Domaine de la Place du Château d’Ayent
This wine-growing estate has a tasting area, a place where time has stood still and tradition still endures : a Valais tasting cellar with stone walls.
Your tasting profile
Select your favourite type of wine or indicate what you are looking for in a wine and find out which Valais wine is right for you.