HISTORICAL MILESTONES

Middle Ages The water power of the Forestay stream’s waterfalls is harnessed. Four mills are built between Chexbres and Lake Geneva.
The one situated on the site where the Vinorama now stands belongs to the estate of the nearby Château de Glérolles, built in the 12th century.

1420 First written record confirming the existence of a mill at the foot of the waterfall.
The mill passed through the hands of numerous owners without interruption until the early 20th century.

1917 Cooperative societies from Lausanne and Vevey acquired the mill. Under the name ‘Minoteries coopérative du Léman à Rivaz’ (MCL), the site then underwent a period of development and successive expansions that profoundly altered its appearance: the construction of large grain silos, the demolition of the Roman bridge and the building of a railway line connecting the mill to Rivaz station.

1970 MCL became “Minoterie COOP Rivaz” (MCR). Having outgrown its premises at the foot of the Forestay waterfall, the company began construction of new facilities in Puidoux in 1975.

1998 MCR merged with Stadtmühle CMZ Zürich under the name “Swissmill SA”.

2001 abandonment of the Rivaz site. For the Rivaz mills, this marked the end of half a millennium of uninterrupted industrial activity.

2002 redevelopment of the site is envisaged after the Fondation des Moulins de Rivaz buys it back.

2004-2010 demolition of silos and buildings, followed by redevelopment of the site

2010 Opening of LAVAUX VINORAMA (in May)

VIGNERONS-ENCAVEURS, THE ARTISANS OF WINE
For centuries, families of winegrowers and winemakers have shaped the Lavaux landscape. Day after day, these wine craftsmen work to ensure the quality of the products on display. At Vinorama, you'll find the widest range of Lavaux wines.

VARIETALS AND TERROIRS, THE IDENTITY OF WINE
The same grape variety develops characteristics linked to the nature of the soil in which it takes root. Take a look at the composition of the soils in the 8 production sites, thanks to our geolith exhibition. Geolith creation: H. Detomasi. The main grape varieties grown in Lavaux are planted in the immediate vicinity of the south parking lot.