"Weinschiffe Zürich": Culinary Delights with a Lake View

Cuisine: accessible, convivial, and paired with wine 

Culinary-wise, the “Expovina Weinschiffe Zürich” don’t adhere to a rigid fine-dining concept. Instead, the focus is on cuisine that makes enjoyment accessible and pairs well with wine. Typical offerings include hearty classics, convivial dishes meant for sharing, and menu items that are deliberately kept simple.

The culinary style is diverse: It ranges from traditional, down-to-earth dishes to fare with international influences and modern, casual formats. Sometimes a comforting classic takes center stage, sometimes something Mediterranean, and sometimes a simple snack for in between.

It is precisely this clear, guest-friendly approach that makes the culinary side of the Zurich wine ships so appealing. And the mix fits the open structure of the event. You can linger, compare, move on, and discover new combinations of wine and food time and again.

We recommend booking a lovely hotel for your visit to the wine ships in Zurich. Properties that are part of The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts by American Express, such as the Mandarin Oriental, offer you the highest level of comfort and numerous benefits with your Platinum Card. For example, a hotel credit worth USD 100 and a complimentary daily breakfast for two. 

Which American Express card will accompany you on your culinary journeys?

The Ambience: A Floating Wine Paradise with a Zurich Touch 

The great strength of the “Expovina Weinschiffe Zürich” lies in its ambiance. “Expovina” itself describes the fair as a “floating wine paradise on the Lake Zurich fleet at Bürkliplatz”—and that’s exactly what the event feels like. The lake is ever-present, as is the movement between the ships, the proximity to the city, and the slightly maritime flair right in the heart of Zurich.

This creates an atmosphere characterized by openness, a spirit of discovery, and a laid-back rhythm of enjoyment. You might sample a glass of Crémant from Luxembourg here, a wine from Croatia or Serbia there, linger at the bar, or move on to the next deck.

Good to know: You can purchase tickets for the fall event “Weinschiffe Zürich” in advance via the Expovina website. Details about the 2026 program will be announced by the organizer at a later date.

Zurich’s autumn delight with a special character

The interplay of lake, city, ships, and a laid-back culture of enjoyment gives the “Expovina Weinschiffe Zürich”” event its pleasantly convivial and relaxed atmosphere. When you visit the fair, you’ll not only find a wide selection of wines, but you’ll also have a wonderful opportunity to stroll, explore, and linger.

Perhaps you’d like to extend your trip to Zurich a bit and visit the Botanical Garden, the Kunsthaus, or the Opera House, for example. It’s best to always have your American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card with you, which allows you to pay conveniently at numerous participating locations while on the go and enjoy benefits such as car rental perks and insurance coverage.