There are many people who have changed careers. Yet hardly anyone has pursued their path as doggedly as Uwe Schneider. Born in Munich, he first completed a qualification as a wine academic and, at the age of 40, decided to undertake an apprenticeship as a winemaker. He spent his first years of practical training working alongside Thomas Mattmann at the renowned Cicero vineyard in Zizers. Following Mattmann’s untimely death, Schneider continued to run the business until it was wound up. Today, he cultivates his own vineyard plots in the Bündner Herrschaft according to organic guidelines and vinifies his wines in a historic wine press in Zizers. His style is characterised by restraint and respect for the terroir and the vintage. In the cellar, Uwe Schneider limits his interventions to the essentials. He intervenes only when necessary. The result is wines full of character, foremost among them the refined «Felder» Pinot Noir and an excellent Chardonnay, which impressively demonstrate why the Bündner Herrschaft is one of Switzerland’s most exciting wine regions.

A small selection of Schneider’s wines, which are available in Switzerland at FEINIWY.CH I recently had the chance to taste the wines that are available. My verdict: Uwe Schneider’s wines are highly recommended across the board.

2023, Chardonnay AOC Graubünden, Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

93vvPoints

(100% Chardonnay, aged for 12 months in French and, to a lesser extent, Austrian barriques (Stockinger), 13% alcohol) Deep yellow; a ripe, fruity aroma of yellow apple and citrus zest, overlaid with nutty and buttery notes, as well as a subtle hint of oak that lends a spicy character; on the palate, straightforward and full-bodied yet elegant, with perfectly ripe fruit, a creamy texture, supportive acidity and perfectly integrated oak; a citrusy, long, salty finish. A Chardonnay that can hold its own against the very best in Switzerland and should age beautifully. Drink now until 2035+

2023, Pinot Noir Felder AOC Graubünden Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

92vvPoints

(100% Pinot Noir, 13.5% alcohol) Ruby red with a lighter rim; the nose is expressive immediately upon opening, revealing distinct aromas of cassis, coriander seeds, fruit tea and a hint of fennel; on the palate, it is slender and precise, with a delicate core of fruit and perfectly balanced, fine-grained tannins; the acidity provides a lively edge, carrying the wine into a long, red-fruity finish. A Pinot that impresses with finesse and elegance. Drink now until 2033.

2023, Pinot Noir Village AOC Graubünden, Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

90vvPoints

(100% Pinot Noir, 13.5% alcohol) Pale ruby red; on the nose, subtle reduction, sour cherries, redcurrants and floral notes; on the palate, it is light-footed and exceptionally easy to drink; fine, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity support the fruit; the wine glides across the tongue and lingers pleasantly on the finish, leaving a hint of redcurrants.

2022, Chardonnay AOC Graubünden, Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

94vvPoints

(100% Chardonnay, aged for 12 months in French and, to a lesser extent, Austrian barriques (Stockinger), 13% alcohol) Intense golden yellow; on the nose, a pleasant reduction, Burgundian in character, ripe apple, quince, walnut, all underpinned by minerality; on the palate, it is taut and crisp, with exceptionally juicy fruit supported by a lively acidity, not a gram of fat, yet powerful, with a long, salty, spicy and citrus-tinged finish. This top-class Chardonnay is currently at its peak of enjoyment and should easily hold its quality for 5–8 years. Drink now through to 2033.

2022, Pinot Noir Felder AOC Graubünden, Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

93vvPoints

(100% Pinot Noir, 13% alcohol) A deep, youthful ruby red; the nose is more dominated by dark fruit than the 2023 vintage in the glass beside it, with cherries and a hint of cassis, alongside smoky and lactic notes over damp stone; firm on the palate, compact, structured, with pronounced tannins and well-balanced acidity; the oak is beautifully integrated, lending the wine spice and structure; the finish is long-lasting, ending on a note of sour cherries and leaving a salty sensation in the mouth. Still youthful, with excellent ageing potential. 2027 to 2035.

2020, Pinot Brut Rosé ULTRA AOC Graubünden Uwe Schneider

Switzerland, Graubünden

19.7.2026

89vvPoints

(100% Pinot Noir, 12.5% alcohol) Salmon-coloured with a relatively coarse-bubbled mousse of medium persistence; on the nose, the wine reveals rosehip, strawberries and a subtle hint of yeast; on the palate it is approachable, fresh and pleasantly dry, with the subtle effervescence and well-balanced acidity providing the necessary freshness; the finish is red-fruity with a hint of pink grapefruit in the aftertaste. A successful, delightfully dry sparkling wine for many occasions.