While stores are already brimming with Christmas decorations, we notice the anxious and frazzled state of some of those around us. With a knot in their stomachs, they wonder what they can possibly give their loved ones, who are already inundated with colorful socks and other dust-collecting trinkets. Well, good news! Agathe has compiled a few adventures from her 2024 bucket list here, along with discoveries of companies that share our values and vision. Let's go!
Adventures to strengthen bonds and create unforgettable memories: An apprentice carpenter workshop Oh dear, on your last visit home, did you drop your mother's favourite porcelain bowl? Instead of buying her a new one from yet another decor store, take her to Zsuzsanna Varga, founder of Knock on Wood, who offers woodworking workshops for all ages and skill levels. In workshops in Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich, you'll learn to work with wood and create your first objects… like - why not - a new bowl to serve small Swiss biscuits to guests. There's clearly enough here to develop a new shared passion with your mother!
Walk in the footsteps of clandestine absinthe producers After years of adding to your uncle's collection of Swiss Fendant, do you discover that he prefers spirits to wine? Agathe suggests taking him, accompanied by a guide from the Goût & Région association, on the trail of the clandestine absinthe producers of Val-de-Travers. Together, you'll discover the history of these few Val-de-Travers enthusiasts, who defied the nearly century-old ban on producing "the green fairy," and the secret location of Louis's Fountain, once intended for connoisseurs and still supplied with the famous beverage today. It's also an opportunity to relax along the banks of the Areuse and admire the fabulous Môtiers waterfalls while munching on Secrets de Gruyères, discreetly slipped into your famous uncle's backpack before setting off.
Self-roasted coffee in the Bernese Alps In every couple, you find the same striking combo: while one wakes up to the sound of the rooster, eagerly bouncing off to start their day, it's best to avoid the other until they've had their first cup of coffee in peace. So, to make future mornings sweeter and more special, why not take the love of your life for a weekend at The Cambrian hotel in Adelboden? Relaxation guaranteed! And - icing on the cake - you'll enjoy your stay and participate in a workshop at Rösterei Adelboden to learn more about this magical drink, then roast and bring your own coffee home.
Discovering the secrets of artisan oil makers at Moulins de Sévery Did you know that not far from Lake Geneva lies Switzerland's last active artisan mill? In the hands of the Bovey family for 6 generations, the expertise of Huiles du Moulin de Sévery has been passed down from father to son/daughter. Cold-pressed oils made traditionally, collaboration with local and trusted producers... but wait, doesn't that remind you of how your favourite baking enthusiast does things? Well, you can discover the artisan oil makers at work and learn more about their craft by visiting the mill. And why not follow up with a meal at the adjoining bistro? It's said they serve the best small Swiss biscuits there to accompany coffee and other hot drinks!
Guided tour at Niels Rodin - the citrus king Your epicurean cousin firmly believes that citrus fruits only grow in the South? Prove him wrong by taking him to visit Niels Rodin's magnificent and unique Citrus Farm, not far from Nyon. Guided by the head citrus grower himself, you'll explore greenhouses containing over 200 varieties of fruit trees and rare citrus fruits, and listen to anecdotes as wild as they are inspiring, tracing the entire history of this passionate individual's adventure, who is never short of new projects. To top it all off, you can discover and taste some of his homemade beverages in the adjoining showroom and - why not - take home a bottle of his famous yuzu liqueur.
The strong chocolate expedition in Lucerne Have you already exhausted all the chocolate boxes from local artisans and don't know what else to give your gourmet aunt? Agathe has the solution for you: take her on an expedition to Lucerne! After a pleasant train journey through idyllic landscapes and a visit to the old town, head straight to Max Chocolatier for a chocolate-making workshop. Auntie will leave with stars in her eyes and her taste buds coated in cocoa powder! Bingo, you'll be the center of her conversations with her bridge club friends for the coming year!
Beautiful, durable, and Swiss-made objects: The Davos sled - an essential classic We all know the saying: You're not Swiss if you don't have a Davos sled in your cellar! Even today, they are handcrafted by expert carpenters - known as wheelwrights - in Sulgen in Graubünden. And your eldest, a thrill-seeker, won't tell you otherwise. So why not take them to Bergün to hurtle down Europe's longest illuminated toboggan run on their new giveaway sled? Thrills guaranteed, Agathe certainly won't tell you otherwise! Simply Swiss cookbook - for a return to culinary roots True, the real cordon bleu of the family is your sister, and she loves taking you on a journey around the world with every meal at her place… but deep down, you dream of a proper local dish next time! Subtly pass her the message by giving her the Simply Swiss cookbook! It features 40 recipes based on 10 traditionally Swiss products and reveals the richness of Swiss culinary heritage. Do you think she'll get the message? In any case, at the biscuit bakery, we all love this book and draw endless inspiration from it during our culinary meetings!
The eco-friendly Berninox toothbrush A toothbrush for Christmas! Isn't that a bit of a strange gift, you might say? Not for your teenager, who is constantly searching for anti-waste products for a greener future! Let us explain the innovative and ecologically interesting idea behind Berninox: The handle is made of surgical steel, known for its extreme longevity, hypoallergenic properties, and lifelong recyclability. As for the materials used to make the brush head, they are plastics collected along the beaches of Southeast Asia before being washed and recycled for reuse. These clip onto the handle and are swapped out at the end of their cycle. This way, you reduce the waste caused by disposing of your toothbrush by a factor of eight. A brilliant idea, Swiss-made, simple as can be, and good for the planet, don't you agree?
Montamont A.T.C.'s contemporary Grisons travel guide As beautiful as it is well-researched, Montamont's Grisons travel guide takes you off the beaten path and away from the expected palaces of Grisons. This book will help you discover hidden hotel gems, great restaurants, architectural attractions, and splendid landscapes, inviting you to hop on the next train heading east! Our little finger tells us that Agathe would be more than delighted to find it under her Christmas tree this year. Wouldn't it also be the ideal gift for your brother, who's always globetrotting across the country?
Agathe's Biscuits - for a truly gourmet Christmas What would Christmas be without traditional Milanese biscuits, cinnamon stars, and hazelnut biscuits? Family moments around the Christmas tree would simply be less delicious, wouldn't they? So think about it and bring a selection of your favourite small Swiss biscuits to share with all your loved ones! We hope we've inspired you for your year-end preparations and wish you a peaceful next few weeks - with a warm cup of tea and a biscuit - as you watch the general hysteria unfold around you. Because you know, this year, your Christmas will be local, sustainable, and warm.
