With 38 individual pavilions overlooking Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland’s largest lake, the Hôtel Palafitte has been welcoming guests for over 20 years. In addition, its restaurant, La Table du Palafitte led by Chef Ludovic Pigeat, has earned 14 GaultMilllau points. Throughout November 2026, this five-star hotel will be featuring local winemakers at two special events: Les pépites de Neuchâtel and the fourth edition of La Paulée.

Les pépites de Neuchâtel

The Palafitte has selected 18 wines that represent all 12 grape varieties under the Neuchâtel AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). These wines will all be available by the glass at the Hôtel Palafitte for the entire month of November 2026.

The Neuchâtel AOC includes nine white grape varieties: Chardonnay, Chasselas, Doral, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau (Riesling-Sylvaner), Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Sauvignon and Viognier. There are also three red grape varieties: Gamaret, Garanoir and Pinot noir.

La Paulée 2026

To celebrate the wine harvest, the Palafitte will host the La Paulée 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on November 19. The name of this special feast comes from the final basket of grapes delivered to the press.

For CHF 150 per person, the menu includes: an aperitif and starters served buffet-style, the main course served at the table, a cheese course served buffet-style and dessert served at the table, followed by coffee and mignardises. Local winemakers will also be present at the event. You can sample their wines selected as Les pépites de Neuchâtel.

Spaces are still available for La Paulée and reservations are strongly recommended: +41 (0)32 723 02 02 or reception(at)palafitte.ch.

Hôtel Palafitte, Route des Gouttes-d’Or 2, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Please note: I attended a preview of La Paulée and stayed overnight at the Palafitte as a guest of the hotel. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are purely my own.