Zürich’s “got it all” says ambassador Lisa Bader

By Rachel Fellows

Published 19-June-2025

Interview / Zürich

Sommelier and wine consultant Lisa Bader has reported for Star Wine List from her home in Zürich since 2020. As she adds seven Red Stars to our guide, she tells us what the city’s wine scene is looking like – and what really annoys her during service!

After serving as Wine Director at The Dolder Grand, Zürich for nearly eight years, Lisa Bader set up her own company in 2023, consulting for restaurants, wineries and private clients, and teaching at Germany’s sommelier schools. It’s giving her the chance to travel, “which is an amazing opportunity to keep on developing skills and knowledge by physically experiencing different places around the globe,” she says.

Star Wine List’s Zürich Ambassador since 2020, Lisa now resides in Kreis 7 and Seefeld, which provides “a little bit of green and peace but you are still connected to the pulse of the city.” And, of course, she’s still finding time to identify destinations for wine lovers – hence her seven new Red Stars for our wine guide to Zürich.

How would you describe the wine scene in Zürich right now?

“The gastronomy scene in Zürich is highly diverse. We have multiple different restaurant styles, matching the melting pot of people living in Zürich. So we can say it’s a very balanced mix of tradition/classics and modernity/fusion.”

How does Zürich compare to the rest of Switzerland?

“Zürich is a little different in terms of its international aspect. We have a highly potent and strong airport, presenting a major gate to Europe and thereby converting Zürich to the international hub of Switzerland. This doesn’t only show in the broad range of different origins of tourists, but also in the general demographic of the residents living here.”

Have you noticed any particular trends on wine lists across the city lately?

“It really depends WHERE in Zürich you are in fact – even though the city is rather small, we have very different districts in terms of the atmosphere and let's say vibe. Whilst natural wines might work in one part of town, the classics are more popular in another area. But we’ve got it all.”

What are you looking for in a Red Star venue?

“For me, a Red Star venue shows a clear identity. You have to look at the place and its wine list and be able to say, ‘Yes, that makes total sense to me.’ It doesn’t necessarily mean the bigger, the better – it needs to have a focus and you have to be able to identify the intention behind the wines selected for the list.”

What's your idea of the perfect wine list?

“I think the perfect wine list is very different for everyone as preferences are most subjective. However, when a place understands its immediate market and manages to cater for it, this is really what makes it perfect. I do believe that a lot of restaurants get too lost in different styles and often miss a ‘handwriting’ or ‘red line.’ Focusing on the style of wines that go with the style of the cuisine, based on analysing the guest profile, is what I would say makes a solid wine program.”

Do you have any pet hates in service?

“When the labels of bottles are not facing me/the guest. I get a particular monk in me for that!”

What should visitors to Zürich be sure to do?

“Definitely take a nice bottle, some things for a picnic, and jump into the lake.”

Explore Star Wine List's guide to Zürich's top wine spots.