Three Lakes

Three Lakes, also known as Neuchatel, is a small wine region located in the French-speaking western area of Switzerland, north of Vaud. It is referred to as the Three Lakes as it covers four AOCs which are found on the low-lying land centred around the lakes of Morat, Bienne and Neuchatel. Neuchatel has been producing the Oeil de Perdrix rosé wine since the Middle Ages. Although the Swiss appellation system was established in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Neuchatel's winegrowers' application for sole, protected status for their Oeil de Perdrix was refused as the wines were already produced in other regions.

The vineyards are roughly divided up in half; half being red, half white varieties. Pinot Noir and Chasselas dominate plantings respectively. Gamaret, Garanoir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Muller-Thurgau are also present, but in lesser quantities.

The name Oeil de Perdrix means 'Eye of the Partridge', a reference to the pink hue of the bird's eyelids.