Swiss President Guy Parmelin, a former winemaker, is pushing to restrict wine imports, a move critics call protectionist. His plan requires merchants importing foreign wine to also buy or process Swiss grapes. This would effectively create a quota allocation system based on 'domestic performance', replacing Switzerland's current first-come-first-served model. The proposal, under consultation until June, aims to implement this by 2027. Switzerland imported 161mn litres of wine in 2024, mostly from Italy, France, and Spain, while exporting only about 1% of its production.

EU wine bodies and MEPs warn the measure risks trade tensions and contradicts free trade principles, potentially entrenching protectionism. Economists note the policy could raise prices and distort competition, though the government claims it will boost Swiss wine availability and sales. Critics argue it undermines Switzerland's liberalized wine market established in 2001.

The plan is championed by Vaud winegrowers and faces approval from the Federal Council.