14 April 2026
Leon's Bodega: Where wine becomes an encounter
In the middle of The Circle's international environment lies a place that slows things down. A place where wine is not a status symbol, but a conversation starter. Leon's Bodega combines a wine bar, wine shop and event location and is the uncomplicated sister of the established Leon's Loft. Between wine racks, warm, atmospheric lighting and a striking chandelier made of 110 wine bottles, an environment is created that immediately invites you to linger.
Sommelière Seraina Perl has been shaping this wine world with her expertise, curiosity and down-to-earth attitude since 2024.
"Wine is a story in a glass"
"Honestly? It was more curiosity than love at first sip," admits Seraina looking back. "I wanted to understand why a wine can trigger emotions. Why the same grape juice tastes so different depending on its origin, the soil or the people behind it."
What began as an interest became a passion for Seraina. Today, she can look back on 15 years of experience in gastronomy, has traveled internationally for wine and is constantly continuing her education. Her motivation remains the same: "Wine is not just a product, but a story in a glass. And these stories have captivated me." A so-called "Open Bottles Day" had a particular impact on her: "Here you taste wines that fulfill expectations and those that turn them completely upside down. It's precisely these surprises that make wine so lively."
Authentic instead of academic
Despite her solid training, Seraina sees herself more as a wine enthusiast than an expert. "I don't want to impress anyone, I want to inspire them. It's important to me to make wines understandable. Without any technical jargon, but with all the more passion." A good wine is ultimately relative, she adds. Nevertheless, there are criteria: "Balance on the palate and length on the finish are crucial. A good wine remains present, develops in the glass and makes you want to take the next sip."
Seraina takes a low-threshold approach to those who are unsure. "If someone says: 'I don't know my way around', that's the best place to start. Then we talk about preferences: Rather fresh or strong? More fruit or more spice? And often it's just a matter of tasting."
230 curated wines with character
The Leon's Bodega range comprises around 230 items. The selection is created in close collaboration with Smith & Smith.
The Zurich wine company stands for a young, characterful approach to the world of wine. Classics, discoveries and rarities can be found here, as well as organic and biodynamic wines and natural wines. "What counts is style and character," is Smith & Smith's credo. Together with Leon's Bodega, the result is a range that deliberately focuses on personality, sustainability and surprising taste experiences.
"We pay attention to origin, signature and quality," explains Seraina. "Many wines come from smaller wineries that work particularly sustainably. At the same time, we want to show diversity, from classic to experimental." This is why "organic", "biodynamic" and "natural wines" are not just terms, but a conscious part of the bodega's philosophy. "Organic means working without synthetic pesticides. Biodynamic views the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem. And natural wines are produced with as little intervention as possible. This allows the terroir to tell its own story."
Non-alcoholic alternatives are also a matter of course here. "We deliberately offer so-called 'no wines' - drinks based on grapes, tea or botanicals. More and more often, enjoyment also works without alcohol."
Currently, the Bodega range is increasingly focusing on the so-called "old world": Switzerland, France, Spain and Italy. A special recommendation from Seraina: "Fiore di NO - a Brunello that captures the soul of the Sangiovese grape. Full of character, surprising, unique."
Three ways to wine: enjoy, buy or experience
The strength of Leon's Bodega lies in its hybrid concept. Here, wine is not just an accompaniment to food, but a core competence in three dimensions.
Firstly, wine can of course be enjoyed with food from Leon's Loft. By the glass, there is a changing selection, from sparkling wine to white and red wine to orange wines and natural wines. "So you can discover the diversity of our range by the glass," says Seraina.
And if you want to try something special? "If possible, we also open bottles that are not regularly available by the glass. Because we see ourselves as generous hosts." The "wine list" is visible in the room: the floor-to-ceiling shelves also serve as a sales area. Guests pay the bottle price plus tap fee - transparent and fairly calculated.
Discover by the glass, enjoy by the bottle and give as a gift
Secondly, all wines can be purchased directly on site. Once you have found your favorite, simply take it home with you. "Many guests appreciate discovering a wine by the glass first and then taking it home with them," says Seraina. "This creates a personal connection." Wine sales at Leon's Bodega are also becoming increasingly popular as host or customer gifts, especially among the companies based at The Circle, as restaurant owner René Sommer knows.
The offer ranges from uncomplicated Crémant to Champagne rarities in the three-digit Swiss franc range. "We cover the whole spectrum," adds René. "We are both a restaurant and a specialist wine store." From this year, the retail area is also to be further strengthened, particularly on selected days with spontaneous formats and tastings.
Enjoying (wine) together at the big tavolata
And thirdly, between the wine racks and long wooden tables, an atmosphere is created almost automatically that brings people together. "Wine automatically creates closeness and conversation," explains Seraina.
Whether for a private tasting, tavolata or corporate event, the bodega offers space for individual formats. Up to 55 people can be seated, even at a table across the entire restaurant of Leon's Bodega and Leon's Loft if desired.
"The Circle stands for internationality and quality," says René. "The Bodega brings warmth and personality. A place where you arrive, take a deep breath and enjoy."
"The other place" in the highly dynamic business environment at The Circle
Leon's Bodega sees itself as "the other place" at The Circle, says owner René: "We see ourselves as a complement to the highly dynamic business environment. As a place to retreat, exchange ideas and discover."
At the same time, the Bodega fits seamlessly into the diverse offering of the business hub: culinary delights, hotels, health, culture and business under one roof - complemented by places that exude personality.
"An evening at our long table, a glass that surprises," says Seraina in conclusion: "The interplay of dishes and wines makes every sip an experience. You discover new things and share them with each other. That's exactly what makes a visit to Leon's Bodega unforgettable."
So if you don't just want to arrive at The Circle, but also want to linger, you'll find a place at the table and perhaps a new favorite bottle.
