Alsace Wine Region

Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d'Alsace in French) is one of the oldest wine routes in France, established in 1953. It stretches over 170 kilometers (approximately 106 miles) from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, meandering through the picturesque foothills of the Vosges Mountains in eastern France. This route is celebrated for its scenic beauty, passing through rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and over 100 charming wine-producing villages and towns, including notable ones like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg, which are often cited among the most beautiful villages in France.

Key Features:

• Vineyards and Wines:

  • Alsace is renowned for its distinctive white wines, with the region's unique terroir contributing to the production of aromatic, floral, and spicy wines. The primary grape varieties include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Sylvaner.

  • The route also features the "Grands Crus" sites, which are specific vineyard areas recognized for producing high-quality wines under strict regulations.

• Wine Tasting and Cellar Tours:

  • Many wineries along the route open their doors to visitors for wine tastings and cellar tours, offering insights into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling.

  • These experiences often involve tasting sessions where visitors can sample various wines and learn about the characteristics of each grape variety and vintage.

• The Alsace Wine Route is dotted with numerous picturesque villages and towns, each offering its unique charm, historic landmarks, and opportunities for wine tasting. Here are some of the main stops and highlights along the route, providing a more specific glimpse into what visitors can experience:

Northern Alsace

• Marlenheim:

  • The official starting point of the Alsace Wine Route.

  • Visitors can explore local wineries and taste wines characteristic of the northern part of the route.

• Mittelbergheim:

  • Mittelbergheim is known for its Grand Cru vineyard, Zotzenberg, particularly recognized for producing exceptional Sylvaner wines.

  • The village is classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France."

• Andlau:

  • Home to two Grands Crus vineyards: Kastelberg and Wiebelsberg.

  • The Andlau Abbey and the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church are notable landmarks.

Central Alsace

• Ribeauvillé:

  Surrounded by three imposing castles, boasts a rich medieval history and a vibrant cultural scene. While the town itself doesn't hold any Grand Cru vineyards, the renowned Geisberg and Kirchberg vineyards are located in close proximity, adding to the region's prestigious winemaking heritage.

• Riquewihr:

  • This well-preserved medieval town is surrounded by walls and is famous for its beautiful half-timbered houses.

  • The town is surrounded by the Schoenenbourg Grand Cru vineyard, known for its Riesling.

• Kaysersberg:

  • Voted "France’s Favorite Village" in 2017, it's known for its picturesque streets, historical architecture, and the Kaysersberg vineyard.

• Hunawihr:

  • Home to the fortified church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, a national heritage site.

  • Nearby is the Grand Cru vineyard of Rosacker, home to the famous Clos Saint Hune.

Southern Alsace

• Colmar:

  • Often referred to as the Capital of Alsatian Wine, it's a major stop for its architectural heritage and the nearby Grands Crus vineyards like Brand and Schlossberg.

  • The "Little Venice" district is a must-see for its picturesque canals and colorful houses.

• Eguisheim:

  • Circled by its medieval walls, the village is known for its floral displays and the Eguisheim Grands Crus vineyards, particularly Eichberg and Pfersigberg located in the neighboring commune of Kientzheim.

  • It was also voted "France’s Favorite Village" in 2013.

• Turckheim:

  • Known for its traditional Alsace houses and the Brand Grand Cru vineyard.

  • The town has a unique night watchman who patrols the streets in the summer months, continuing a tradition from the Middle Ages.

Ending Points

• Thann:

  • Marking the southern end of the Wine Route, Thann is known for the Rangen vineyard, the southernmost Grand Cru in Alsace, and the remarkable Saint-Thiébaut Church.

Along the route, visitors can engage in various activities such as guided wine tastings, vineyard tours, and exploring local heritage sites. Each town and village has its visitor center or "Syndicat d'Initiative" where travelers can get detailed information about local wine producers, tasting hours, and other cultural and historical attractions. The Alsace Wine Route is not just about wine; it's a journey through the heart of Alsace, offering a deep dive into the region's history, culture, and culinary traditions.