Discovering South of Colmar: Alsace’s Wine Paradise
The southern part of Colmar in Alsace, France, is a wine lover’s dream. This picturesque region boasts rolling vineyards, charming villages, and world-renowned wineries. Visitors can explore the Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsace Wine Route) while savoring exquisite wines and local cuisine.
Towns and Villages
Several quaint villages dot the landscape south of Colmar, each offering unique charm and wine experiences:
- Eguisheim: A circular village known for its colorful half-timbered houses and excellent Rieslings
- Turckheim: Home to the famous Night Watchman tour and delicious Gewürztraminer wines
- Kaysersberg: Birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, featuring a beautiful castle and renowned Pinot Gris producers
- Riquewihr: Often called the “Pearl of the Alsace Wine Route,” famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and sweet Muscat wines
Wine Producers
The region boasts numerous esteemed wineries and domaines:
- Domaine Weinbach (Kaysersberg): Organic and biodynamic wines, specializing in Riesling and Gewürztraminer
- Domaine Zind-Humbrecht (Turckheim): Biodynamic pioneer producing exceptional Grand Cru wines
- Domaine Marcel Deiss (Bergheim): Known for innovative field blends and terroir-driven wines
- Albert Mann (Wettolsheim): Family-run estate crafting elegant, organic wines
Many wineries offer tastings and tours, but it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Accommodations
The area offers a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets:
- La Maison des Têtes (Colmar): Luxury hotel in a historic building with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Hôtel le Maréchal (Colmar): Charming 4-star hotel in a 16th-century building along the canals
- Le Hameau d’Eguisheim (Eguisheim): Cozy apartments in the heart of the village, perfect for self-catering
- Gîtes and chambres d’hôtes: For a more authentic experience, consider staying at local guesthouses or B&Bs in the smaller villages
Dining
The region’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines, with a blend of French and German influences:
- JY’S (Colmar): Two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative takes on Alsatian cuisine
- Winstub Le Chambard (Kaysersberg): Traditional Alsatian dishes in a cozy setting
- La Table du Gourmet (Riquewihr): Michelin-starred restaurant featuring local, seasonal ingredients
- Caveau Morakopf (Niedermorschwihr): Family-run winstub serving hearty Alsatian specialties
Don’t miss trying local specialties like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with meat), tarte flambée, and baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable casserole).
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these wine-centric establishments to enhance your Alsatian wine experience:
- La Cave de Turckheim: Offers a wide selection of local wines and guided tastings
- Le Vin du Souvenir (Riquewihr): Charming wine bar featuring rare and vintage Alsatian wines
- La Confrérie Saint-Etienne (Kientzheim): Historic wine brotherhood offering tastings and cellar tours
- Wolfberger (Eguisheim): Large cooperative winery with an extensive tasting room and shop
Other Shops
Complement your wine adventures with local products and souvenirs:
- La Maison du Fromage (Gunsbach): Artisanal cheese shop featuring local Münster cheese
- Au Vieux Moulin (Kaysersberg): Traditional Alsatian pottery and ceramics
- Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie (Kaysersberg): Delicious local cookies and pastries
- Les Créations de Christine (Eguisheim): Handmade textiles and Alsatian-inspired crafts
Attractions
Between wine tastings, explore these notable sites:
- Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg: Restored medieval castle offering panoramic views of the Alsace Plain
- Unterlinden Museum (Colmar): Houses the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and other Alsatian art
- Albert Schweitzer Museum (Kaysersberg): Dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- Ecomusée d’Alsace (Ungersheim): Open-air museum showcasing traditional Alsatian life and architecture
Events
Time your visit to coincide with these wine-centric celebrations:
- Colmar Wine Fair (August): Large wine exhibition featuring Alsatian producers
- Fête des Vendanges (September-October): Harvest festivals in various villages along the Wine Route
- Christmas Markets (November-December): Festive markets in Colmar and surrounding villages, often featuring mulled wine
- Slowup Alsace (June): Car-free day on the Wine Route for cyclists and pedestrians
Appellations
Understand the region’s wine classifications:
- Alsace AOC: Basic appellation for varietal wines
- Alsace Grand Cru AOC: 51 designated vineyards producing high-quality wines
- Crémant d’Alsace AOC: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
Key Grand Cru vineyards near Colmar include Schoenenbourg, Sporen, and Kaefferkopf.
Grape Varieties
The South of Colmar region in Alsace is known for its diverse grape varieties. White grapes dominate, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Alsace is one of the few French regions where varietal labeling is common, making it easier for wine enthusiasts to identify their preferred grapes.
Key Grape Varieties:
- Riesling: Produces dry, elegant wines with high acidity
- Gewürztraminer: Known for its aromatic, spicy character
- Pinot Gris: Offers rich, full-bodied whites
- Muscat: Creates dry, fragrant wines
- Pinot Blanc: Yields fresh, light-bodied whites
- Sylvaner: Produces crisp, easy-drinking wines
- Pinot Noir: The primary red grape variety in Alsace
Main Wine Styles
Alsace wines are typically dry and unoaked, allowing the grape’s natural flavors to shine. The region is also famous for its late-harvest and noble rot wines.
The terroir-driven approach in winemaking results in wines that express the unique characteristics of their specific vineyard sites.
Notable Wine Styles:
- Crémant d’Alsace: Sparkling wine made using the traditional method
- Vendange Tardive: Late-harvest wines with concentrated flavors
- Sélection de Grains Nobles: Noble rot wines with intense sweetness
- Grand Cru wines: From specific, high-quality vineyard sites
Food Specialties
Alsatian cuisine blends French and German influences, resulting in hearty, flavorful dishes. Many local specialties pair perfectly with the region’s wines.
Look for restaurants offering traditional winstubs (Alsatian taverns) for an authentic dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with various meats
- Tarte flambée: Thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon
- Baeckeoffe: Meat and vegetable casserole
- Kugelhopf: Sweet, ring-shaped cake
- Munster cheese: Strong-flavored, soft cheese
Drives & Walks
The South of Colmar area offers scenic routes perfect for exploring vineyards and charming villages. The Alsace Wine Route is a must-do for wine enthusiasts.
Many vineyards offer guided walks or self-guided trails through their properties, providing insight into local viticulture.
Recommended Routes:
- Alsace Wine Route: 170 km scenic drive through wine country
- Grand Cru Schlossberg Trail: Hike through prestigious vineyards
- Kaysersberg to Riquewihr walk: Scenic path connecting two beautiful villages
- Trois-Epis Circuit: Panoramic hike with views of the Vosges Mountains
Itineraries
Plan your visit to maximize wine experiences and cultural attractions. Consider basing yourself in one of the larger towns like Colmar for easy access to surrounding areas.
Balance winery visits with exploration of historic sites and local markets for a well-rounded Alsatian experience.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Colmar’s old town, visit Unterlinden Museum, evening wine tasting
- Day 2: Drive the Wine Route, stopping at Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, winery tours
- Day 3: Visit Eguisheim, hike in the vineyards, farewell dinner at a winstub
Getting There & Around
The South of Colmar region is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Strasbourg Airport is the closest major airport, with direct connections to many European cities.
Within the region, renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring vineyards and villages.
Transportation Options:
- By Air: Fly into Strasbourg Airport (SXB) or EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
- By Train: TGV high-speed trains connect Paris to Colmar in about 2.5 hours
- By Car: Well-maintained highways connect major cities; ideal for wine route exploration
- Local Transport: Limited bus services between towns; taxis available for short trips
Best Time to Visit
The South of Colmar region offers year-round appeal, but certain seasons enhance the wine tourism experience. Late spring to early fall provides ideal weather for outdoor activities and vineyard tours.
Consider planning your visit around wine festivals or harvest season for a unique experience.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming vineyards, fewer crowds
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor events, busy tourist season
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, beautiful foliage
- Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, cozy winstubs, potential for snow
Sustainability Efforts
The Alsace wine region is increasingly focused on sustainable and organic viticulture. Many producers have adopted environmentally friendly practices to preserve the unique terroir.
Look for wineries with organic or biodynamic certifications for eco-conscious wine tasting experiences.
Sustainable Initiatives:
- Organic Viticulture: Growing number of certified organic vineyards
- Biodynamic Practices: Some producers follow holistic, eco-friendly approaches
- Water Conservation: Innovative irrigation techniques to reduce water usage
- Biodiversity: Encouraging diverse ecosystems in and around vineyards
Language Tips
While French is the official language, Alsatian dialect is still spoken in many areas. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience.
Wine-related vocabulary can be particularly useful when visiting wineries or ordering in restaurants.
Useful Wine-Related Phrases:
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” (I would like to taste this wine)
- “Quelle est votre spécialité?” (What is your specialty?)
- “Un verre de vin blanc/rouge, s’il vous plaît” (A glass of white/red wine, please)
- “Pouvez-vous me recommander un vin?” (Can you recommend a wine?)
Further Resources
For more detailed information on the South of Colmar wine region, consider these additional resources. They offer in-depth knowledge about local wines, producers, and tourism opportunities.
Booking winery visits in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.