Discover Strasbourg-Alsace: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Strasbourg-Alsace offers a unique blend of French and German cultures, reflected in its wine, cuisine, and architecture. This picturesque region is home to the famous Alsace Wine Route, dotted with charming villages and world-class vineyards.
Towns and Villages
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, boasts a stunning Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO-listed old town. Its half-timbered houses and winding canals create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Colmar, known as “Little Venice,” is a must-visit for its colorful medieval architecture and vibrant wine scene. Don’t miss the Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
Riquewihr and Eguisheim are two of the most beautiful villages in France, offering postcard-perfect views and excellent local wineries.
Wine Producers
Alsace is renowned for its aromatic white wines. Some top producers include:
- Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, known for their exceptional Rieslings
- Trimbach in Ribeauvillé, famous for their Clos Sainte Hune Riesling
- Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, producing biodynamic wines
- Hugel & Fils in Riquewihr, a family-run winery with a rich history
Most wineries offer tastings and tours, but it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Accommodations
For a luxurious stay, book a room at the 5-star Hôtel Les Haras in Strasbourg, housed in former royal stables. In Colmar, the La Maison des Têtes offers elegant rooms in a Renaissance building.
For a more intimate experience, try the Château d’Isenbourg in Rouffach, a castle hotel surrounded by vineyards. Wine enthusiasts will love Le Clos Saint-Vincent in Ribeauvillé, a charming B&B run by a winemaking family.
Dining
Alsatian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, perfectly complementing the local wines. In Strasbourg, try the Michelin-starred Au Crocodile for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
For traditional Alsatian fare, visit Winstub Le Clou in Strasbourg or La Winstub du Chambard in Kaysersberg. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with various meats) and tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza).
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Alsace’s wine culture at these notable establishments:
- La Cave des Vignerons in Strasbourg: Offers an extensive selection of local wines
- Au Petit Bouchon Chez Georges in Colmar: A cozy wine bar with a fantastic by-the-glass menu
- La Sommellerie in Ribeauvillé: Features rare vintages and expert sommeliers
- Terres à Vin in Obernai: Specializes in organic and biodynamic Alsatian wines
Many wine shops offer tastings and cellar tours. Book in advance for the best experience.
Other Shops
Alsace is known for its artisanal products and local crafts.
- La Maison du Fromage in Munster: Sample and purchase regional cheeses
- La Maison de la Choucroute in Meistratzheim: Specializes in traditional Alsatian sauerkraut
- Les Bredele d’Alsace in Strasbourg: Offers a wide variety of traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies
- La Boîte à Bougies in Colmar: Features handmade candles and home fragrances
Attractions
Beyond wine, Alsace offers numerous cultural and historical attractions:
- Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A restored medieval fortress with panoramic views
- La Petite France in Strasbourg: A picturesque historic quarter with half-timbered houses
- Ecomusée d’Alsace: An open-air museum showcasing traditional Alsatian life
- Route des Crêtes: A scenic drive through the Vosges Mountains
Many attractions offer guided tours in English. Check websites for opening hours and ticket information.
Events
Alsace hosts numerous wine-related events throughout the year:
- Colmar Wine Fair (August): One of France’s largest wine exhibitions
- Millésimes Alsace (June): A biennial trade fair for Alsatian wines
- Christmas markets (November-December): Featuring local wines and culinary specialties
- Alsace Wine Route Festival (October): Celebrates the end of the grape harvest
Book accommodations early for popular events. Many wineries offer special tastings during festivals.
Appellations
Alsace has three main appellations:
- Alsace AOC: Covers most of the region’s white wines
- Alsace Grand Cru AOC: 51 specific vineyard sites producing high-quality wines
- Crémant d’Alsace AOC: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
Look for these appellations on wine labels to ensure authenticity and quality. Many producers offer vertical tastings of Grand Cru wines.
Grape Varieties
Alsace’s unique climate and terroir support a diverse range of grape varieties. The region is known for its aromatic white wines.
- Riesling: Produces dry, elegant wines with citrus and mineral notes
- Gewürztraminer: Offers spicy, floral aromas and lychee flavors
- Pinot Gris: Creates full-bodied wines with honey and smoky characteristics
- Muscat: Yields dry, fragrant wines with grape and floral essences
- Pinot Blanc: Delivers crisp, light-bodied wines with apple and pear notes
- Sylvaner: Produces refreshing, light wines with herbal touches
- Pinot Noir: The primary red grape, crafting light-bodied, fruity reds
Main Wine Styles
Alsace offers a range of wine styles, predominantly focused on white wines. Each style showcases the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions.
- Dry whites: Crisp, aromatic wines from various grape varieties
- Late Harvest (Vendange Tardive): Sweet wines made from overripe grapes
- Noble Rot (Sélection de Grains Nobles): Ultra-sweet wines from botrytis-affected grapes
- Sparkling (Crémant d’Alsace): Traditional method sparkling wines
- Rosé: Light, refreshing wines, often made from Pinot Noir
- Red wines: Light-bodied Pinot Noir-based wines
Food Specialties
Alsatian cuisine blends French and German influences, offering hearty dishes that pair beautifully with local wines.
- Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with various meats, perfect with Riesling
- Tarte flambée: Thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon
- Baeckeoffe: Meat and potato casserole, ideal with Pinot Gris
- Coq au Riesling: Chicken cooked in Riesling wine
- Kugelhopf: Sweet bread with raisins and almonds
- Munster cheese: Strong-flavored cheese, pairs well with Gewürztraminer
Drives & Walks
Explore Alsace’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. These routes offer stunning views of vineyards, historic villages, and the Vosges Mountains.
Scenic Drives
- Route des Vins d’Alsace: 170 km wine route through charming villages
- Route des Crêtes: Panoramic drive along the Vosges Mountains
Walking Trails
- Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus: Walk through Grand Cru vineyards
- Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg hike: Forest trail leading to a medieval castle
Itineraries
Plan your Alsace wine adventure with these curated itineraries, designed to showcase the region’s best offerings.
3-Day Wine Tasting Tour
- Day 1: Explore Strasbourg and visit nearby Obernai wineries
- Day 2: Tour Colmar and taste wines in Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé
- Day 3: Visit Eguisheim, named one of France’s most beautiful villages
Week-Long Alsace Experience
- Days 1-2: Strasbourg city tour and surrounding vineyard visits
- Days 3-4: Colmar exploration and southern Alsace wine route
- Day 5: Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle and mountain village tour
- Days 6-7: Northern Alsace, including Saverne and Wissembourg
Getting There & Around
Alsace is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The region’s well-developed infrastructure makes exploring its wine country a breeze.
By Air
- Strasbourg Airport (SXB): Main gateway, with connections to major European cities
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg: Serves southern Alsace
By Train
- TGV: High-speed trains connect Strasbourg to Paris (2 hours) and other major cities
- Regional trains: Link smaller towns along the wine route
By Car
- Rent a car for flexibility in exploring vineyards and villages
- A7 motorway connects Strasbourg to other major French cities
Local Transportation
- Buses: Connect towns and villages along the wine route
- Bike rentals: Available in major towns for eco-friendly exploration
Best Time to Visit
Alsace offers unique experiences year-round, but certain seasons are particularly appealing for wine enthusiasts.
Spring (April-May)
- Mild weather, blooming vineyards
- Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful winery visits
Summer (June-August)
- Warm temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities
- Bustling wine festivals and events
Autumn (September-November)
- Peak harvest season: Experience the excitement of grape picking
- Beautiful fall foliage in the vineyards
Winter (December-March)
- Charming Christmas markets in December
- Cozy wine tastings by the fireplace
Sustainability Efforts
Alsace is committed to sustainable winemaking practices, preserving its rich terroir for future generations.
- Organic viticulture: Many producers embrace organic and biodynamic methods
- Water conservation: Implementing drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting
- Biodiversity: Encouraging cover crops and wildlife corridors in vineyards
- Carbon footprint reduction: Using lightweight bottles and solar energy in wineries
Language Tips
While French is the official language, Alsatian, a German dialect, is still spoken in some areas. Learning a few key phrases can enhance your wine tasting experience.
- “Santé!” – Cheers!
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” – I would like to taste this wine
- “C’est délicieux” – It’s delicious
- “Pouvez-vous me parler de ce vin?” – Can you tell me about this wine?
Further Resources
Enhance your Alsace wine journey with these valuable resources:
- Alsace Wines Official Website: Comprehensive guide to Alsace wines and producers
- Alsace Tourism Board: Information on accommodations, attractions, and events
- Route des Vins d’Alsace: Detailed map and guide to the Alsace Wine Route
- Alsace Wine Map by Wine Folly: Visual guide to Alsace wine regions and grape varieties
- “Wines of Alsace” by Tom Stevenson: In-depth book on Alsace wines and producers
