Exploring North of Colmar in Alsace, France
Discover the charming wine region north of Colmar in Alsace, France. This area is known for its picturesque villages, world-class Rieslings, and rich cultural heritage.
Towns and Villages
The Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsace Wine Route) winds through several enchanting villages north of Colmar. Key stops include:
- Ribeauvillé: Medieval town with three hilltop castles
- Riquewihr: Fairy-tale village with well-preserved 16th-century architecture
- Kaysersberg: Birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, featuring colorful half-timbered houses
- Eguisheim: Circular village layout with concentric streets and a central square
Wine Producers
The region boasts numerous renowned wineries. Some notable producers include:
- Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg: Known for exceptional Rieslings and Gewürztraminers
- Trimbach in Ribeauvillé: Family-run estate producing world-famous Clos Sainte Hune
- Domaine Marcel Deiss in Bergheim: Pioneers of field blends and biodynamic viticulture
- Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim: Organic and biodynamic wines with distinct terroir expression
Accommodations
Choose from a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets:
- Le Chambard in Kaysersberg: Luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Hôtel à la Cour d’Alsace in Obernai: Charming 4-star hotel in a historic setting
- Gîtes and chambres d’hôtes: For a local experience, consider staying at a wine grower’s guest house
Dining
Indulge in Alsatian cuisine at these recommended restaurants:
- L’Auberge de l’Ill in Illhaeusern: Three Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing refined Alsatian flavors
- Winstub du Sommelier in Bergheim: Traditional Alsatian tavern with an extensive wine list
- JY’S in Colmar: Modern, creative cuisine in a stylish setting
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore the region’s wine culture at these notable establishments:
- La Cave de Ribeauvillé: Extensive selection of local wines, including rare vintages
- La Boutique du Sommelier in Riquewihr: Curated collection of Alsatian wines with expert advice
- Au Tire Bouchon in Colmar: Cozy wine bar offering tastings and small plates
Insider Tip
Many wineries offer free tastings, but it’s polite to purchase a bottle if you enjoy the wines.
Other Shops
Discover local crafts and specialties in these unique stores:
- La Maison de la Choucroute in Meistratzheim: Everything related to Alsace’s famous sauerkraut
- Fortwenger Gingerbread in Gertwiller: Traditional Alsatian gingerbread and cookies
- Poterie d’Alsace in Soufflenheim: Colorful, locally-made ceramics and pottery
Attractions
Beyond wine, explore these captivating sights:
- Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle: Restored medieval fortress with panoramic views
- Eco-Musée d’Alsace: Open-air museum showcasing traditional Alsatian life
- Albert Schweitzer Museum in Kaysersberg: Dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Hidden Gem
Visit the Alsace Ecomusée during harvest season to witness traditional grape-picking methods.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:
- Foire aux Vins d’Alsace (August): Wine fair in Colmar featuring tastings and concerts
- Pique-Nique chez le Vigneron Indépendant (May): Picnic with independent winemakers in their vineyards
- Christmas markets (November-December): Festive markets in towns along the wine route
Appellations
Understand the region’s wine classifications:
- Alsace AOC: Base appellation for varietal wines
- Alsace Grand Cru AOC: 51 designated sites producing exceptional wines
- Crémant d’Alsace AOC: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
Key Grand Cru Sites
Schlossberg in Kaysersberg and Osterberg in Ribeauvillé are renowned for their Rieslings.
Grape Varieties
The North of Colmar region in Alsace is renowned for its white wine production. Key grape varieties include:
- Riesling
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
- Sylvaner
Pinot Noir is the primary red grape variety grown in the area.
Main Wine Styles
Alsace wines are known for their aromatic and dry characteristics. Popular styles include:
- Crisp, mineral-driven Rieslings
- Spicy, floral Gewürztraminers
- Full-bodied Pinot Gris
- Light, fruity Sylvaners
- Elegant Pinot Noir rosés and reds
The region also produces exceptional late harvest and botrytis-affected sweet wines.
Food Specialties
Alsatian cuisine blends French and German influences. Local specialties pair wonderfully with regional wines:
- Choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with various meats)
- Tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon)
- Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable casserole)
- Kugelhopf (sweet bread with raisins and almonds)
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local Munster cheese with a glass of Gewürztraminer.
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque Alsace Wine Route:
- Ribeauvillé to Riquewihr: A scenic 5 km drive through vineyards
- Kaysersberg Circuit: 8 km walking trail offering panoramic views
- Niedermorschwihr to Turckheim: 6 km hike through Grand Cru vineyards
For nature lovers, the Vosges Mountains offer numerous hiking trails with stunning vistas.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
Day 1: Visit Riquewihr, tour Dopff Au Moulin winery, dinner at Taverne Alsacienne
Day 2: Explore Kaysersberg, wine tasting at Domaine Weinbach, lunch at Le Chambard
Day 3: Tour Hunawihr, visit the Butterfly Garden, concluding dinner at JY’s Restaurant in Colmar
5-Day Alsace Experience
Extend your stay to include visits to Eguisheim, Turckheim, and additional wine tastings at renowned producers like Trimbach and Zind-Humbrecht.
Getting There & Around
Reach Colmar via train from major French cities or fly into nearby airports:
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (68 km)
- Strasbourg Airport (72 km)
Rent a car for easy access to vineyards and small villages. Local buses connect major towns, but services can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall offers ideal wine tasting conditions. Key periods:
- May-June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
- September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals
Avoid August for less crowded experiences. December features charming Christmas markets.
Sustainability Efforts
Alsace leads in eco-friendly winemaking:
- 25% of vineyards are organic or biodynamic
- Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: 100% biodynamic since 2002
- Domaine Weinbach: Organic and biodynamic practices
Many wineries use solar power and implement water conservation methods.
Language Tips
French is the official language, but Alsatian (Germanic dialect) is widely spoken. Useful wine-related phrases:
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” (I’d like to taste this wine)
- “Quelle est votre spécialité?” (What’s your specialty?)
- “Santé!” (Cheers!)
English is common in tourist areas and larger wineries.
Further Resources
Enhance your Alsace wine knowledge:
- Alsace Wines Official Website
- Alsace Tourism
- “The Wines of Alsace” by Tom Stevenson (book)
- “Alsace Wine Route” app for iOS and Android
Join online forums like Wine Berserkers for enthusiast discussions and recommendations.
