The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous wine routes in France, and also the country’s oldest wine route, inaugurated in 1953. In all, the recommended route passes through more than 70 picturesque towns and villages on a circuit of approximately 180 km (about 111 miles) from Strasbourg to Colmar.
If you’re looking for the perfect Alsace itinerary to discover all the Alsace region gems, look no further. The team at Winalist, mostly based in France and familiar with this region designed the best travel guide to help you.
Best itinerary for the Alsace wine route
To make the most of your visit to the enchanting Alsace region in France, we recommend you to rent a car so you’ll be able to move freely along the road and spend at least four days there to fully immerse yourself in its fairy-tale villages, vineyards and rich history. On your first day, discover Strasbourg, then take 1 or 2 days to drive along the Alsace wine Route and visit Alsace wineries and on your last day, visit the beautiful city of Colmar. From Strasbourg to Colmar, it’s a 1h drive if you take the highway, but if you take the panoramic wine route and want to discover wineries, visit picturesque villages or stroll through the famous Alsace Christmas markets, the itinerary can take up to 2-3 days!
Below is a suggested itinerary that you can adapt based on your interests, time in the region and the season.
Useful information
- Planning: Book your tastings and accommodation in advance, especially during winter peak season around Christmas market periods.
- Gastronomy: For lunch or dinner, stop at a Winstub (a wine tavern if we take the original meaning of the word) to taste Alsatian culinary specialties such as sauerkraut or tarte flambée.
- Organization: The Alsatian villages are quite close to each other, it is important to choose where to stop unless you want to spend more than a week there (which already happened to us!)
Start with the visit of Strasbourg
Your journey begins in Strasbourg, the European capital city and gateway to the vineyards of Alsace. Very well known for its large cathedral which we advise you to see and its Franco-Germanic influences, you can take the opportunity to do one or more visits to the Strasbourg wine cellars.
Discover our dedicated guide to the best things to do in Strasbourg and best Strasbourg wineries to visit.
If you’re not planning on renting a car, the browse one of the wine tours that departs from Strasbourg and discover the world of wine for a day in the heart of the vineyards.
Arthur Metz wines
After a typical breakfast with a kouglof (Traditional cake in Alsace), head towards Arthur Metz winery in Marlenheim, the northern entrance to the Wine Route, and start your discover or Alsatian wines through a commented wine tasting.
Molsheim
Continue your trip by heading to a very pleasant town to visit, the birthplace of the famous Bugatti industries. A nice stop on the wine route if you ever have time.
Obernai and Ottrott
Continue south towards Obernai and Ottrott, two must-see typical Alsatian villages and perfect spot to settle if you plan on staying in Alsace several days.
If you like relaxing ambiance, we recommend you to stay at the hotel “Le Parc” in Obernai. There you will find the largest Spa in Europe as well as a starred gourmet restaurant, a must-do! Click here for more info.
Another great hotel nearby is Hostellerie des Châteaux in Ottrott (at really 3 minutes drive) with a great spa and restaurant too.
Insider tips: If you want to leave the hotel for dinner, we recommend the restaurants l’Etoile d’Or in Ottrot or Zum Schnogaloch to taste several superb flammekueche!
Have lunch at Zeyssolf wines
Continue driving south to Zeysolff wines, a family winery created in 1778 in Gertwiller. The 11th generation of winegrowers are eager to share their passion for wine through their family history and our cellar secrets, in a friendly and warm atmosphere. The Zeyssolff family cask, made in 1897 for the Universal Exhibition in Paris, is one of the main curiosities you’ll be able to discover there along with the full range of great wines! The winery also organises wine growers lunch and food and wine pairings.
Just nearby, you’ll also be able to visit Schneider Jean Marc wine estate and Maison Klipfel.
Dambach-la-Ville
Discover Dambach-la-ville, lesser known but a great place to end your trip on the Alsace wine route. It will only take you a few minutes to walk from one of the 3 gates to find yourself in the center, on the market square, where you can admire some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in the region.
Bergheim
Passing through Bergheim, a walk through the town starting from the church is a must-do to discover this village of only 2900 inhabitants. Dominated by the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, this charming town has been a land of winegrowers for generations. The ramparts walk is recommended to go around the city and admire the vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Sélestat
Selestat offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning Saint George church with its intricate stained glass windows and the picturesque half-timbered houses that line the cobblestone streets. Explore the fascinating Humanist Library, which houses an impressive collection of rare manuscripts and books.
Dopff au moulin wine estate
Before reaching the following village, stop at the Dopff au Moulin family wine estate that has became over time the most important estate in the heart of the Alsace Grand Crus appellation. You’ll be able to discover the famous Crémant d’Alsace, a famous sparkling wine from the region.
Ribeauvillé
A little further south, pass through the village of Ribeauvillé. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and narrow cobblestone streets, Ribeauvillé exudes a quaint and picturesque atmosphere. To discover all the secrets of Alsace wines, visit Ribeauvillé wineries like Louis Sipp, Domaine Bott or Maison Jean Huttard. Additionally, Ribeauvillé is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the imposing Château de Saint-Ulrich and Château de Girsberg, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, wine tasting, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of village life, Ribeauvillé is a must-visit destination in Alsace.
Riquewihr
Now here’s where the magic really start. Located in the middle of the Alsace vineyards, the village of Riquewihr is very well highlighted by the many floral decorations that adorn the half-timbered houses.
This ancient fortified city is very well preserved, as it did not suffer much damage during the various wars that followed one another. There are still some nice castles to visit, such as the Württemberg castle built in the 16th century. The village is really famous during Christmas time with is traditional market.
Kaysersberg
At a few minutes drive, Kayserberg is also one of the most visited places in the region. Its name, literally meaning “the mountain of the Emperor”, is linked to the old imperial castle, unfortunately in ruins, which dominates the city. It’s Christmas market is a beautiful spectacle too.
The village has no shortage of wine estates and cellars to visit. Explore Winalist’s selection of the best wine tours and tastings in the area and book without fees
Turkeim
Famous for its night watchman who makes his rounds every evening, is a charming historic village. Its vineyards produce excellent wines, notably Pinot Blanc. Turckheim is also an ideal starting point for hikes in the Vosges. Take a moment to visit François Bauer wine estate established in 1741. Pierre and Thomas Baur rely on the traditions of past generations while keeping an eye toward the future to improve the complexity of the wines they produce.
Colmar
You’re now approaching Colmar, one of the cradles of tourism in Alsace, thanks in particular to its very famous Christmas market the #1 in Europe.
Located at the south of the Alsatian wine route, Colmar is an essential stop. Plan half a day to walk in Old Colmar and wander in its emblematic squares.
Discover our dedicated guide to the best things to do in Colmar and Colmar wineries to visit.
Eguishem
Present in all the tourist guides in Alsace, Eguisheim is really one of our favorite Alsace villages. The intact half-timbered houses amaze us every time we pass by. A building not to be missed: the castle of the Counts of Eguisheim.
Note: If you plan to come to the region at the end of August, don’t miss the Fête des Vignerons (Wine growers celebration) in Eguisheim.
In Eguisheim, get to meet some passionate wine growers at Maison Léon Baur.
Joseph Cattin wines
What better than end your wine trip by continuing your discovery of Alsatian wines on The Belvedere of Joseph Cattin winery? This renovated winery offers a rooftop wine bar, with a huge terrace and an exceptional view over the Vineyard, the Vosges, the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even the Swiss Alps on sunny days!
Guebwiller
On your way to Guebwiller where you’ll be able to explore another quaint medieval town center, with its half-timbered houses and traditional Alsatian architecture, stop at one of Winalist’s selected winery in the South of Alsace, you’ll will find that the wines are different there.
The town is also a great base for exploring the nearby Vosges Mountains, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter months.
What’s the best time period to visit the Alsace Wine Route?
We often recommend taking advantage of Autumn to cross Alsace and make the most of the landscapes. The colors are superb, and the tourists less numerous.
How long is the Alsace Wine Route ?
The legendary 170-km-long Alsace Wine Route passes through a string of picturesque villages, well-known wine-producing towns and exceptional landscapes.
What type of wine to taste along the Alsace Wine Route?
The Alsace Wine Region produces dry white wines, sparkling sweet varieties, and roses. Just like in Germany, you can find delicious Rieslings, Gewurztraminers, and Pinot Gris. There are also wines made from the Pinot noir grape which are pale red, often rosé, Sparkling wines, known as Crémant d’Alsace, are also made of Pinot noir.