The Alsace Wine Route is one of France’s most famous wine routes and the country’s oldest, 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!
Start with Strasbourg
Your journey begins in Strasbourg, the European capital and gateway to the Alsace vineyards. This UNESCO-listed city offers countless best things to do in Strasbourg : admire the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral with its astronomical clock, wander through the picturesque Petite France district with its half-timbered houses, and explore the blend of Franco-Germanic influences that makes the city unique. Before heading to the wine route, take the opportunity to visit one of Strasbourg’s wine cellars where local sommeliers will introduce you to Alsace wines and help you understand the region’s distinctive grape varieties.
Discover our dedicated guide to the best Strasbourg wineries to visit.
Head to Molsheim
Continue your journey to Molsheim, a charming medieval town nestled at the foot of the Vosges Mountains and famous as the birthplace of the legendary Bugatti automobile brand. Beyond its automotive heritage, Molsheim delights visitors with its well-preserved old town, the Renaissance-style Metzig building, and excellent Alsace wine producers in the surrounding vineyards. This makes for an ideal stop along the wine route if you have time to combine wine tasting with a dose of history and culture.
Discover Obernai and Ottrott
Continue south towards Obernai and Ottrott, two must-see typical Alsatian villages and a perfect spot to settle if you plan on staying in Alsace several days. If you like a relaxing ambiance, we recommend staying 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 (really 3 minutes drive) with a great spa and restaurant too. 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.
Drive to Dambach-la-Ville
Discover Dambach-la-Ville, a hidden gem and perfect finale for your Alsace wine route adventure. This lesser-known medieval village enchants visitors with its authentic charm and remarkable architectural heritage. Walk through one of its three ancient gates, remnants of the 14th-century fortifications, and within minutes you’ll reach the market square, surrounded by some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in Alsace. As one of the region’s largest wine-producing communes, Dambach-la-Ville offers excellent opportunities for wine tasting with local vintners, particularly its renowned Frankstein Grand Cru. The peaceful atmosphere and absence of tourist crowds make it an ideal place to savor the authentic spirit of Alsatian wine country.
Admire Bergheim
Bergheim, a beautifully preserved fortified village of just 2,900 inhabitants, deserves an unhurried visit along the Alsace wine route. Start your exploration at the church and wander through narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and flower-filled courtyards. Dominated by the imposing Haut-Koenigsbourg castle perched on the hillside above, this charming wine village has cultivated vines for generations, producing exceptional Alsace wines including Grand Cru Altenberg. Don’t miss the ramparts walk, a complete circuit around the medieval walls offering stunning panoramic views of endless vineyards stretching across the Alsatian plains. This peaceful stroll perfectly captures the timeless beauty of Alsace’s wine country.
Travel in time in Sélestat
Sélestat makes a refreshing cultural stop on the Alsace wine route. Admire the beautiful Saint George’s Church with its stained glass windows, stroll through charming half-timbered streets, and visit the Humanist Library, home to rare medieval manuscripts. This authentic town offers history and beauty without the crowds, plus easy access to nearby vineyards.
Take a break at Dopff au moulin
Before reaching the following village, stop at the Dopff au Moulin family wine estate that has become 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.
Hit the road to 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.
Travel to 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.
Discover the top things to do in Riquewihr to complete your Alsacian journey!
Dive into history at 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. Its 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 and dive into the things to do in Kaysersberg.
Enjoy Turkeim
Famous for its night watchman who makes his rounds every evening, it 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.
Visit 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.
Take a loot at 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. 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.
Sip at Joseph Cattin vineyard
What better than end your wine trip by continuing your discovery of Alsatian wines at 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!
Explore 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 wineries in the South of Alsace, you’ll 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.
Good to know for the Alsace wine route
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.
Where to sleep in Alsace?
Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole – A comfortable and reliable option near Strasbourg’s historic center. Ideal if you want easy access to the Christmas markets and the Alsace Wine Route.
Hôtel & Spa Le Parc Obernai – Perfect for a relaxing stay, this elegant hotel combines a prime location on the wine route with an excellent spa.
Hôtel Saint‑Martin – A charming half-timbered hotel right in Colmar’s old town, great for travelers who want to explore the canals and historic streets on foot.
Cour du Corbeau Hotel Strasbourg – A beautifully restored historic hotel offering boutique luxury in the heart of Strasbourg.
Where to eat in Alsace?
Le Tire-Bouchon
A beloved traditional winstub in the heart of Strasbourg, perfect for tasting classic Alsatian dishes like choucroute and baeckeoffe in a warm, authentic setting.
Restaurant Au Koïfhus
Located on Colmar’s historic square, this restaurant offers generous regional cuisine and a cozy atmosphere—ideal after a day exploring the old town.
Restaurant Au Pont Corbeau
One of Strasbourg’s oldest traditional eateries, known for hearty Alsatian specialties and a charming riverside location.
Wistub Brenner
A reliable choice for discovering authentic local flavors in Colmar, with a menu focused on comforting regional recipes and local wines.
Do I need to rent a car to explore the Alsace wine route?
Yes, most travelers choose to rent a car to fully enjoy the Alsace wine route. While trains reach major towns, having your own vehicle makes it much easier to visit small villages, reach many wineries, and stop whenever you like for scenic views or tastings.
Why is Colmar considered one of the most beautiful stops?
The city of Colmar is often described as one of the most beautiful destinations in the region thanks to its colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and strong passion for wine culture. It also makes a perfect base for exploring nearby vineyards.
What types of wines are produced along the route?
You’ll find a wide range of Alsatian wines, including whites and reds. Among them are wines made from the Pinot family, notably bottles made from the Pinot Noir, the region’s main red grape variety.
Which city is the capital of Alsace wine tourism?
While Strasbourg is the political capital of Alsace, wine lovers often gravitate toward the vineyard towns and the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, where the region is truly famous for its wine and authentic tasting experiences.
Victoria explores Europe's wine regions to share the finest wine tourism experiences with our travelers. Here she shares her favorite discoveries, tips, and encounters with the winemakers behind every bottle.
