Freckled with ancient buildings and quaint villages fit for a storybook, the Alsace wine region of France is one of the most picturesque areas of the French countryside. It's known for its superb wineries and produces some of the finest wines in the world. If you are planning on visiting this region of France, Winalist will help you decide which Alsace wine tasting experience is best for you.
While the vineyards of Alsace encompass an astounding quarter of land area in this wine region, they are home to only 3% of the country's population, making Alsace a remote and romantic getaway. This means that there are many areas where you will be able to enjoy privacy with your group or family while enjoying some great food and wine.
About the Alsace wine region of France
Alsace is a region of France located in the eastern part of the country. To its north, it shares a border with Germany and to its south, it shares a border with Switzerland. To its west lies the Rhine River and to its east are the Vosges Mountains.
The Alsace region of France has historically been part of multiple countries over its lengthy existence. In 1871, it was part of Germany; however, following World War I it was returned to France as part of an agreement between Germany and France's allies at the Versailles Peace Conference in 1919.
Alsace, France Wineries have had close ties with Germany wine tours and tastings throughout history. Its influence still remains prominent in this region. This area has a long history of winemaking and makes great varieties such as Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc (White), Riesling (White), Gewurztraminer (White) and Pinot Noir (Red). You'll find plenty of vineyards to visit while touring Alsace France wineries as well!
History of winemaking in Alsace
Alsace has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. The Alsace wine region is the smallest wine region in France, but it is also one of the most densely populated.
In 1994, UNESCO listed Alsace as a World Heritage Site due to its rich cultural landscape and historic buildings that date back centuries.
Alsace wine tours & wine tasting in France
Alsace is a northeastern French wine region that is famous for its wine. This region has over 100 wine villages, and thousands of acres of vineyards producing grapes to make wines with character.
Alsace has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Romans who first planted vines here around 100 AD. The climate here is cold enough to make Pinot Noir thrive but warm enough that red grapes can be harvested well into October or November.
Alsace wines are known for their unique flavors and elegant style; many winemakers aim for finesse over power, resulting in delicate wines with complex layers of flavor that pair well with food from the region's many world-renowned restaurants.
Alsace wine tasting itinerary
The Alsace Wine Route is a 170KM road that passes through over 100 wine villages in Alsace, offering a spectacular view of the Vosges Mountains along with a rich history of winemaking. The route runs from north to south and begins in Sélestat, which is also where you will find the Museum of Wine and Vineyards. There are many wineries along this path, so you can explore each one if you want to sample some local vintages.
You may also want to visit these particular villages along your route:
- Colmar: The town of Colmar is known for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and beautiful flower gardens! It has been listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites since 1981. View Alsace wine tours in colmar.
- Kaysersberg: Famous for its medieval clock tower and lively art scene, Kaysersberg is a charming village located in the heart of Alsace wine country. Visit Kaysersberg winegrowers
- Riquewihr: This quaint town sits along the Rhine River where you can tour its vineyards or visit one of its many museums such as La Maison de la Magie (Magic House Museum), Musée du Vin (Wine Museum) or Le Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires d'Alsace (Popular Arts & Traditions Museum).
- Ribeauvillé: This small town is home to some impressive buildings including Hôtel-Dieu Church which was built between 1475–1480 by Nicholas Schöffer who also designed Strasbourg Cathedral!
How to get to the Alsace, France wine region
You can reach the Alsace region of France by staying in Strasbourg, which sits in the middle of France. From here, you can follow the Alsace wine route to the south and explore wineries near the beautiful villages of Colmar and Riquewihr.
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From Paris: Take the A4 highway towards Bordeaux. When you get to Dijon, take a right and follow signs for Alsace.
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From Strasbourg: Take the A35 highway towards Mulhouse. Once you reach Colmar, stay on this highway until it ends (around 30 minutes). Then turn left onto D1085/D911 and follow signs for Alsace.
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From Colmar: From Colmar, head towards Mulhouse or Metz via D1085/D911 (Colmar-Rosheim) or take N83 toward Freiburg im Breisgau and then N57 toward Strasbourg; either way will take around 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.