Wine tourism : on the Alsace wine route

Are you looking for something to do with your friends on vacation or on a long weekend away? Why not escape to France’s Alsace region for a wine tour? Enjoy enchanting landscapes and local wine tastings, while immersing yourself in the fascinating world of Alsatian wine-making and meeting its passionate winegrowers. Discover our must-see stops.

From north to south, the Alsace wine route offers an extensive range of grape varieties and flavors. With its Hansel and Gretel villages, medieval castles and dreamy landscapes, it wends its way over 105 miles and provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy this rich and fertile land while tantalizing your taste buds!

Start your journey in the town of Colmar, the capital of Alsace wines. Renowned for its half-timbered houses and picturesque canals, the wine route passes through the delightful villages of Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg, all of which count among the “Most beautiful villages in France”.

On the wine front, be sure to check out the Christian Binner Wine Estate, just 15 minutes from Colmar. Located in the village of Ammerschwihr, this vineyard is certified organic and is cultivated using biodynamic and phytotherapy methods. Our top tip? A 2018 Pinot Noir with deliciously pungent notes of red fruits and spices!
In the same village, push open the door to Les Funambules Wine Estate. As an amalgamation of several family vineyards, Les Funambules Estate uses agroecological methods to produce its wines. Be sure to try the estate’s Riesling 2020. Fresh and delicious, this wine is a real find from the Alsace terroir.

Continue on to Ostheim to visit La Grange de l’Oncle Charles. Here you’ll discover unique terroir wines such as La Montagne du Scarabée Solera. Produced from old vines with their roots in granite soil, this wine is distinguished by its aromas of oxidized fruit, iodine and yellow plums. A rare gem to be savored without delay!

Continue on to the village of Pfaffenheim, south of Colmar, to visit the Jean Ginglinger Wine Estate. As a biodynamic vineyard, Jean-François Ginglinger’s wines are produced from seven white grape varieties, including Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat d’Alsace, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Make the most of your stop here to taste Bihl, a taut and distinctly elegant white wine from the Bihl lieu-dit.

During your wine trip to Alsace, why not also take advantage of the many events associated with the grape harvest, including local festivals, wine markets and guided vineyard tours that will fully immerse you in the region’s history and wine-making traditions.

To expand your exploration of French vineyards, why not consider a visit to the renowned Loire Valley or the Beaujolais region?

The Loire Valley, with its majestic châteaux and myriad vineyards, is the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s history and vintages, all in enchanting surroundings.

In November, Beaujolais reveals itself in all its splendor: rolling landscapes and golden stone villages take on autumnal hues, as the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival gets into full swing. This is the perfect time to visit the region, as wineries open wide their doors and numerous festivities get under way in a fun and festive feel.

And for a sun-soaked wine trip, the French island of Corsica and the much-celebrated southern region of Provence are also well worth a visit. These areas offer unique wines, such as Muscat du Cap Corse or Provence rosés – the perfect opportunity to discover new delights to enjoy with friends!