The Alsatian Wine Route offers an enchanting wine-themed journey covering 170km from the north to the south of the region. Whether on foot, by bicycle or by car, this legendary trail can be explored at your own pace and in keeping with your own preferences. The Alsatian Wine Route is a naturally friendly and attractive tourist trail! Share a culinary and wine-themed experience as you stop off to meet our winegrowers. Each visit to a winery provides an opportunity to savour the richness and flavours of our land and to sample some delicious Alsatian wines (to be consumed in moderation).
You can take a detour to the north of Alsace to discover a truly "historical" vineyard: the first vines were planted here in the eighth century by monks. Discover Wissembourg, near the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park and its Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre & Paul, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. A visit to Hunspach provides a chance to discover one of "France's finest villages". Head to Seebach to see a traditional Alsatian wedding being celebrated in the style of yesteryear.
Better known for its white wines, Alsace also has a cherry-coloured wine variety, the pinot noir. And this is where it’s produced! Marlenheim, Saint Léonard and naturally Ottrott are some of the areas in Alsace in which it is traditionally grown. Explore the Bacchus trails to soak up the gentle atmosphere of the area. Discover Molsheim, a town synonymous with Ettore Bugatti and his luxury vehicles: each year, a festival pays tribute to this legendary carmaker. Lovers of Romanesque art will certainly want to stop off at Rosheim to admire its outstanding architectural heritage.
Visit the charming little town of Obernai, nestling at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile. The monastery bearing the same name clinging to a rocky headland offers an amazing view across the Alsatian plains. This is followed by Heiligenstein and its emblematic Klévener, and then Barr, the winemaking capital of the Lower Rhine with its narrow cobbled streets. Nestling on the hillside, Mittelbergheim invites you to discover one of "France's finest villages", while Andlau and its castle offer a journey back in time. Dambach-la Ville, a village situated among the vineyards, rounds off this charming stage of the Alsatian Wine Route nicely.
On this stretch of the Alsatian Wine Route, the attractive wine producing villages stand in the shadow of the castles overlooking them from the peaks of the Vosges range. The banks of the Aubach in Scherwiller, along which no fewer than 70 wash houses are located, are simply perfect for a stroll. During your travels, pick your favourite, from among the Tour des Sorcières in Châtenois or the Tour des Cigognes in Saint-Hippolyte, a village which is also well known for its red wine. You can also visit Bergheim, a town superbly decked out with flowers, before continuing on to the mediaeval town of Ribeauvillé, which each year hosts one of Alsace's oldest festivals: the Fiddlers’ Festival.
The outstanding setting of the Alsatian Wine Route offers several charming places to stop off during this section of your journey. You can begin with Hunawihr, the holder of the "France's finest village" label, and visit its Stork & Otter Reintroduction Centre. Riquewihr with its picturesque houses and colourful facades, or Mittelwihr and its climate which offers ideal conditions for growing almond trees are also some of the little gems waiting to be discovered in this wine producing area near Colmar. Head on towards Kaysersberg and its imperial castle or Ammerschwihr, for a sporting break on the golfing green. Katzenthal is the last stage before Colmar, and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and rambling in the surrounding area.
Colmar, the Alsatian wine capital is definitely worth a visit. You can discover the Petite Venise area and its romantic canals, in addition to numerous architectural treasures, including the superb collegiate church of Saint-Martin or the former Customs office. Near Colmar, continue along the trail, which now weaves its way through the vineyards. Up high overlooking everything, the majestic Hohlandsbourg Castle, and the three castles at Eguisheim keep watch over the Alsatian Wine Route. A number of traditional villages can be explored along the way: Turckheim and its "night watchman's" tradition, Wettolsheim, Eguisheim and its flower-decked streets or Niedermorschwihr. Before arriving in Rouffach, Pfaffenheim offers a picturesque and festive place to stop off, with its traditional wine festival.
Your day begins at Rouffach, where you can experience the very heart and soul of the vineyard exploring the "Grands Crus" trails or the various discovery trails. Continuing along the Alsatian Wine Route, you can discover Soultzmatt, where you'll find a music hall in the heart of the vineyards worthy of any of the great Parisian shows! We then move on to the Guebwiller area, combining mountains and vineyards with its steep hillsides with their 50° gradients: this is also the only area in Alsace to have no fewer than 4 Grands Crus classés within its perimeter. Your journey ends at Thann, where you can discover the Rangen, Alsace's most southerly vineyard.
This is the watchword of the Alsatian Wine Route, where every moment is perfect for sharing with your family and friends! You'll discover many such special moments as you explore the wine trail, with a host of festive events held throughout the year. Which will you choose?
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