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    The Alsace Wine Route

    France

    The Alsace Wine Route

    Point of Interest

    France’s oldest wine route winds through picturesque villages, past endless vineyards, and offers tastings of famous Alsatian wines.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Alsace
    9. The Alsace Wine Route
    France’s oldest wine route winds through picturesque villages, past endless vineyards, and offers tastings of famous Alsatian wines.

    Places of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Spa Ribeauvillé

    1Spa Ribeauvillé

    The Spa Ribeauvillé is a modern thermal and wellness spa on the edge of Ribeauvillé. It features indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water, saunas, steam baths, and relaxation areas. The architecture is contemporary, with clean lines and natural materials.Our tip: It's quietest during weekday mornings.
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    Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN

    2Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN

    The Domaine Dopff au Moulin in Riquewihr is owned by a winemaking family that has been growing wine in the village since 1574. In the early 20th century, Julien Dopff began producing sparkling wine here using the traditional method, and is considered a pioneer of Crémant d'Alsace. During a visit, you can tour the cellars and taste wines, including Crémant, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.Our tip: Book the tasting in advance during high season and combine it with a stroll through Riquewihr.
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    Ulrichsburg

    3Ulrichsburg

    The Ulrichsburg (Château de Saint-Ulrich) is located above Ribeauvillé and is the largest and best-preserved of the three castles belonging to the Lords of Rappoltstein (Ribeaupierre). Visible are a keep, residential buildings with a knight's hall, and a chapel. The complex has been a ruin since the 17th century. From up here, you can gaze over the Rhine Plain and the Vosges Mountains, with clear visibility extending to the Black Forest. Marked hiking trails lead up through vineyards and forest.Our tip: Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it is quieter. Sturdy footwear is necessary.
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    Sélig Jean-Michel

    4Sélig Jean-Michel

    The winery Jean-Michel Sélig is located in Riquewihr on the Alsace Wine Route. Here you can taste Alsatian wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris directly from the producer and have the peculiarities of the vineyard sites explained to you.Our tip: Outside the summer season, the tasting is more personal; it's best to register in advance.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Au Relais des Ménétriers

    Restaurant in 10 Av. du Général de Gaulle.
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    Restaurant Aux Trois Châteaux

    Idyllisches Hotel mit schlichten Zimmern, Restaurant, Terrasse und kostenlosem kontinentalem Frühstück.
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    Restaurant Parc Carola - Ribeauvillé

    Restaurant in 48 Rte de Bergheim.
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    Le Goupil

    Bar in 2 Pl. de l'Ancien Hôpital.
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    Weinstube "La Flammerie"

    Klassiker der deutschen Küche wie Schweinshaxe und Sauerkraut mit Wurst in einer beliebten, rustikalen Weinstube.
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    Dining & Drinks

    The Wine Route is a continuous string of wineries and Winstubs. Almost every village has businesses open for tasting without appointment.

    The seven grape types

    Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat, and Pinot Noir are almost always varietally produced and labelled in Alsace.

    Grands Crus

    51 single vineyards are designated Grand Cru, including Schoenenbourg, Rangen and Brand. Most are on steep south-facing slopes.

    Winstub Food

    Baeckeoffe, Choucroute, Flammkuchen and Presskopf accompany the wines. Generous portions, weekend bookings advised.

    Crémant d'Alsace

    The sparkling wine accounts for about a quarter of Alsatian production and is made by the traditional method.

    Marc and Eaux-de-vie

    Clear spirits – mirabelle, cherry, raspberry – are crafted from Vosges valley fruits, served after meals.

    History and Cultural Heritage of the Wine Route

    The history of the Route des Vins d'Alsace is deeply rooted in a complex past, ranging from the Roman Empire to the shifting allegiances between France and the Holy Roman Empire. Viticulture was already established by the Romans in this region and experienced its first golden age in the Middle Ages.The architecture along the Wine Route is characterized by charming, well-preserved villages with their characteristic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and often fortified city walls. Romanesque and Gothic churches, as well as Renaissance elements, bear witness to the various eras Alsace has experienced.Local traditions reflect the unique blend of French and German culture. These include the continued use of the Alsatian dialect, traditional wine festivals like the Fête du Vin, and a gastronomy that combines specialties such as Flammkuchen and Choucroute. These cultural characteristics make the region a living testament to its multifaceted history and identity.

    Exploring locally

    Explore the wine villages themselves on foot. For the stretches in between and more remote wineries, a car offers the most flexibility. Regional buses of the Fluo Grand Est network connect many places with Colmar and Sélestat; check timetables in advance, especially on weekends.Experience the vineyards up close by bike; many villages offer rental bikes and e-bikes for the hilly sections. In Colmar, the urban bus network Trace operates. Taxis are available in larger towns, but should be pre-ordered in rural areas.

    Accommodations in The Alsace Wine Route

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    Campgrounds in The Alsace Wine Route

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    Nearby

    Ribeauvillé

    Ribeauvillé

    Ribeauvillé is a small town on the Alsace Wine Route, about 15 kilometers north of Colmar. Along the Grand'Rue stand half-timbered houses, fountains, and the Butcher's Tower; above the vineyards are the ruins of three castles belonging to the Lords of Rappoltstein. The town is also known for its Pfeifertag (Piper's Day) in September and the surrounding Grand Cru vineyards.
    Riquewihr

    Riquewihr

    Riquewihr, a picturesque village on the Alsatian Wine Route, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. The main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, leads you past colorful half-timbered houses and historic buildings that reflect the rich heritage of the place. Particularly striking is the Dolder Tower, a former 13th-century defensive gate that now houses a museum and offers insights into the local history. Here you will find numerous wine taverns and shops offering local products and the famous Alsatian wine. To experience the authentic atmosphere away from the main thoroughfare, we recommend exploring the smaller alleys and courtyards. A visit in spring or autumn, outside the high season, allows for a calmer experience of the historic setting and wine tastings.
    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the High Königsburg, stands at about 750 meters on a mountain spur of the Vosges overlooking the Rhine plain. The castle was first mentioned in 1147, rebuilt in the 15th century, and destroyed in 1633 during the Thirty Years' War. Between 1900 and 1908, Kaiser Wilhelm II had it rebuilt by architect Bodo Ebhardt. You can visit furnished rooms such as the Emperor's Hall, the Armory, and the living quarters, plus the keep, courtyards, and battlements with views over the plain to the Black Forest. It is quieter in the morning or late afternoon.
    Colmar

    Colmar

    Colmar, located in Alsace, captivates with its picturesque old town and the unique blend of French and German culture. Here you'll find well-preserved half-timbered houses, winding alleys and canals, which have earned Colmar the nickname "Little Venice" (La Petite Venise). A central highlight is the Musée Unterlinden, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and making art history accessible. Stroll through the Fischermarkt quarter and along the Lauch River to experience the idyllic scenery, or visit the historic Koïfhus. The city is also an excellent starting point for the Alsatian Wine Route. You can best explore Colmar on foot or by boat; the spring and autumn months are ideal for a visit to avoid crowds.
    Eguisheim

    Eguisheim

    Eguisheim, on the Alsace Wine Route just southwest of Colmar, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Its cobbled streets spiral around the central castle, lined with colorful, flower-adorned half-timbered houses. The Grand Cru sites Eichberg and Pfersigberg surround it.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI