The Northern Alsace Wine Route: a special local exoticism
About sixty kilometres north of Strasbourg, near the German border, the area around Wissembourg and Cleebourg invites you to discover its rich palette of long-preserved traditions. Leave the well-worn classic itinerary of the Alsace Wine Route behind and discover the unique heritage of Wissembourg, Hunspach which counts among the “Most beautiful villages in France” or Cleebourg, the most northerly vineyards in Alsace. These are historic vineyards, where the first vines were planted as far back as the 8th century. Today, the local winegrowers expertly and lovingly cultivate all seven Alsatian grape varieties: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewurztraminer.
The Strasbourg Vineyards: a land of bounty
In the area surrounding the European capital, the Strasbourg vineyards stretch from Marlenheim to Molsheim through an area packed with amazing medieval heritage and verdant landscapes where vineyards rub shoulders with orchards. This section forms the northern gateway to the Alsace Wine Route and offers an enchanting itinerary through an array of typical Alsatian villages and fortified towns. And in the midst of all this, you will find prestigious wine estates to discover. To unlock the secrets of the vineyards, why not head out on one of the vineyard trails for a walk that will be as educational as its views over the surrounding countryside are impressive.
Vineyards in Centre Alsace: all the emotion of a land brimming with History
Vineyards in Centre Alsace lies halfway between Strasbourg and Colmar and offer a mosaic-like landscape made up of vineyards and forests. Here you will find delightful villages nestling among the vines, overlooked by imposing ruins of castles like the famous Haut-Koenigsbourg. Here the Wine Route crosses the Romanesque Road, offering the opportunity to admire some remarkable religious buildings, as in Rosheim, for example. A setting of unequalled charm and plenty of tasty interludes guaranteed. An area where famous wines are produced, including, among others, Klevener de Heiligenstein and Rouge d’Ottrott.
The Colmar Vineyards: all the elegance of an idyllic heritage
The Colmar Vineyards lie in a landscape of plains, mountains and vineyards, every enchanting view worthy of a picture postcard. Boasting a particularly rich heritage, this stage of the Alsace Wine Route features a string of well-known picturesque villages including Eguisheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr. Stop in Colmar, the Alsatian wine capital, for a dose of culture and treat yourself to outings into the delightful villages in the surrounding area. You'll be enchanted by the authenticity of these jewels of the vineyards, with their half-timbered houses, flower-laden windowsills and cobblestone lanes.
The Southern Alsace Wine Route: freedom to enjoy nature as it is meant to be
Between Thann and Soultzmatt, the Southern Alsace Wine Route rolls down from highest heights of the Vosges into the mining basin of the Alsatian plain. At the foot of the Markstein and the Grand Ballon, the highest point in the Vosgian Massif, you will find atypical vineyard landscapes with steep and sometimes dizzyingly steep slopes. There are endless things to discover, from Romanesque architecture to amazing natural landscapes. This is the land of the Grands Crus, where the southerly location of the vineyards and the rich geology give the wines an incomparable range of aromas and flavours. Thann in particular is famous for its Rangen Grand Cru while Guebwiller boasts no less than four Grands Crus.