1. The most emblematic wine route in France
Officially launched as a tourist trail in 1953, the Alsace Wine Route winds its way lovingly through 170 km of hills and vineyards from the north to the south of the region. It passes through almost 119 winegrowing villages where almost 720 wine producers look forward to welcoming you to share their passion for wine. Authentic, festive, picturesque, the Alsace Wine Route is a celebration of life that seems set to continue for ever.
3. A multitude of experiences to try
In the Alsace Wine Route lies the promise of a thousand and one discoveries. As you make your way along the route, follow your desires and enjoy the rich variety of delights the Alsace Wine Route has to offer. Pedal your way through the vineyards, stroll around picturesque villages, scramble over castle walls, meet winegrowers and learn about their skills, taste the Wines of Alsace at a sensory workshop, bask in the luxury of a spa with views over the vines: just some of the new experiences and activities you can try to make your stay a truly memorable time!
5. Exceptional terroirs
With its rich mosaic of high quality soils, the winegrowing region of Alsace finds its purest expression in 51 Grands Crus, each the product of a precisely delimited area which meets strictly controlled geological and climatic criteria. A true gift of nature, these terroirs have many assets to reveal to those who have the passion and know-how to observe and exploit them. An indispensable alchemy that gives expression to their history and character through exceptional wines.
6. Winegrowers share their passion
To penetrate the soul of the Alsace Wine Route, you have to take your time, go into the winegrowers’ courtyards, talk to them and listen to them convey the poetry of their terroir. Alsace’s winegrowers take great pleasure in welcoming you into their wineries and will be generous with their time as they share their passion for wine.
Many well-known wine estates and cellars offer original settings and fun activities to discover Alsatian wines. The younger generation, with minds open to the wider world, are taking up the challenges of their day, but with the same pioneering spirit that has always characterised Alsace’s winegrowers.
8. A unique way of life
Landscapes that invite quiet contemplation, villages that demand a leisurely stroll and wines that whet the appetite. If ever there were a Garden of Eden for gourmets, the Alsace Wine Route would be it. Discover the authentic flavours of Alsatian food in one of the innumerable winstubs. Or taste excellent regional produce at the table of a Michelin-starred chef.
9. An incomparable festive spirit
In Alsatian villages, there are plenty of occasions to come together and party. Pagan rituals, religious events, odes to Wine or festivals in honour of the local patron saint - come and join in, experience the soul of the Alsatian winegrowing region. Summer wine festivals, autumn grape harvest festivals, the vin nouveau in September: come and enjoy the tradition-packed events that winegrowers and local people love to share.
10. The world’s oldest wine
Did you know? The world’s oldest cask of wine is kept in Alsace, in the historic wine cellar at the Hospices de Strasbourg, a wonderful place overflowing with history. The wine is an Alsatian white dating from 1472. This amazing cuvée is still drinkable, but it is a very special privilege to be able to taste it - one that has only happened three times in five centuries.