Alsace Itinerary: Best Wineries & Hotels Along the Alsace Wine Route

By Kristy Wenz | Wine & Travel Writer, Consultant & Marketer

Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Perfect Alsace Itinerary: Historic Wineries, Tours & Hotels

Alsace Itinerary & Travel Guide: Best Wineries to Visit & Hotels to Stay at During Your Trip

Three hundred miles east of Paris, at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and near the border of Germany, lies a wine region with fairy-tale charm unlike any other: Alsace. A drive through hundreds of small villages along the Alsatian wine route with their half-timbered buildings adorned with colorful flower boxes, pastel-painted homes, fountains, steeples and vineyards and will evoke many a Brothers Grimm fable.

Although distinctly French today, the cultural differences of Alsace as compared to other French wine regions, are noted immediately from the architecture through the cuisine. Both of which will delight any Winetraveler. You see, although today a part of France, Alsace has a long and storied history of also having belonged to Germany at times. In fact, between the Thirty Years’ War and World War II, the region changed hands between the two countries numerous times.

Alsace Wine Tasting Itinerary & Travel Guide

Alsace Itinerary & Travel Guide: Best Wineries to Visit & Hotels to Stay at During Your Trip
Getting To Alsace
Where To Stay in Alsace
Best Alsace Wineries to Visit
Schedule an Alsace Wine Tour
The Wines of Alsace
Frequently Asked Questions about Alsace Wineries & Wine Tours

Hunawihr village in Alsace with vineyards and church — A sampling of the scenery in Alsace near Hunawihr village, with the vineyards and church in view.

Getting To Alsace

Navigating Alsace is best done by car. The route suggested below is roughly 40 minutes from the first winery to the last, but you’ll want to set appointments, take your time and explore the many charming Old World villages along the way.

Numerous flights are available worldwide to Paris, France or Frankfurt, Germany where you can easily transfer via train or flight to Strasbourg, France which sits at the northern end of Alsace. Take a cab or hire a private driver to pick you up from the airport or train station.

From Strasbourg, rent a car and begin your meandering. Private drivers and guided day trips are also available to nearby villages, wineries and the countryside. We include additional guided and private day wine tour and day trip options below.

Where To Stay in Alsace

As for where to stay in Alsace, there is no shortage of quaint inns and accommodations along the wine route. Strasbourg is a bustling university and diplomat town with Alsatian charm throughout its squares, river walks and neighborhoods, and offers a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers and budgets. Colmar, one of the region’s most enchanting cities sits at the southern end of this particular itinerary and is sure to make for a delightful home base.

In Strasbourg, our top choice for a hotel is Hôtel Cour du Corbeau if you’re looking for an ideal central location in the Krutenau neighborhood. Aside from the 5-star luxury and service you can expect at this hotel, it provides the perfect home base to explore the city and the surrounding Alsation countryside.

Where To Stay Along the Alsace Wine Route Itinerary — There are no shortage of places to stay along the Alsace wine route.

If you choose to follow the general progression of this Alsace itinerary, you’ll end up in Colmar. Our favorite hotel in this romantic city is L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa, for its fantastic bar, location, comfy bed, unique indoor pool and opulent modern digs. If you’d prefer something that looks and feels more classically Alsatian, yet still provides 5-star luxury, stay in the center of Colmar at La Maison des Têtes.

Vineyard landscape in Alsace France — The vineyard landscape across Alsace is nothing short of remarkable. Experiencing it should be on every #Winetraveler’s bucket list.

Best Alsace Wineries to Visit

With a vast number of wineries in the Alsace region, this Winetraveler itinerary focuses specifically on five of the oldest and most benchmark wineries in Alsace with histories dating back to the 15^th century. Appointments are recommended, as is allowing for several hours for a winery visit. Alternatively, seek out wines at local restaurants, shops or markets from these recommended wineries as you spend time immersing yourself in the small villages of the region.

Maison Lucien Albrecht

28 Rue du Printemps, 68500 Orschwihr, France

Historical documents indicate winemaking began for the Albrecht family with Romanus Albrecht in 1425. Maison Lucien Albrecht was later established in 1698 and is one of the three founding fathers of the Crémant d’Alsace AOC. Nine generations, with Jean Albrecht at the head, continue to work the soils of the family’s vineyards including several Grand Cru AOCs, mainly situated in Orschwihr — a wine-growing village in Southern Alsace.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

2 Route de Colmar, 68230 Turckheim, France

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a winemaking tradition for the Humbrecht family that has been passed down from father to son since 1620. Today the Domaine is run by Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to attain Master of Wine status. The Domaine consists of nearly 100 acres of vines and over six communes, including four Grands Crus. After centuries of experience with the Alsatian terroir, the growers assign different Alsatian grape varieties to each of the specific soils and microclimates, respecting the specificity of each Cru. The winery is certified in both organic and biodynamic practices.

Jean-Baptiste Adam

5 Rue de l’Aigle, 68770 Ammerschwihr, France

The Jean-Baptiste Adam family has grown grapes and made wines since 1614, making this one of the rare family estates which can claim more than 400 years of history. The winery today is led by 14^th generation winemaker Jean-Baptiste Adam V and his daughter, the 15^th generation, Laure Adam. Jean-Baptiste is responsible for transitioning the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming, including the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf.

Domaine Paul Blanck

29 Grand-Rue, 68240 Kaysersberg, France

In 1610, Hans Blanck acquired his first vines in the Alsace region. Today Domaine Paul Blanck is led by cousins Frédéric and Philippe Blanck. The estate spans 86 acres and includes five Grands Crus and four lieux-dits which are highly regarded for the region. Located in the village of Kientzheim, Domaine Paul Blanck produces wines that are terroir-expressive without the use of chemicals.

Maison Trimbach

15 Route de Bergheim, 68150 Ribeauvillé, France

The wine-growing history of Maison Trimbach extends back to 1626. Since then, twelve generations of father and son winemakers have developed a solid reputation for excellence. Trimbach wine received international acclaim in 1898 when Frédéric Emile Trimbach received the highest distinction at the International Wine Fair in Brussels. Today, the family vineyard is run by Hubert Trimbach, his nephews Jean and Pierre, and Pierre’s daughter Anne, the eldest of the 13th generation. The 40 hectares that make up the Trimbach estate stretch over 50 parcels and six villages, including Bergheim, Ribeauvillé and Hunawihr with the crown jewel being the Clos Sainte Hune vineyard.

Winetraveler Tip: While a common misperception exists that all Rieslings are sweet, Alsatian Rieslings are typically dry with the noted exceptions of Vendanges Tardives (late harvest wines made only from the designated four noble grapes – Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (derived only from the noble grapes and in favorable years, these late harvest wines will be affected by noble rot). We recommend being adventurous and exploring all the wine styles of Alsace to truly understand the uniqueness of this outstanding wine region.

5 Wineries To Visit Along the Alsace Wine Route — “Seek out wines at local restaurants, shops or markets from these recommended wineries as you spend your time immersing in the small villages of the region.”

Schedule an Alsace Wine Tour

If you’re hesitant about managing the logistics of visiting wineries on the Alsace wine route yourself, consider hiring a private guide and driver for the day. Or, experience Alsace by bike. Below, we list some of our preferred tour operators, experiences and ideas for exploring Alsace in a more guided fashion.

Venture out from Colmar and enjoyed a half-day, guided experience with local guides Anna and Eric of Alsace Safari while you visit historic castles and wineries across the region.

Bike and wine tasting tour in Alsace — One fun way to go wine tasting in Alsace is by bike. Image courtesy **Bicyclette Go Tours**.

Get active and outside and see Alsace by bike, while wine tasting along the way if you choose. Bicyclette Go Tours led by Glenn Ford is the most ideal for this sort of experience in the region, as he and his team have been organizing cycling tours of Alsace since 1994. These itineraries and routes have been tried and tested for decades, and customers continue to rave about the experiences they’ve had in Alsace by bike. This is an award-winning, private day trip you don’t want to miss.

Skip the small group tour and opt for something private with a focus on the villages of Alsace plus wine tastings. JoliSoleil runs a fantastic day tour of Alsace with customizable options that leaves from Strasbourg.

Vineyard views in Alsace — Image courtesy **Alsace Original Experiences Tours**.

Embark on an intimate tour from Colmar with Alsace Original Experiences and enjoy the advantage of a small group setting as you traverse the Alsatian Wine Route. The journey includes stops at a local wine cave for tasting delectable Alsace wines and an exploration of the ‘4 Wonders of Alsace’ – the charming villages of Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr.

Capture stunning snapshots as you journey along the picturesque Alsace Wine Route. Get a taste of the region’s famed wines, such as Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. Travel in comfort, to and from Colmar, in an air-conditioned minivan, making your experience all the more enjoyable.

This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of just eight participants.

Vines flourish on a sunny day in Alsace — Image courtesy **Ophorus Wine Tours**.

From Strasbourg, traverse the iconic Alsace Wine Route with Ophorus Tours and discover enchanting villages such as Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, Mittelbergheim, and Riquewihr. Experience three unique wineries, sampling some of Alsace’s renowned wines including the delightful Gewürztraminer and Riesling.

Benefit from the expert knowledge of your guide as you delve into the region’s history and viticulture. Enjoy an intimate and personalized tour experience, with a small group setting limited to just eight participants.

This full-day journey through Alsace allows you to appreciate the region’s scenic beauty, taste exceptional wines, and explore the quaint villages of Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr, making for a truly immersive experience. Ophorus also offers a similar tour option that leaves from Colmar.

The Wines of Alsace

Despite the political turmoil of the region over the centuries, winemaking in Alsace has remained a constant with many winemaking families dating back nearly 20 generations. These families were, and remain to this day, driven by two principle factors: grapes and ground. The long-held philosophy of winemakers in Alsace has been to produce wines showcasing the pure flavors and qualities of the grapes and the uniquely diverse soils from which they are cultivated.

The Alsace region is protected by the Vosges Mountains, which keep both rain and clouds at bay and are responsible for the sunny summers and dry autumns, and thus present the ideal conditions in which grapes can fully ripen. What’s more, the incredibly diverse soil types found throughout Alsace — which range from chalk, clay, limestone, granite, sandstone and schist to volcanic rock — allows viticulturists to match each grape variety to the soils for which they’re best suited. This enables a range of wine styles to be produced. From light-bodied and fresh to full-bodied and bold.

More than 38,000 acres of vineyards planted in Alsace run North to South with the best quality vineyards sitting on the steep slopes with East and Southeast facing aspects. With nearly 4,000 winegrowers, the predominant style produced is aromatic white wines from a handful of grape varieties including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Blanc.

Chardonnay is also produced but only for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wines as it is not permitted to be produced as a still wine varietal in Alsace. A small percentage of red wines are also made exclusively from Pinot Noir.

This small wine region has an astounding 53 AOCs including AOC Alsace, AOC Crémant d’Alsace (traditional method sparkling wine) and 51 individual Grand Cru AOCs. Fortunately for the wine consumer, wines here are labeled by grape variety rather than AOC, a unique labeling feature in France.

Winetraveler Tip: Alsace white wines age remarkably well and are not to be missed!

Frequently Asked Questions about Alsace Wineries & Wine Tours

What are the best wineries to visit in Alsace?

Alsace, renowned for its magnificent vineyards and world-class wines, offers a plethora of remarkable wineries for wine lovers to explore. One of the leading names in the region is Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. This illustrious winery is recognized for crafting some of the most exceptional wines in Alsace, with their reputation preceding them far and wide. Zind-Humbrecht, with their dedication to biodynamic practices, offers an exemplary representation of Alsace’s diverse terroirs.

Trimbach is another noteworthy name, steeped in a rich history that dates back to 1626. Trimbach’s wines, known for their longevity, elegance, and impeccable balance, are some of the finest examples of the classic Alsace style. Their Riesling, in particular, is widely respected among wine enthusiasts and critics.

Domaine Weinbach, nestled in the charming town of Kaysersberg, is equally compelling. Managed by the Faller family, this estate produces an impressive range of wines from various grape varieties typical to Alsace. Their wines are praised for their complexity and depth, including a superb Gewurztraminer.

Hugel et Fils, located in Riquewihr, is another historic family-owned winery. They’ve been producing wines since the late 17th century and are known for their consistent quality. This esteemed winery is particularly well-regarded for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Finally, a visit to Alsace would be incomplete without a stop at Domaine Marcel Deiss. This biodynamic estate, situated in Bergheim, is famed for their field blend wines (wines made from multiple grape varieties harvested and vinified together), a traditional Alsace practice. These wines express a fascinating interplay of flavors and are a true testament to the richness of the Alsatian terroir.

Which wineries in Alsace have restaurants?

A few Alsace wineries known for their on-site restaurants include:

Domaine Marcel Deiss: While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, Domaine Marcel Deiss often hosts wine pairing events where local gourmet food producers are invited. This provides an opportunity to taste their wines alongside some high-quality regional food.

Cave de Ribeauville: This is Alsace’s oldest wine cooperative and it has a tasting room where you can sample their wines, and they often have local Alsatian food to accompany their wide selection of wines.

Winery Gustave Lorentz: In the charming village of Bergheim, you can find the Winery Gustave Lorentz. While not having a restaurant per se, they do offer gourmet workshops, where visitors can enjoy Alsacian gastronomy paired with their wines.

In addition to wineries, the region of Alsace is well-known for its gourmet scene and many top-notch restaurants which offer extensive local wine lists can be found in the area. The Michelin-starred Auberge de l’Ill and Le Chambard are just two examples of the outstanding restaurants that Alsace has to offer, and both have an extensive list of Alsatian wines.

Are there any vineyard hotels in Alsace?

Absolutely, there are several vineyard hotels and accommodations in the Alsace region that offer an immersive wine experience.

Le Parc Hotel, Restaurants & Spa: Located in the charming town of Obernai, this hotel is surrounded by vineyards and offers wine tasting experiences, a spa, and three gourmet restaurants.

Auberge de l’Ill: Though it’s more of a restaurant than a hotel, Auberge de l’Ill does offer accommodations. It’s a family-run establishment that’s been awarded three Michelin stars for over 50 years and is surrounded by the beautiful Illhaeusern vineyards.

Domaine Bott-Geyl: In Beblenheim, this wine estate has a charming guesthouse (Les Loges du Vigneron) that sits amidst the vineyards, offering a true winemaker’s experience.
Hotel le Schoenenbourg: Situated in Riquewihr, in the heart of the vineyards, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the wine route of Alsace.

Hostellerie Le Marechal: Located in Colmar, the wine capital of Alsace, this 4-star hotel and restaurant is set in a 16th-century house, offering a gourmet restaurant with views of the canal.

How many wineries are in Alsace France?

The region is home to approximately 1,000 wine producers. This number includes a mixture of independent vignerons (winemakers), cooperatives, and negociants who buy grapes to produce wine. Among these, there are around 51 Grand Cru vineyards, each with its unique terroir expressing the diverse range of the Alsatian wines.

What wines is Alsace known for?

Alsace, located in northeastern France, is world-renowned for its aromatic and diverse white wines. The region is most famous for four primary grape varieties: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.

Riesling: Alsace Riesling is typically dry, with bright acidity, complex minerality, and flavors of green apple, lemon, and sometimes a hint of petrol as it ages. It is one of the most prestigious grapes in the region and the wines are renowned for their ability to age gracefully.

Gewürztraminer: This grape variety produces intensely aromatic wines, often with pronounced notes of lychee, rose petal, and exotic spices. Alsatian Gewürztraminer is typically off-dry to sweet and is richer in body compared to many other white wines.

Pinot Gris: Alsace Pinot Gris is notably different from the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio, even though they’re made from the same grape. In Alsace, Pinot Gris wines tend to be full-bodied, rich, and often off-dry, with flavors of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and spice.

Muscat: Alsatian Muscat is less common than the other varieties but equally delightful. It’s usually made in a dry style and showcases the grape’s characteristic floral and grapey aromas.

In addition to these, Alsace also produces wines from Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Pinot Noir—the latter being the only commonly grown red grape in the region. The region is also known for its Crémant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine typically made from a blend of these grapes and produced using the traditional method, similar to Champagne.

Lastly, the region’s “Vendanges Tardives” and “Sélection de Grains Nobles” are special late-harvest wines made from overripe and botrytis-affected grapes respectively, and they can be stunningly complex and long-lived. These wines are typically sweet and are among the most treasured wines of Alsace.

What is the wine capital of Alsace?

The capital of Alsace is Strasbourg, a city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant food and wine culture. However, when it comes to wine specifically, the “capital” might be considered to be the town of Colmar. Located in the heart of the Alsace wine route, Colmar is surrounded by vineyards and is the hub of the Alsace wine region.

Colmar is the home base for many wineries and wine merchants, and it’s a popular starting point for exploring the Alsace Wine Route. This picturesque town, with its half-timbered houses, canals, and flower-decked streets, is perfectly situated near the famous “noble” vineyards that produce some of Alsace’s most prestigious wines.

That said, Alsace is full of charming wine-producing towns and villages such as Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, each with its own unique character and wine style. Visiting these towns is a wonderful way to experience the diversity of Alsatian wines.

You are reading “Best Alsace Wineries & Alsace Wine Tours: Perfect Itinerary” Back To Top

wineries near me, wine tasting in Alsace France, Alsace wineries, wine tours: top destinations in France to visit this year

If you enjoyed this guide, make sure you register to become a Winetraveler for free! You’ll get access to all of our content and interact with other Winetravelers and for travel inspiration around the world. Be sure to follow along with us on Twitter and Instagram as we continue to feature more exciting destinations.

Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!

One Comment

17 doable day trips from Strasbourg France - Wyld Family Travel says:

August 20, 2021 at 6:22 pm

[…] The Alsace Wine Route is 170 km long, starting near Strasbourg in the north and ending just south of Colmar. As mentioned earlier this area is a wonderful blend of French and German culture. Colourful, half-timbered buildings line cobblestoned streets with wine merchants and paddocks of vines around every corner. The wine route takes in some legendary towns such as Ribeauville, Kayserberg and Eguisheim. […]

Reply

Alsace Itinerary: Best Wineries & Hotels Along the Alsace Wine Route

Alsace Itinerary & Travel Guide: Best Wineries to Visit & Hotels to Stay at During Your Trip

Getting To Alsace

Where To Stay in Alsace