Alsace Wine Trip 2019

Exploring the Wine Routes of Alsace

Planning a wine trip to Alsace is like stepping into a fairytale where charming villages, world-class vineyards, and centuries of tradition come together. On our second tour of the Alsace Wine Route, with Colmar as our base, we spent five unforgettable days discovering new wineries, savoring regional gastronomy, and immersing ourselves in the history and culture of this magical region.

Our journey began in Eguisheim, a stunning circular village known for its colorful half-timbered houses and its title as one of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.” After enjoying a delicious lunch of local Alsace specialties, we visited Domaine Leon Beyer, continuing tradition from our first 2016 visit to Domaine Emile Beyer. Later, we settled into our charming hotel in Colmar’s Old Town, a cozy base for the days ahead.

Despite the rainy weather, we were welcomed with warmth at Domaine Paul Blanck et Fils in Kientzheim. Our host, Philippe Blanck, offered us an intimate tasting experience in his cellar, sharing both his wines and his family’s history dating back to 1610. His kindness and knowledge made the visit truly memorable.

Afterwards, Philippe guided us through Kientzheim. We then left for  Kaysersberg, another breathtaking Alsace village nestled beneath the prestigious Schlossberg Grand Cru vineyard.

On Sunday, when most wineries were closed, we explored Strasbourg, the cultural heart of Alsace. A guided walking tour and a river cruise revealed the city’s iconic landmarks from different perspectives. Lunch at L’Ancienne Douane, a historic restaurant dating back to 1358, gave us a true taste of Alsatian tradition.

On our return, we visited the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a medieval fortress with a rich history dating back to the 12th century, offering panoramic views of the region.

We continued our wine route with a visit to Maison Gustave Lorentz in Bergheim and Dopff Au Moulin in Riquewihr. Both producers showcased their Grand Cru wines, a testament to Alsace’s terroir-driven excellence.

The village of Riquewihr, remarkably untouched by WWII, enchanted us with its medieval fortifications and fairytale streets. Like Eguisheim and Hunawihr, Riquewihr belongs to the prestigious “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” association, making it a must-see destination on the wine route.

On our way to Zurich for our flight home, we stopped in Guebwiller at the historic Domaines Schlumberger. With roots tracing back to the 16th century, the family now manages 140 hectares of vineyards, including four exceptional Grands Crus: Kitterlé, Kessler, Saering, and Spiegel. Since 2003, the domaine has embraced sustainable viticulture, with part of the estate certified biodynamic. Our visit concluded with a tasting led by Séverine in their modern wine cellar, followed by a gastronomic finale at L’Envol in Mulhouse.

From picturesque villages like Eguisheim, Kientzheim, and Riquewihr, to iconic wineries such as Domaine Paul Blanck, Maison Gustave Lorentz, and Domaines Schlumberger, the Alsace Wine Route offers a blend of history, culture, and world-renowned wines.

Alsace is a destination that always enchants me at every turn.