Alsace Wine Route Tours: Discover French Wine Trails
Explore the charming villages and renowned vineyards of Alsace with guided tours along its historic Wine Route.
The Alsace Wine Route, or Route des Vins d'Alsace, is one of France's oldest and most picturesque wine trails. Stretching for roughly 170 kilometers through the rolling foothills of the Vosges Mountains, it connects 119 charming villages, each boasting its own unique character and winemaking traditions. Alsace Wine Route tours offer a curated way to experience this enchanting region, taking you beyond a simple tasting to a deeper understanding of its terroir, history, and the people who craft its celebrated wines. These tours are designed to showcase the distinctive beauty of the Alsatian landscape, from sun-drenched vineyards to medieval castles perched atop hillsides, all while immersing visitors in the rich culinary heritage that complements the local wines. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, exploring the Alsace Wine Route through organized tours provides an efficient and insightful experience. Instead of navigating winding roads and deciphering winery opening times independently, these guided excursions handle the logistics. They often focus on specific sections of the route, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of a particular cluster of villages or a selection of esteemed wineries. You'll typically encounter opportunities to visit several domaines, learn about grape varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, and gain firsthand knowledge from vintners. Many tours also weave in visits to historical sites and local artisanal producers, offering a comprehensive taste of Alsace.
Featured Alsace Wine Route Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for alsace wine route tours in Alsace
Let an expert guide introduce you to the Alsace region’s world-renowned wine on this half-day wine tour from Strasbourg. Traveling along the famous Alsace Wine Route, stop in two picturesque Alsatian towns to enjoy tastings of the area’s celebrated white wine, such as Riesling and gewürztraminer. Choose a morning or afternoon tour to suit your schedule. Numbers are limited to eight people on this small-group tour, ensuring a more personalized wine-tasting experience.
Departure from Colmar at 1:45 p.m.: • Wine route • Visit of Hunawihr • Visit of Riquewihr • Tasting at a winemaker Return to Colmar around 5:30 p.m.
Get the full experience of the famous French wine region of Alsace on this wine-tasting day trip from Strasbourg. With an informative guide, travel along the gorgeous Alsace Wine Route to the picture-perfect towns of Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Visit 3 wineries to enjoy tastings of the region’s characteristic white wine including the Riesling and gewürztraminer varietals. Numbers are limited to eight people on this small-group tour, ensuring a more personalized wine-tasting experience.
Discover the Highlights of the Alsace Wine Route in Comfort and Style Set off on an unforgettable journey along the Alsace Wine Route aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your local driver-guide (and photographer, if you wish!) knows all the hidden gems and will share fascinating insights into the region’s history, architecture, and gastronomy. Over the course of three delightful hours, relax and let yourself be guided through the most beautiful villages around Colmar. From Eguisheim to Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, or through the finest Alsace wine cellars for tastings, you’ll be spoiled for choice with so many breathtaking stops along the way. Your private driver-guide-photographer will give you their full attention, ensuring a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience tailored to your interests and preferences.
Visit Alsace on the Wine Route by bike. Picturesque villages and views of the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle await you. In peace of mind, walk cycle path 5 with a guide from Orschwiller to Bergheim. The route takes about 3 hours and easy for everyone. Our bikes are all overhauled and equipped with a luggage rack.
Live a unique adventure on the Alsace Wine Route Play on the day and time of your choice In an exceptional setting in the heart of the oldest Wine Route of France Photos and videos are saved directly to your smartphone A friendly moment with family, colleagues or friends!
Discover the enchanting Black Forest region on this full-day guided tour from Strasbourg. Begin with a visit to the spa town of Baden Baden, exploring its stunning architecture and gardens. Enjoy a scenic hike along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, offering panoramic views of the Upper Rhine Valley. The journey continues to Mummelsee for lunch, where you can try local specialties like Black Forest cake. Conclude your day by traversing the picturesque German wine route, capturing memorable photos of charming towns and landscapes along the way. - Full-day guided tour from Strasbourg to the Black Forest - Visit Baden Baden and hike along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse - Free time at Mummelsee with local specialties for lunch - Small groups of up to 8, ensuring a personalized experience
Leave Zurich at 10am with your English-speaking driver and cross the border to Basel. Start with Colmar Alsatian gem in the picturesque historic center for a delicious pie. From here, follow the Alsace Wine Route north towards Riquewihr with its half-timbered houses, medieval streets and welcoming cellars where you can taste Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Continue to Eguisheim, a circular village classified among the most beautiful in France, ideal for a romantic walk or other tastings. This route offers rolling landscapes, fine wines and postcard villages. Your driver will drop you off in front of your Inn in Zurich at the end of the day. The experiment starts at 10am and ends at 7pm.
Visit of the most beautiful villages of the Alsace Wine Route in an Audi A5 Cabriolet. We will start the excursion with Eguisheim, voted the most beautiful village in France in 2013, then we will go to discover the 3 Castles where you can admire a magnificent view of the Alsace plain. Then, we will join Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, elected favorite village of the French in 2017. We will go to Obernai, elected most beautiful flowered village in Alsace. Then discover the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Once the visit of the castle is over, we will resume the wine route to reach Colmar, the wine capital of Alsace, where you can discover the Petite France district with a small tourist train as well as Little Venice. The tour can be easily customized to suit your interests. It is also possible to go to the Bruche Valley to serve you a tarte flambée with a white Alsace wine on a terrace where the view will be magnificent !!
Our service is distinguished by 100% private, personalized and stress-free support. Our private chauffeur service Check-out from Strasbourg for a fully personalized excursion on the Alsace Wine Route. Specialist in tourist transport in Alsace, we offer a private, comfortable and secure care, with a professional driver perfectly familiar with wine villages and local estates. Air-conditioned vehicle, optimized route, total flexibility and advice on the best stages (Obernai, Riquewihr, Colmar). Enjoy the Alsace Wine Route without driving or parking stress, for an authentic, high-end and tailor-made experience.
Why Choose Alsace Wine Route Tours in Alsace?
Charming Villages
Discover picturesque villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé, often considered among the most beautiful in France.
Renowned Varietals
Sample Alsace's distinctive dry white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, from top local producers.
Scenic Landscapes
Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and the Vosges Mountains from various points along the route.
Gastronomic Delights
Pair your wine tastings with regional specialties, such as Tarte Flambée and Choucroute, often included or recommended on tours.
Hassle-Free Exploration
Let local guides handle transportation and winery arrangements, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the experience.
Local Expertise
Benefit from the insights and knowledge of guides who share the history, culture, and winemaking secrets of Alsace.
Types of Alsace Wine Route Tours in Alsace
Small Group Wine Tours
These tours typically involve a small number of participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. They often visit 3-4 wineries, with time for tasting and learning about the winemaking process. Transportation is usually by comfortable minivan.
Full-Day Alsace Wine Route Experiences
Designed for a comprehensive immersion, these tours often span a full day and cover a significant portion of the Wine Route. They may include a traditional Alsatian lunch and visits to iconic villages as well as less-known vineyards.
Cycling and Wine Tours
For the active traveler, these tours combine cycling through the vineyards and charming villages with scheduled wine tastings. They offer a unique perspective and a healthy way to explore the region. E-bike options are often available.
Private Wine Tours
These highly customizable tours cater to individuals, couples, or private groups seeking a bespoke experience. You can tailor the itinerary to your interests, pace, and specific winery preferences.
What to Expect on Alsace Wine Route Tours
Duration
Tours typically range from 3-4 hours for half-day excursions to 6-8 hours for full-day experiences. Some private tours can be customized to your preferred length.
Weather
Alsace experiences four distinct seasons. Summers can be warm and sunny, ideal for vineyard visits. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winters are colder, but some wineries remain open for tastings.
Group Size
Small group tours usually consist of 8-15 people. Full-day tours might accommodate slightly larger groups. Private tours are exclusive to your party.
What's Included
Tours generally include transportation from a designated meeting point, guided commentary, visits to several wineries, and wine tastings. Some may include a light snack or lunch. Entrance fees to specific attractions outside of wineries might be extra.
Meeting Point
Most tours depart from central locations in larger towns like Colmar or Strasbourg. Specific meeting points will be detailed upon booking.
Costs
Prices can vary significantly based on duration, group size, and inclusions. Expect to pay from around $35 USD for a short half-day tour up to $150 USD or more for a full-day or private experience.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially during peak season (spring to autumn) and weekends, as popular tours fill up quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely do some walking in villages and vineyards.
Consider the time of year; spring and fall offer beautiful scenery and pleasant weather for touring.
Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions about the wines, the region's history, or local recommendations.
Pace yourself with tastings. It's better to savor a few wines thoroughly than to rush through many.
Be open to trying different Alsatian specialties that pair well with the wines, like Munster cheese or local charcuterie.
Check if the tour includes a traditional Alsatian lunch or if it's an optional add-on, as this can enhance the culinary aspect.
If you're driving yourself, remember that France has strict drink-driving laws. Wine tours with included transport are a safer bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I visit wineries on the Alsace Wine Route without a tour?
A: Yes, you can visit wineries independently. However, a tour offers a structured way to experience multiple wineries and villages, often with expert commentary and included transport, which is highly recommended for a comprehensive visit.
Q:What are the main grape varietals produced in Alsace?
A: Alsace is primarily known for its dry white wines. The key varietals are Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat. They also produce Pinot Noir, a red grape.
Q:Which are the most famous villages along the Alsace Wine Route?
A: Some of the most renowned and picturesque villages include Riquewihr, Eguisheim (often voted one of France's most beautiful villages), Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, and Turckheim. Many tours will visit a selection of these.
Q:What is the best time of year to visit the Alsace Wine Route?
A: The most popular times are from April to October when the weather is generally pleasant for touring and vineyards are at their most scenic. The harvest season in September and October is particularly vibrant.
Q:Are the wine tastings on tours typically free?
A: Many tours include the cost of tasting sessions at the wineries they visit. However, it's always good to check the tour details, as some may have a nominal fee or offer premium tastings at an additional cost.
Q:What should I wear on an Alsace wine tour?
A: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be exploring villages and potentially vineyards. Layers are recommended, as the weather can change. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
Q:Can I buy wine directly from the wineries visited?
A: Absolutely. Most wineries welcome purchases, and it's a great opportunity to take home a taste of Alsace. Many tours can assist with shipping larger quantities if needed.
Q:Are there tours that start from cities outside of Alsace, like Paris?
A: While most tours start within Alsace itself (e.g., Colmar, Strasbourg), some longer day trips or multi-day itineraries might be available from Paris, though these are less common for dedicated Alsace Wine Route tours.
Why Visit Alsace?
Discover storybook villages, winding wine routes, and rich Franco-German heritage in Alsace.
Experience charming half-timbered houses and vibrant floral displays in picturesque Alsatian towns.
Savor world-class Riesling and Pinot Gris along the renowned Alsace Wine Route.
Explore centuries of history from Roman ruins to medieval castles dotting the Alsatian landscape.
Indulge in hearty regional cuisine like choucroute and tartes flambées with locals.
Immerse yourself in a unique blend of French flair and German tradition found only in Alsace.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for the best time to visit.
Best Months
Spring and fall offer the best weather for most destinations.
Peak Season
Summer months are typically the peak season with higher prices and crowds.
Off Season
Winter months offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather may be less ideal.
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Plan Your Alsace Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Alsace is quite manageable. The regional train network (TER) efficiently connects major cities like Strasbourg and Colmar, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel. Renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially for exploring the smaller villages along the Alsace Wine Route and reaching more remote castles. Buses serve some smaller communities, but schedules can be infrequent. Cycling is also popular, particularly on dedicated routes through vineyards and picturesque countryside, making it an enjoyable way to experience Alsace's beauty up close.
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