Take an Autumn Wine Tour in Alsace, France

Alsace, a north-eastern region in France, has a long-standing tradition of wine-making. The region is also part of France’s oldest and most famous wine route that is celebrated with a number of wine festivals during October. Wine lovers unite to signal the grape harvest and enjoy the famous and delicious Alsace wines.

What’s great about joining the Alsace wine tour is that it’s actually affordable. Most B and Bs in the villages and towns of the region will charge around $70 a night including breakfast and anywhere in Alsace will put you in the heart of the wine festivities. The route, which turns 60 next year, is the best autumn wine tour in Europe, and is famous the world over. Visit more than 100 wine villages, each with their own personality and wines by experiencing Europe’s most famous wine route.

Wine from Alsace

Alsace wines are truly special. Famous for producing some of the world’s best white wines, the region is the second driest wine spot in France. Renowned for its Dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Cremant d’Alsace, the wines of the region are all about aroma, with distinctive fruity/floral smells and flavors.

Alsace is bordered by Germany and Switzerland and has been a strategic location for battles and wars that have taken place between the countries over the centuries. This perilous geography has also greatly affected its wines. The strong influences of French, German and Swiss culture means the wine, food, architecture and even people are all charmingly intermingled. Many of the grapes are Germanic grape varieties but, when produced in France, they grow differently and therefore taste very different to any other grapes in the country.

Alsace Wine Route Map

Rent a car in Strasbourg (the capital of Alsace) and follow the famed wine route south through quaint villages and hilly farms. The over 100-mile-long route spans the Vosges Mountains and crosses 67 communes along the way, finally concluding in Thann.

The route has become more and more popular with tourists over the last 60 years, and yet the villages and towns remain as passionate about their wine and traditions as ever. With over 1,000 producers of wine on the route you can explore foothills while taking in the entire wine region and enjoying samples of some of the most unique wine in Europe.

Wineries to visit

There are a number of famous wineries in the region but the best wineries are the most personal. Plenty of the wineries that remain in Alsace are family-owned and run, and the winemakers are always excited to talk about how they run their vineyard and produce their wine.

Maison Emile Beyer
The Beyer family winery may look modern but the history of the vineyard and its ancient tasting cellars date back to 1580. With almost 30 wines on their list, the Beyers produce just one red (like most wineries in the region) and a number of whites, including a dry Muscat, Pinot Blanc and an aromatic Gewurztraminer.

Domaine Paul Blanck
A family-owned winery that has spanned generations, Domaine Paul Blanck is now operated by seasoned winemaker Philippe Blanck. Its 400-year-long history can be felt when you talk to Philippe, who recommends that you make an appointment in order to make the most of the vineyard and its grounds. He prefers to taste the wine with visitors and is very knowledgeable about local Alsatian cuisine (a German/French cuisine native to the region).

Planning Your Own Alsace Wine Tour

This iconic region of France is just waiting to be explored and planning your own Alsace wine tour is easy when you take advantage of the many travel deals and specials offered through Kemwel. Whether you’re looking for a cheap car rental in Colmar or cozy hotel to rest your head in, we’ve got everything you need at a price you’ll love. Look through our options online or feel free to call us toll-free at 1-877-820-0668 and start arranging your trip to France today!