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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

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.

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.

RELATED: The Best Alsace Wine Tours & Tasting Experiences to Book This Year

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.

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 .

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.

RELATED: 30 Wineries You Must Visit in Bordeaux France

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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[…] 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. […]

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The Alsace Wine Route

The legendary 170-km-long Alsace Wine Route passes through a string of picturesque villages, well-known wine-producing towns and exceptional landscapes.

• By plane 20 minutes from Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport
• By car An enchanting itinerary from Marlenheim to Thann
• By train Close to the TGV (high-speed train) stations and TER (regional train) links

Must-see attractions

Kaysersberg

Ribeauvillé

Why visit the Alsace Wine Route?

Picturesque.

Dotted with quaint, colourful villages and medieval castles, it will win you over with its incomparable beauty.

Following the rhythm of fun, high-energy festivals, it’ll get you dancing!

Boasting 7 grape varietals and treasured Grand Cru wines, it awakens all of your senses.

Picturesque, quaint villages

Fall for the incomparable beauty of the cities and villages of the Alsatian Wine Route. You'll be enchanted by the authenticity of these jewels of the vineyards, with their half-timbered houses, flower-laden windowsills and cobblestone lanes.

Festive vineyards

As soon as the weather gets nice, the villages of the Alsatian Wine Route spring to life one after the other, for festive community occasions. Come meet the winegrowers and immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of these wonderful events!

The Incomparable Wines of Alsace

Renowned for their subtlety and elegance, the Wines of Alsace are unique for their freshness and palette of aromas, which are both subtle and intense. Taste these exceptional, incomparably rich wines!

Meeting winegrowers

Whether you're a casual wine drinker or a serious connoisseur, come to our wine cellars and wineries and discover all the secrets of the Wines of Alsace. You’ll enjoy unique encounters, friendly moments of sharing and astounding wine discoveries.

Plan your stay

Guided tours

Restaurants

Favourite places to stay

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The Alsace Wine Route, where wine becomes a voyage of discovery!

A mythical itinerary, a string of picturesque villages, outstanding landscapes, famous winegrowing villages, passionate winegrowers: the Alsace Wine Route has everything you could wish for in a holiday!

An exceptional encounter with winegrowers

Pedal as a family at the biggest slowUp in Alsace

Pedal along the alsace wine road cycle trail

Off the beaten track in the north of alsace

Fun in the vineyard

Parenthèses vigneronnes: packages for 100% discovery

A day in the life of a picker : the grape harvest experience

Liesel's tip

She travels around the region in search of favourites and nuggets to share with travellers. Typical restaurants, unusual visits, major events or small village festivals: Liesel will do her utmost to inspire you.

BACCHUS TOURS

The Bacchus Tours are back for a second time on Sunday on May the 5th 2024!

Walk, cycle or mountain bike your way through La Couronne d'Or, Strasbourg's vineyards, in a festive, gourmet atmosphere!

Share a moment with the winegrowers

Enjoy a unique experience with the Vignerons Indépendants d'Alsace , who will welcome you to their domain in the middle of the vineyards.

If you are a wine enthusiast, nature lover or curious about Alsace's heritage, you will find happiness among the events proposed by these passionate and authentic winegrowers.

The comptoir des vignerons alsaciens

The Comptoir des Vignerons Alsaciens is a cooperative shop of 75 independent winegrowers in the heart of Strasbourg.

Follow the guide

France's most emblematic route, the Alsace Wine Route is an inexhaustible source of surprises and a change of scenery for some truly exceptional moments!

Running north to south through Alsace, this legendary route is ideal to take at your own pace, stopping off where and whenever you feel like it.

Travel diary

Major stages

An exceptional itinerary through some very special countryside

So much to do!

Cellars and wineries

A passion shared

Lovely winegrowing towns

A selection of unmissable towns and villages

Our theme websites

Get even more ideas and inspiration from our dedicated websites, so you can have the Alsatian experience that suits you best!

Visit.alsace

To enjoy the unique experience of a stay in Alsace

Alsace at Christmas time

Experience the magic and emotion of an incomparable Christmas

Alsace by bike

Ride through France’s top cycling destination

Experience.alsace

To find the best of Alsace

Plan your trip

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

Here's all our advice and tips to make your journey easier and help you discover the Alsace Wine Route with complete peace of mind!

CYCLING THROUGH THE VINEYARDS

Itineraries, cycle routes and practical advice for cycling through the vineyards in complete peace of mind

STAY AS YOU WISH

A selection of inspiring accommodation to suit your needs and desires. Take your pick!

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The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In Alsace

Browse through the best selection of alsace wine tours.

Guided winery tour in Alsace - local wine tasting

Guided tour : Winery introduction and its history Discover the winemaking process Wine tasting of Alsatian wines   3 different options : Guided winery tour and Alsace wine tasting Blind experience and winery visit Wine pairings and visit of the winery

Casse Croute Du Vigneron | Wine Tasting and Tour at Domaine Schneider Jean Marc

Gourmet tasting with cheese and wine in Alsace's family vineyards

Wine Tasting at Domaine Mann - Vignoble Des 3 Terres

Experience the true famile essence

Wine Tasting and Tour at Domaine Jean-Louis Schoepfer

Explore the craft of winemaking with Domain Jean-Louis Schoepfer's year-round cellar tours and multilingual wine tastings in Alsace wine region

Wine tasting and tour at Domaine Eblin-Fuchs

Wine tasting and winery tour at Domaine Eblin-Fuchs in Alsace

Wine tasting and tour at Domaine Bott Frères

Cherish the perfect wine tasting and tour at Domaine Bott Frères

Wine tasting and tour at Domaine Albert Seltz

A guided tour of the winery and wine tasting paired with delicious local cuisine

Tasting and cellar visit at Domaine Saint Remy

Learn the process from vine to glass

Dégustation et visite premium | Wine Tasting at Domaine Saint Remy

Wine tasting and tour at Vignoble Klur

Visit the Vignoble Klur to get the magnificent experience of wine tasting and touring.

Wine tasting and tour at La Cave des Vignerons de Pfaffenheim

Come and take part in the discovery of a fine wine selection thanks to a wine tasting and winery tour at La Cave des Vignerons de Pfaffenheim

Wine Tasting and Tour at Francois Baur

Taste the Exceptional Wines of Winery with Centuries of Winemaking Experience

Alsace Wine Tours Offered by Local Guides

Discover Alsace's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

• Discover Mont St Odile + Wine tasting

A delightful wine-guided tour that promises to be an enchanting experience in Bas-Rhin, Alsace

• VIP Alsace wine tour with WineWeinVinoVin

A Grand Wine Tasting

Half day wine tour to the very soul of Alsace with WineWeinVinoVin

Exquisite wines from Alsace

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Explore our experience categories and discover the perfect wine adventure in Alsace

Accommodations in Alsace

Bike & Wine Tours in Alsace

Cheese & Wine Tastings in Alsace

Food & Wine Tours in Alsace

Harvest & Wine in Alsace

Hike & Wine in Alsace

Outdoor Wine Activities in Alsace

Best cities to visit in alsace, france.

Alsace Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in alsace.

Wine tasting tours in Alsace are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in alsace, personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts..

Exploring Alsace opens up a world of wine experiences. Pairing Alsatian wines with local cuisine elevates your wine adventure. Revel in the stunning scenery of the Vosges mountains, vineyards, the Rhine River, and charming villages. These wine-tasting experiences cater to wine enthusiasts of all kinds. If you're wondering what to expect during an Alsace wine tasting, rest assured, there's an array of delicious wines to discover.

WineTourism.com offers an extensive selection of Alsace wine tours in partnership with local wineries. Peruse our list of offerings with direct booking options.

The best season to visit Alsace

The optimal time to explore Alsace is from May to August, benefiting from the agreeable weather. If you're fond of a festive atmosphere, December is the ideal time to visit. Meanwhile, September is the grape harvest month, offering a plethora of captivating activities and events hosted by wineries and communities.

What to do in Alsace?

Aside from savoring Alsace's remarkable wines, you can explore the enchanting medieval towns and villages, graced by their distinctive half-timbered architecture. Immerse yourself in culture with visits to Strasbourg , Colmar , and Kaysersberg, where you can also indulge in the delectable local Alsatian cuisine.

What to taste in Alsace?

Most of the wines produced in Alsace are white, made from single grape varieties and they are famous for their elegance, finesse, and aromatic characteristics.  Muscat d'Alsace  opens up with a lively and refined aromatic profile. Crunchy notes of citrus and fresh lime with rosewater, jasmine, and orange blossom chased by juicy nectarine notes. Besides, don't forget to taste rich and well-balanced Pinot Gris d'Alsace and very aromatic and powerful  Gewurztraminer wines.  Don't miss tasting the very special bubbles of  Crémant d'Alsace,  which is a lively, fruity, and light-bodied wine that leaves a little creamier palate because of the well-ripen grapes in this sunny part of France.

What to expect from a wine tour in Alsace?

During an Alsace wine tour, expect an immersive experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty, featuring the Vosges Mountains, the Rhine River, and valley vistas. Wineries and cellar houses boast dedicated tasting rooms where you can savour their exceptional wines. Many offer guided cellar tours, providing firsthand insights into ecological and sustainable organic winemaking practices. These wine tastings and tours in Alsace offer a holistic encounter with the region's allure, encompassing winemaking traditions, and the opportunity to relish local cuisine, making it a truly enriching exploration.

Tips from local wineries

Alsace Gilbert Ruhlmann Fils

While visiting Alsace you can check a lot of beaitiful places near our winery. One of the top restaurants to visit here is:

• Auberge ramstein : Its gourmet and creative cuisine, made from fresh, quality products, evolves with the seasons in a regional style, with a few nods to Provence. Customers are treated to three menus composed according to the season, and at the weekend, themed menus.

• Vignoble Klur

Alsace is full of surprises, great food and wine pairing experiences and beautiful places. We suggest visiting restaurants:

• L'achemille Kaysersberg: Located in one of the prettiest towns in Alsace, Kaysersberg, you can find this unique restaurant. As you might know, this area is part of the famous Alsace Wine route, and a stop here will take your wine and culinary experience to new heights.
• l'Arpège Colmar : Nestled in the heart of the city of Colmar, the L'Arpège restaurant is a true showcase of gourmet delicacies. 

What travellers says about Alsace Wine Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, which places in alsace provide the best wine tours for groups.

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Alsace Wine Route: 11+ Prettiest Towns & Villages (+Map, Tours & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 24, 2023

Alsace Wine Route ( Route des Vins d’Alsace ) traverses one of the most beautiful regions in France. But with so many towns, villages, and vineyards dotted along the famous 170-km long Alsace wine trail, how do you decide which places are worth your time the most?

In this guide, you can read (and see lots of pictures) about the most beautiful towns and the nicest villages that you really shouldn’t miss on the Alsace Wine Route . We also include our experience-based tips and information on how to visit (by car, by train, or on a tour).

To help you plan your visit, we also created a map indicating all the best towns and villages to see on the Alsace wine route, as well as some of the most scenic stretches of road that we think are worth a detour if you are traveling by car. At the bottom of the article, you can also find some general travel info and useful tips for visiting the Alsace Wine Route.

Good to know: Since there are more charming villages and pretty towns on Alsace Wine Route than anyone could visit in just a few days, in this guide we mainly focus on the places that are worth your time the most if you are visiting the region for the first time.

To help you choose where to go, for each place, we indicate how ‘worthy’ it is and how much time you need. Of course, everything is subjective and is based on our personal opinion, but I hope that it will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make the most of your time in Alsace.

And since we visited many more villages than made it into this selection, I also share a bit of info on the ones that we found weren’t really worth it if your time is limited. Some of them were mentioned in various guides as well worth a visit, but we found that it wasn’t the case.

TIP: If you are visiting Strasbourg and/or Colmar and have some time to spare, definitely consider a day trip to the nicest villages in Alsace! This tour from Strasbourg brings you to 4 of the most beautiful towns on the Alsace Wine Route. This popular tour from Colmar visits the same towns and includes wine tasting as well.

If you are looking for a more personal experience and want to visit a few of the nicer smaller villages that most tours don’t include, consider this private and customizable day tour from Colmar, and tell the driver exactly which places you want to see.

Here are the most beautiful towns and nicest villages to visit on the Alsace Wine Route:

• How much time do you need: You need at least 3-4 hours to do Colmar justice, but you can easily spend a full day here.
• Getting there: By car, by train, or with a tour from Strasbourg.

The biggest city on the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar is also one of the most beautiful Alsatian towns that you really shouldn’t miss when visiting this part of France.

The old town center is so picturesque that you really feel like you stepped into a fairytale. Take your time to explore the cobbled streets and canals lined with colorful half-timbered houses, check out a few souvenir stores, and maybe visit a museum or two. There are also many restaurants where you can try all kinds of regional specialties.

A must-see in Colmar is a canal-side area called La Petite Venise , which can also be admired from a traditional boat ride on La Lauch River. Also, the old Tanners’ District and the picturesque town square Place de l’Ancienne Douane are not to be missed.

TIP: For more information and tips on the main highlights not to miss in Colmar, please see our detailed guide to the city via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Colmar

2. Eguisheim

• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
• How much time do you need: 1-3 hours depending on what you plan to do.
• Getting there: By car, by bus, or by bike from Colmar, or with a tour from either Colmar or Strasbourg.

Our personal favorite, Eguisheim is not just one of the most picturesque villages on the Alsace Wine Route but has also been named one of the most beautiful villages in France. If you are looking for a charming Alsatian town that has it all, you really can’t go wrong choosing to come here.

Eguisheim is located just 7 km (4.3 mi) from Colmar but feels a world apart. Surrounded by vineyards and with its unique medieval atmosphere, this charming little town has a totally different feel than all other bigger (and much busier) places nearby. And because it’s so compact, you don’t have to plan much or stress about missing something. Just walk around and enjoy!

On the other hand, if you want to join a bike or a segway tour of the vineyards here, it’s best to do some research and book in advance.

We’ve been to Eguisheim on a quiet winter day and also in the peak summer season and found it just as lovely. One of our best memories here is having lunch at a tiny (and very low-key) local café called Creperie La Galinette and wandering around Rue du Rempart – the most picturesque quaint street that encircles the entire old town.

TIP: For more photos and helpful information for your visit to Eguisheim, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

Wine tip: Grand Cru Eichberg (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Gris).

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Eguisheim

3. Riquewihr

• How much time do you need: 1-3 hours.
• Getting there: By car, by bus from Colmar, or with a tour from either Colmar or Strasbourg.

Riquewihr  is located in the heart of the Alsace wine region and the vineyards are just a stone’s throw from the center. If you come here in the summer when the vines are green and lush, be sure to get just a bit outside the village and see the vineyards (of course, be considerate of private property and don’t go walking between the plants).

TIP: There is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the vineyards and Riquewihr town just nearby. However, it’s located on a hill and would be quite a walk. If you take the little tourist train, it will bring you there (it’s also a nice way to learn a bit more about the town’s history and see a bit of the surroundings).

Also the old town of Riquewihr is so picturesque that it definitely deserves a place among the top 5 of the most beautiful villages of the Alsace wine region!

Just like Eguisheim, it’s a very small town, so you don’t need much time to visit. There are a few tiny museums that you can see in like 5-10 minutes each; for the rest – just walk around the old town, try some wine and local food, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Wine tip: Schoenenbourg Grand Cru (Riesling).

4. Ribeauvillé

Somewhat bigger town, Ribeauvillé is much more charming than it looks at first sight. And it’s a perfect place to visit for tourists because everything is located along one main street, Grand Rue . Just be sure to actually walk the entire length of it – the further west you walk, the nicer it gets.

We drove past this town before and it didn’t look that special, so we visited without big expectations. But Ribeauvillé blew us away and quickly became one of our favorite towns in Alsace. It’s picturesque, colorful, has a really nice local atmosphere, and is also very lively – something that we found many smaller villages lacked. Just like Colmar, this is a place you could visit at any time and any season, and it would be very enjoyable.

TIP: If traveling by car, park near Jardin de Ville (this is also where most buses will stop and where the Tourist Train starts). Then stop at the Tourism Office for a free sightseeing map (they have it in different languages including English). When we visited, you could just pick it up outside, which was handy because we were in Ribeauvillé at lunch and they were closed (you’ll quickly learn that everything except restaurants in this part of France closes between +- 12.30 and 2 pm).

Anyway, this ‘Discovery Tour’ map indicates 24 top sights of Ribeauvillé with a very short description of each landmark. Of course, you can just walk around without any map (as I said, it’s basically just one main street), but we found that looking for all the places and learning some background stories behind them made our visit to Ribeauvillé so much more enjoyable.

If you have more time and comfortable shoes, you could also hike to the three castles overlooking the city center.

Wine tip: Ribeauvillé has 3 Grand Crus: Le Geisberg, Osterberg, and Grand Cru Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé (mainly Riesling, but also other grape varieties).

5. Kaysersberg

• How much time do you need: 1.5-3 hours.
• Getting there: By car, by bus or by bike from Colmar, or with a tour from either Strasbourg or Colmar.

Kaysersberg (or Kaysersberg – Vignoble) is another town that is usually included in pretty much any Alsace wine route itinerary or excursion. And rightly so – it’s absolutely worth a visit!

Best known for its Christmas Markets , Kaysersberg is not to be missed if you are visiting Alsace in the winter. But also in summer, the atmosphere in town is great.

Also here, you’ll find plenty of traditional colorful half-timbered houses, but the town has a totally different layout than the others. There’s a small river flowing through the center and that in itself makes it different from all the other towns and villages on the Alsace wine trail.

We also loved that the vineyards here are located just outside the city walls right at the Tourism Office. You exit the gate and wow – you’re in a totally different world. Here, you can take a short walk (+-15-20 minutes) through the vineyards to the 12th-century Château du Schlossberg . You can also reach the castle by stairs in just a few minutes. Either way, it’s well worth it and the views from the top are wonderful. The castle is just a ruin with a tower and it’s free to visit.

TIP: Also here, the Tourism Office has a handy free map indicating all the main sights in Kayserberg, as well as a suggested walking route. We found that it missed one really pretty street next to the river, but for the rest, following this route, you’ll be sure to see the nicest places in town.

Wine tip: Schlossberg Grand Cru from Kientzheim (mostly Riesling).

• RECOMMENDED.
• How much time do you need: 1-2 hours.
• Getting there: By car, by train from Strasbourg or Colmar, or with these tours from Strasbourg .

Obernai is one of the biggest towns in this selection and you’ll find it mentioned on pretty much any guide to the best towns in Alsace. It’s located just half an hour drive from Strasbourg, more on the northern end of the Alsace Wine Route. It’s really nice, but the city center is much bigger here, while there are just a few areas that are really picturesque. So you can’t compare it to Colmar where the entire old town is like a postcard.

One of the main places to see here is the main town square, Place du Marché . Here, you’ll find the most important landmarks and the nicest buildings. Be sure not to miss the renaissance Well With Six Buckets ( Puit aux Six Seaux ) and the fountain with the Sainte-Odile statue. Also in Obernai, you can take a small tourist train that makes a scenic tour and brings you to a nice viewpoint just outside the city center.

You can also take a short walk on the few remaining walls of the Ramparts of Obernai. But one of the best things to do is try some traditional French food – there is a big number of really good restaurants in town. However, keep in mind that if you are coming here for dinner, it’s best to reserve a table in advance . Almost every evening during our stay in July, every restaurant in town was completely booked and didn’t take any walk-ins.

Obernai gives you a good local feel of a simple Alsatian town where locals seem to still outnumber the tourists. If you come here on a market day or when there are any special events or festivities, it can be quite busy, but you also get to experience the genuine local atmosphere.

We were staying in Obernai for a few days on the recent summer visit to Alsace, and it seemed like there was always something going on in town. One evening, there was a traditional folk dancing and food stalls, the next day – an artisan market, and yet another night – a pop/rock concert on the main square…

TIP: Check the official website of the city tourism office to see if there are any events planned, and visit Obernai in the evening, when there’s something going on. I think it will be way more enjoyable than just coming here for sightseeing during the day, in which case, you can see all the musts in less than an hour, maybe stretch it to 2 hours if you also take the tourist train.

7. Bergheim

• How much time do you need: 0.5-1 hour.
• Getting there: By car or with this tour from Strasbourg . In winter, this Christmas Markets tour from Strasbourg also comes here on certain days.

Encircled by medieval walls, Bergheim is another really pretty village on the Alsace Wine Route. If you are just passing by, it doesn’t look that special at all and you would never believe that these brown walls are hiding such a charming old town.

Bergheim is rather compact with the nicest buildings concentrated along the two main streets and the main town square. You could enter the old town through the only remaining medieval city gate ( Porte Haute ), walk on Grand Rue to the church, passing the main square and the Town Hall. Then take the parallel street – Rue des Vignerons – back to where you started.

If you have some extra time and it’s open, you could visit a small witches’ museum La Maison des Sorcières . Here, you can learn how the perceived ‘witches’ were treated in the Middle Ages…

There was a local wine festival going on in Bergheim when we visited, and it was so fun to watch locals in such a festive mood. It looked like people from the entire town and surroundings were gathered to see the parade, and the main square was filled with tables and benches ready for the party in the evening.

Anyway, even if you come here on a quiet day and just walk around the main streets for a couple of minutes, we find that Bergheim is well worth a visit and you won’t be disappointed! Because of the location, Bergheim would make a great combination with Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. But also Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is nearby (the castle is not on the wine trail, but is absolutely worth a small detour too).

• NICE TO SEE.
• Getting there: By car, by train from Obernai, or with this half-day tour from Strasbourg .

Located just 10 minutes drive from Obernai, Barr is mostly famous for its Grand Cru wines of Kirchberg de Barr. We weren’t sure if the town itself was worth visiting, but we made a quick stop here and found that the center was really nice and worth it if you are passing by.

Also here, it’s a place where you won’t see that many tourists, but locals and people who are on a longer vacation in the Alsace wine region. So it’s not really a place where you’d see many souvenir stores or a clear tourist route to tell you where to go. Luckily, the center is also not big, so you don’t need much time here.

Don’t miss the picturesque town square where the Town Hall and the Tourism Office are located. Also the main street – with a very original name Grand Rue (like in pretty much any other village in Alsace) – is nice to see.

We were in Barr in the early afternoon and it seemed that almost everything was closed, apart from a few cafes, restaurants, and wine houses. We just walked around, got some delicious ice cream, and were back in the car less than half an hour later. Still, it was a really nice stop.

Wine tip: Grand Cru of Kirchberg (mostly Gewurztraminer, but also Riesling or Pinot Gris) .

9. Turckheim

• Getting there: By car, by train or this tour from Colmar.

Just 15-minutes by train from Colmar, Turckheim is a little town that seems to be entirely overlooked by international tourists. I haven’t seen it mentioned in any guides and most tours don’t come here either, or only pass by without a stop.

Yet, it’s one of the prettiest little towns we visited when driving the Alsace wine route, and I think it’s well worth a short detour. That being said, the old town center is really compact, so a quick visit will be sufficient.

Enter the old town center via the main gate – Porte de France , check out the little square at Fontaine de Turckheim , and walk to the St. Anne Church and the Town Hall. if the church is open, definitely take a look inside. When we visited, the 18th-century organ was playing and it made the visit even more special.

Be sure to also check out the colorful buildings along Grand’rue . If you have more time, you can also visit the local history museum Musée Mémorial des combats de la Poche de Colmar , dedicated to the Colmar Pocket Battle during WWII. Also, check out the other city gates, such as Puerta de Brand on the east side or Porte de Munster on the west side of town.

We were in Turckheim on a Friday, which appears to be the market day, so I guess it was livelier than otherwise, but still – the town center was very quiet and very enjoyable. This is one of those places where you’ll see more locals than tourists, so if you are looking for a more authentic experience away from the most popular touristy towns on the Wine Route, definitely consider a short stop here.

10. Niedermorschwihr

• QUICK PHOTO STOP.
• Getting there: By car. This tour from Colmar also includes a quick stop here .

Just 2 km north of Turckheim, you’ll find a picturesque little village called Niedermorschwihr . It’s just a tiny village located right on the wine trail, but it has several really pretty colorful houses and makes a nice photo stop.

It’s a perfect place to stop for those who are driving the Alsace Wine Route by car and are looking for quaint, charming villages that most tourists never visit.

There is a good pastry shop here that also sells some of the most delicious jams, traditional products, and even a few souvenirs (it’s one of those wonderful one-stop local stores). There is also a nice restaurant in the village and a few wineries.

TIP: We found that the road between Turckheim and Niedermorschwihr is one of the most scenic stretches of the Alsace Wine Route. So even if you don’t have the time to stop at any of these towns, it’s well worth passing by, especially if you are driving in the Colmar area and have a car. Some Alsace villages tours that start in Colmar also pass here.

11. Itterswiller

• Getting there: By car or by train from Obernai.

Itterswiller is a tiny but very picturesque village with fantastic panoramic views over the vineyards and the hills of the nearby Vosges mountains. We drove here from Obernai/ Barr and found that the Wine Route in this area is so scenic that it is well worth passing this stretch of the famous Alsatian wine trail for the jaw-dropping scenery.

The wine route includes the main street of Itterswiller, so this is a village where you can just drive by and see it from the car. On the other hand, the half-timbered houses with beautiful flowers are so picturesque that you may want to get out of the car and walk around here for a few minutes.

Itterswiller is also known for its gastronomy and the main road is lined with wine houses and several good restaurants. There are also a couple of very charming hotels here. So if you want to stay right on the wine route and enjoy a cozy atmosphere of a small village while at the same time having some great restaurants and wineries within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, this could be a nice place to stay for a night or two.

More Towns & Villages to See on Alsace Wine Route

• IF YOU HAVE A LOT MORE TIME .

If you visit all the places mentioned above and are looking for even more towns to visit when driving the wine route in Alsace, below are some more places that you’ll often see recommended.

Having stopped at each of them, we found that while nice, these are not the places I’d recommend if your time in Alsace is limited. But if you have more time, sure, why not check them out for yourselves…

This is a tiny village surrounded by vineyards and located between Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. You’ll likely pass nearby, so this could be just a quick photo stop and a small detour. Hunawihr is mostly known for its picturesque fortified church and the scenery around it. With even more time, you can also visit Butterfly Gardens ( Jardins des Papillons ) here.

Kintzheim is mostly known as the gateway to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (this castle is a must-see in the area), Château de Kintzheim (castle ruins with birds of prey shows), and La Montagne des Singes (monkey park). Each of these places is more interesting than the town itself, so I’d rather spend the time there.

Mittelbergheim

This is a small village that is said to have the best-preserved medieval architecture. Mittelbergheim is also known for Zotzenberg Grand Cru wines. But apart from a couple of wine houses and one rather short main street with a few nice buildings, there’s really not that much to do here for tourists.

Best known for the 9th-century abbey, Andlau didn’t impress us at all. It took us forever to find a parking spot here (everything was full even though there was not a soul in the entire town – go figure), and when we finally got out of the car, it wasn’t really clear what to see here or where to go. We visited the church, took a picture of the bear statue on the main square, walked part of the ‘ramparts walk’ that was indicated on the map as one of the main attractions, and were wondering the whole time whether we missed something (maybe we did…).

If you want to visit a nice abbey, better go to the nearby Sanctuary of Mont Sainte-Odile instead.

More…

In addition to the places mentioned above, there are dozens of other towns and villages on the Alsace wine route. We haven’t been able to visit all of them, so I can’t comment on how picturesque or worthy they are. Sure, you could probably find quite a few other charming places that might be worth a stop…

But if you are visiting Alsace for the first time and want to see the most beautiful towns on the wine trail in just a few days, then just concentrate on the top 5-11 from our list above, and you won’t be disappointed.

Map of the Best Places on the Alsace Wine Route

To help you plan your trip, we created this map indicating all the nicest villages and towns on the wine route in Alsace. In another color, we also indicated the ones that are nice to see, if you have plenty of time.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Stay for Visiting the Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route could be done as a road trip in its entirety. In that case, you may want to stay at different hotels along the way – depending on how many days you have and what you plan to see each day…

On the other hand, the region isn’t that big and you can easily stay at just one place and visit all the other towns/villages from there. In that case, a lot depends on whether you have a car or not.

There are lots of advantages of staying in just one place. For one, you don’t have to pack/unpack each day and are flexible with your plans. This was very helpful when we visited since the Tour de France for women was in the region on the same days as our visit, and many roads were closed in the afternoons. So we adjusted our plans each day in such a way that we avoided any road closures, while still being able to see/do everything we wanted.

Without a car , Colmar is the best place to stay for exploring the most beautiful towns and villages in the region. There are good bus/train connections to some of the main places, and you’ll also find lots of organized tours to the most popular places. Strasbourg can also be a good place to stay if you are just planning a day trip to the wine region.

• The Colmar Hotel is one of the most popular mid-range options in Colmar.
• Aparthotel Adagio Access is a well-located mid-budget hotel in Strasbourg.

With a car, and if you want to be right in the middle of the wine region, consider staying in the area around Riquewihr / Ribeauvillé . That way, you can minimize the driving times each day. This area or Kaysersberg would also be a good base for exploring the wine region by bike .

• Best Western Hotel & SPA Le Schoenenbourg in Riquewihr is one of the best options if you are looking for a nice hotel with a good location, outdoor pool, etc. This was our first choice for the recent summer visit, but it wasn’t available for our travel dates.

Our personal experience: We’ve been to Alsace multiple times and usually stayed in the area around Strasbourg. However, on the most recent trip that was focused purely on the wine route, we stayed at this family-run hotel in Obernai.

We chose it for other factors than location (outdoor pool, big family rooms, easy parking, etc.), but we found that the location was also ok for sightseeing anywhere in the region. Most places are within a 20-40 minutes drive, some others almost an hour.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and accommodations all over the region. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, then zoom in and out on various villages to see what’s available for your stay.

Practical Info & Tips

Here is some useful info you may want to know when visiting the Alsace Wine Route:

• Alsace Wine Route extends for about 170 km (105 mi) from Marlenheim to Thann and passes dozens of picturesque towns, charming villages, and a countless number of wine domains and vineyards.
• The Alsace wine region is perched in between the Vosges mountains on one side and the Rhine River and the Black Forest mountain range on the other side. Protected by the mountains from two sides, Alsace has a perfect climate for wine growing. The area around Colmar is one of the dryest regions in France.
• You can quickly see Colmar and 1-2 villages OR 4 most popular villages on the Alsace Wine Route in a day, but to really appreciate this region, we recommend at least 2-3 days . If you want to drive the entire route and visit the most beautiful towns and villages, you can easily spend a week in Alsace.
• The best way to explore the Alsace wine region is by car or motorbike , but you can also cycle , or visit several towns by train and/or bus. If you are short on time, the best way to see the highlights is by joining organized tours from Strasbourg or Colmar . If you have more time, you can also rent a bike to explore the vineyards near some of the most popular villages, but I highly recommend considering an e-bike since many areas are really hilly.
• The nicest period to visit the Alsatian wine route is in the summer . That’s when the vineyards are nice and green, there are lots of celebrations and festivals all over the region, and the locals are relaxed. It can be interesting to visit during the harvest season as well, but consider that everyone will be working hard and might not always appreciate having tourists around… Alsace towns are also famous for their fairytale-like Christmas markets , so December is also a wonderful time to be here.
• 7 grape varieties and several Grand Cru wines are produced in the Alsace region. In Alsace, wines get their names from the type of grape (and not from a village or the terroir as in the other regions). There are 6 white wine types here: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat d’Alsace, and 1 red – Pinot Noir. My personal favorite is Pinot Gris (pretty much any domain and any wine – I don’t think we ever had a Pinot Gris we didn’t like). We also really enjoyed the Riesling Schoenenbourg Grand Cru from Riqewihr.
• There’s a lot more to see and do in Alsace than just the Wine Route. Castles, monasteries, nature reserves, theme parks, countless other towns, etc. In this guide, we only focus on the nicest places located directly on the Alsace Wine Route.

READ ALSO: What to See in Strasbourg

So, this is our guide to the nicest towns to see when driving the Alsace Wine Route.

I hope that it helps you plan a truly memorable visit and fall in love with this beautiful region, just as we did.

Have a great trip!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Paris

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Sunday 14th of August 2022

Beautiful description of my dream home ( every one of the towns described fit my dream location of residence) 😄

Monday 15th of August 2022

:) I have to agree with you, Michael. Many of these towns look like fairytale-like places indeed!

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• OUR VINEYARDS
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A land of vineyards and traditions for making famous wines

The Alsace vineyards offer a range of exceptional wines. Rich in history and architecture and boasting a unique landscape, they hold a range of varied events all year round.

Protected by the natural barrier of the Vosges Mountains, the vineyards of Alsace benefit from a unique climate and a variety of different grape-growing districts. The many different grape varieties which thrive here produce an incomparable range of rich and aromatic wines , from the driest and most delicate to the most opulent and full-bodied. The Alsace Wine Route, one of the oldest in France , crosses these different wine districts. From Marlenheim to Thann, it allows you to discover 170 km of scenic landscapes , from medieval villages and half-timbered houses decorated with flowers, to castles and Roman and Gothic churches. The wine route is also a place for community events : from April to October the grape harvest festival is celebrated in numerous local villages, and then there are the famous Christmas markets . 

Whether on foot , along the vineyard tracks and discovery walking routes, or by bike on the Vineyards Cyclewa y, trips through the wine districts reveal the work of the winegrowers and the art of the Alsace wines. Meetings with winegrowers and wine tasting along the way provide a pleasant stop during your walk or ride through this land of traditions and wines.

1. Travel the 170-km Alsace Wine Route at the foot of the Vosges Mountains.

2. Meet the winemakers in their wine cellars.

3. Pedal down the signposted Vineyards Cycleway, which links Marlenheim to Thann and partly follows the Euro Vélo 5 long-distance cycleway.

appellations 53 appellations AOC Alsace, AOC Alsace Grands Crus, AOC Crémant-d’Alsace

dominants grape

Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer

Alsace wine route website

Wine of Alsace website

Interprofessional Council of Alsace Wines - E-mail: [email protected]

La Route des Vins d'Alsace

Alsace : Discover the vineyard

Our Getaway ideas to discover the vineyard in all its facets

SlowUp in Alsace: A day of sport and fine food

Segway through the heart of Alsace with Mobilboard

Tackling the fortresses along the Alsace Wine Route

Brunch time in the wine region of Alsace

As vines go by in Alsace

It’s all go at Domaine Achillée

A picnic in the vineyards of Alsace

Enjoy a unique open-top bus experience along the Alsace Wine Route!

Confrérie de Saint Étienne

Come and explore Maison Cattin in Voegtlinshoffen

Discovering the delights of Alsace

« Winegrower for a day » in Alsace

From Alsace to Champagne, epicureanism goes green

Obernai Christmas Market

Olivier Nasti

The perfect break for wine lovers at Domaine Specht!

Qi qong and famous wines!

Wine tourism in just one click with Winalist

Get away from it all in the vineyards of Alsace with Ophorus

The Colmar International Festival

On the Bacchus trail

Party time with Alsace's new wine

Rue des Vignerons: your gateway to the wine regions

Festival of Wine and Gastronomy, Ribeauvillé

Picnic with an Independent Winegrower — Vigneron Indépendant®

Comptoir des Vignerons Alsaciens

And what if Alsace told me a story?

Maison Zeyssolff

Costumes at the ready for the Alsace Vineyard Marathon!

The Alsace Wine Fair

Between the Route Romane and the Route des vins

The Alsace Wine Route aboard Kut’Zig

Les Riceys & Guebwiller

Grape picker for a day in Alsace

Welcome to France’s independent winegrowers

Francine Klur

Vélo’Vignes at Domaine Rieflé-Landmann

A Ramparts and Vineyards trail in the heart of a unique terroir!

Mittelbergheim Wine Festival

The magic of Alsace’s wine cellars at Christmas

The excellence of Alsace at Domaine Pierre Adam

Celebrating the Alsace wine route!

Visit the breathtaking historic wine cellar of Strasbourg Hospices!

Alsace Wine Road Cycle Route

Romain Iltis

Expert advice

Head sommelier at Villa Lalique, crowned France’s leading sommelier in 2012 and Meilleur Ouvrier de France – the country’s finest artisan

Two-star chef at La Table d’Olivier Nasti, the restaurant at the 5-star Chambard hotel, Kaysersberg, in Alsace

A woman winemaker from Alsace and diVINe member

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THE 10 BEST Colmar Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in colmar.

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1. Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar

2. Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar

3. Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar

4. Private and customizable: Alsace Wine Route HIGHLIGHTS in 3 hours

5. ICONICS Tour: 1/2 day on the Wine Route, visit of 2 Villages + Tasting.

6. Private Wine Tasting Tour With Personal Driver

7. The Emblematic: visit of villages, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Wine tasting

8. Alsace 4 Wonders Private Full Day Trip

9. Private Tour: Alsace Wine Tasting Day Trip from Colmar

10. Private Tour: Alsace Villages and Wine Day Trip from Colmar

11. Safari-Tour: the emblematic and Perfume Workshop of Alsace, for the day

12. Private Tour: Alsace Villages and Wine Day Trip from Gerardmer

13. 4 day tour in Champagne and Alsace with History and Wine Guide

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour

Traditional visit and tasting

Cellar visit and "Wine time" (Tea Time around wine)

Great Sparkling tour: the Crémant experience

Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience

Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket

Taste alsace: tasting of our alsace wines - no cellar tour.

Spirit of TERROIR

Introduction to alsace wines.

Discovery and Tasting of Biodynamic Wine in Alsace

Cellar Visit and Women's Wine Tasting in Gueberschwihr

Crazy senses!

Cellar visit and 100% immersive Vegetarian meal to Strasbourg

Cruise on the RHINE and visit of Strasbourg by private boat

Visit of a Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting

Gourmet Bike Tour with a Locals in Strasbourg

What travelers are saying.

• Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar
• Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar
• Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar
• ICONICS Tour: 1/2 day on the Wine Route, visit of 2 Villages + Tasting.
• Private and customizable: Alsace Wine Route HIGHLIGHTS in 3 hours
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• Alsace Safari
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Tours & Tastings In Alsace

Picturesque Colmar, vibrant Strasbourg, verdant valleys, magnificent mountains, the oldest wine route in France and aromatic, dry white wines. An Alsace wine tour includes many of these sights (and wines) and will make for a memorable experience in the north of France. Just picture yourself tasting some of the best Rieslings in the world in a local winery or getting exclusive access to areas within the Cathedral of Strasbourg that are normally off-limits to the public. Do you prefer mountain biking on the Alsace wine route and stopping at little villages along the way for wine, cheese and chocolate tastings? No need to daydream about these extraordinary itineraries: you can simply create a bespoke wine tour in Alsace with the support of a local travel expert who can help you plan it and make sure you see and do everything you want… and more.

Tours Suggestion in Alsace

Such a wealth of gourmet experiences, historical and cultural sites and stunning natural landscapes, needs to be savored and appreciated properly. Make sure you make the most of your wine tour in Alsace and especially in Strasbourg by planning ahead and booking in advance to avoid disappointing surprises on the day of your visit. You can also ask for the knowledgeable support of a local travel expert , who can help you organize a first-class trip and guarantee you will enjoy the bespoke wine holiday of a lifetime! 

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Alsace Wine Route by Car – Itinerary & Map

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Follow the Wine Route – Alsace’s Best Road Trip

The Alsace Wine Route (Route du Vin Alsace), in Eastern France , is one of the best things to do in Alsace . One of the most famous wine trails in France, this Wine Route Alsace between Colmar and Strasbourg invites visitors to discover beautiful landscapes and lovely Alsace villages while tasting some of the region’s best wines.

The proposed Alsace Wine Route itinerary by car takes five days, and it is a good itinerary for those who love sightseeing, outdoor activities, and wine.

This Alsace Wine Route by car is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Alsace Wine Region

The Alsace Wine Region produces dry white wines, sparkling sweet varieties, and rosés. Just like in Southern Germany, you can find delicious Rieslings , Gewurztraminers, and Pinot Gris in Alsace. There are also wines made from the Pinot Noir grape – which are pale reds, often rosés. Sparkling wines, known as Crémant d’Alsace, are also made of Pinot Noir.

The Alsace wines are aromatic, floral, and spicy. Since they seldom have any oak barrel aroma, they tend to be very varietally pure in their character.

READ MORE: Best Wine Regions in France

Unlike in the Bordeaux Wine Region, wine producers in Alsace open their wineries to visitors during the harvest, from September to November, and most other times of the year (including weekends). Usually, wine producers in Alsace speak French, German, and English, and chatting with them while tasting their wines is a good opportunity to learn more about Alsace’s wines.

TIP: If you plan to bring a few bottles home (who could resist?!), make sure you pack your wine properly , so it arrives safely home!

Alsace Wine Route by Car Overview

• Start:  Colmar
• Finish:  Strasbourg
• Duration:  5 days
• Suggested route:  Colmar – Riquewihr – Obernai – Strasbourg
• Total distance:  104.5 Km, 1 hr 30 min drive in total
• Region covered:  Grand Est
• Best for:  history, sightseeing, nature, small towns, food & wine.

Alsace Wine Route Map

Click here to view this Alsace Wine Route Map on Google

Route du Vin – Alsace Wine Route Itinerary

This Alsace Wine Route by car starts from Colmar , one of the main cities in the Alsace Region . If you don’t have a car, you can travel to Colmar by train and then rent one in Colmar. The chances are that car rental in Colmar is cheaper than in Paris, plus you avoid the hassle of driving from Paris or any other city to the east. Check out our  best tips for hiring a car in France .

Click here to rent a car in Colmar

DAY 0 | Arrival in Colmar

Arrive in Colmar the day before the start of this Alsatian wine route. For your stay in Colmar, book three nights at the charming Hotel Le Colombier . This hotel, located in the picturesque district of Little Venice, has spacious and stylish rooms, a bar, and a garden in which to relax.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Le Colombier

DAY 1 | Colmar

Colmar is the most popular city to visit on this Alsace wine trail. The Old Town of Colmar is the city’s main highlight, with half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, and quaint canals.

A signposted walking trail leads visitors in a 6.1km loop around the city (estimated time: 2.5 hrs). The route is outlined on the free Colmar Old Town Map from the tourist office, but you can just follow the golden triangles along the way (embossed with Lady Liberty) to the top Colmar sights.

The list of fun things to see and do in Colmar includes:

• The Unterlinden Museum
• The Bartholdi Museum
• The Little Venice
• The Food Market (consider having lunch inside for a super local experience)
• The Toy Museum
• The Choco-Story Colmar

FUN FACT: Artist  Auguste Bartholdi  – The man who created the Statue of Liberty – was born in Colmar in 1834. As a Colmar claim-to-fame, Lady Liberty appears throughout the city, and you will find a replica of the famous statue in a roundabout.

DAY 2 | Colmar – Eiguisheim – Colmar

Morning in Eguisheim

From Colmar, consider a day trip to Eguisheim and its surrounding vineyards. Eguisheim is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France , and it is a wonder. Located at only a 10-minute drive from Colmar, Eguisheim is one of the most popular day trips from Colmar .

Eguisheim  has a unique layout, where the streets are arranged in concentric circles around the Eguisheim Castle. Don’t miss its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses and the central square with its magnificent stone fountain and the colorful Saint Léo Chapel.

Obviously, one of the best things to do in Eiguisheim is to visit one of the many cellars in the Old Town . Testing, tasting, and refining your knowledge are all activities around Oenology that await you in Eiguisheim. Learn more about the local grape varieties and the wines’ subtleties. After some research, we recommend the wines from Eichberg and Pfersigberg , which reveal aromas of fruit, honey, and wood.

Afternoon Hike Up to the Three Towers

From Eguisheim, there’s a beautiful and easy hike through the vineyards and the forest up to the Three Castles  on Schlossberg Hill (1.5 hr uphill). The Three Castles were built during the 11th and 12th centuries by three local families. Today, all three castles are in ruins (they were destroyed in 1466 during the War of the Six Oboles), but the views from the top of the hill are great.

DAY 3 | Kaysersberg – Riquewihr

Morning in Kaysersberg

Day 3 of this Alsatian wine route explores two of the prettiest villages in Alsace. From Colmar, drive to  Kaysersberg Vignoble , a small town nestled at the entrance of the Vosges Valley. Kaysersberg means “the Emperor’s mountain,” and the ruins of the imperial castle (13th-century) that dominate the city have an incredible charm.

You are going to love Kaysersberg , with its beautiful historic center and its many half-timbered houses from the 15th – 16th centuries. There is also a unique fortified bridge, which was built in the 16th century in pink sandstone from the Vosges.

GOOD TO KNOW: Alsace is the region in France with more fortified castles! Their distinctive pink color is from the Vosges sandstone used to build them.

Afternoon in Riquewihr

From Kaysersberg, drive to the picturesque town of  Riquewihr, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Riquewihr, book the oh-so-charming  Hotel à l’Oriel , located in the heart of the Old Town. The historic hotel proposes individually decorated beautiful traditional rooms, a good breakfast, and private parking.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel à l’Oriel

You will likely fall in love with Riquewihr . This fortified village surrounded by vineyards was built in the 16th century, and it is as if time has slowed down in this town. Riquewihr is another Alsace village listed among the  Most Beautiful Villages in France . 

Apart from its beautiful half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys, Riquewihr has no less than 40 listed Historical Monuments. The Thieves’ Tower is the most famous, and it was the former prison of Riquewihr.

At the entrance of Riquewihr, you will find several wine producers offering wine tastings and their best bottles of Alsace wine. We bought a couple of bottles of muscat and crémant at Domaine Dopff au Moulin (2 Avenue Jacques Preiss, Riquewihr). Then, within the walls, you will find many wine shops.

DAY 4 | Riquewihr – Obernai – Strasbourg

Day 4 of this Alsace Wine Route itinerary starts with a morning hike. Beyond the limits of Riquewihr lies a stunning horizon filled with vineyards growing between the hills. This is the starting point of the  Géovino Trail , which goes through the Alsace vineyards of the communal territories of Riquewihr, Beblenheim, Benwihr, Hunawihr, and Zellenberg. This rural 16km trail (which takes 4.5 hours for the full loop) includes information panels about the works in the vineyards and wine production.

We recommend doing the first part of the hike to the pretty village of Hunawihr and back (6km, 1 hr 15 min). Hunawihr is another of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and it is best known for its unique fortified church, which is a wonder!

In Hunawihr, Domaine François Schwach operates different wine tours. The Introduction to the Alsace Wines and the Crémant Experience are their most interesting tours (book in advance).

Afternoon in Obernai

On the way to Strasbourg, visit Obernai , a small city well-known for its historical monuments. Between mid-November to the end of December, Obernai also hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Alsace .

Admire the Place du Marché, with the imposing belfry, the Wheat Market, and the beautiful 16th-century well. Then, stroll through the picturesque Rue des Juifs.

After visiting Obernai, drive to Strasbourg , the last stop of this Alsace wine trail. Technically speaking, Strasbourg is not part of the Alsace Wine Trail, but the city is so beautiful that it is well worth the detour!

In Strasbourg, book two nights at the  Hotel Cathédrale , located just opposite Notre Dame de Strasbourg ,  and with incredible and spectacular views over the cathedral.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Cathédrale

DAY 5 | Strasbourg

Day 5 of this Route du Vin Alsace explores Strasbourg, so you won’t need the car. 

Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and the Grand Est region . Because of its history and central location, Strasbourg plays host to more than 20 European institutions.

Strasbourg has an immense historical and architectural heritage, making it the wealthiest city in the region. Developed on the River Ill banks, its city center is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

If you are visiting Strasbourg for the first time, we recommend this  Strasbourg itinerary for 2 days ,  which covers the main things to do in Strasbourg and our best tips.

The list of fun things to do and see in Strasbourg includes:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The Petite-France, a picturesque district
• The covered bridges and the barrage Vauban
• Strasbourg river cruise
• History Museum
• The European neighborhood

Don’t miss Notre Dame of Strasbourg , a jewel of Gothic architecture. If the weather is good, climb up to the top of the tower to admire the city from above. During clear days it is possible to see the Black Forest in Germany!

And why not finish this Alsace Wine Route with a last wine tour? Don’t miss the prestigious Cave des Hospices de Strasbourg , the historic cellar of the Strasbourg Hospital, 6 centuries old! Although there’s a free visit possible, we recommend the audio-guided tour, as this is a place full of history and magic. No wine-tasting here (after all, this is part of a hospital), but we are sure you’ll find something-something to bring back home in their wine shop.

So, what are you waiting for? Book this Alsace Wine Route by car today!

Click here for other Road Trips

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Home » Europe » France » Six Magical Villages to Love in Alsace, France

Six Magical Villages to Love in Alsace, France

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: August 15, 2023

I first visited Alsace, France, 10 years ago on a day trip from Switzerland. From the moment I stepped foot in Colmar, one of Alsace’s most famous cities, I was smitten. Half-timbered buildings that looked like gingerbread houses come to life, flower boxes spilling over with the colors of the rainbow, even a river cutting through town. It would be hard to imagine a place more picture-perfect. A day trip was not nearly enough.

When I finally returned, I wasn’t going to miss the chance to explore Alsace more fully. From Colmar to Strasbourg and a handful of impossibly charming villages in between, I followed the Alsace wine route ( Route des Vins Alsace ) through this unique part of France, eating, wine tasting, and ogling gorgeous buildings along the way.

Visiting Alsace, France

Wine in alsace, driving the alsace wine route, visiting colmar, visiting eguisheim, visiting kaysersberg, visiting riquewihr, visiting ribeauville, visiting strasbourg, how to get to alsace, france.

In Eastern France along the borders of Germany and Switzerland, the Alsace region has alternated between German and French control over the centuries. The result is a culture that is a little bit French, a little bit German, and distinctly Alsatian.

In Alsace, there is a traditional dress with bright red skirts and vests and huge hair bows that appears in old photos, museums, and the occasional cultural festival (including one I encountered around Easter). Everyone speaks French, but the Alsatian dialect is also taught in schools, and the cuisine—heavy on potatoes and meat—feels quite German.

The biggest cities in Alsace France are bustling, beautiful Strasbourg and Colmar, which has my heart. Although it’s easy to connect the two by train (in just 30 minutes), you miss the delightful towns in between.

Curving back roads link the smaller villages along the Alsace wine route, which means it is easy to visit many of them on a day trip, although Strasbourg and Colmar are worth more time and are more directly linked on the A35, if you’re driving.

The Alsatian history of wine-making goes back to at least the 2nd century. The quality and quantity of France’s favorite beverage ebbed and flowed over the years, but the 1300s and the three centuries that followed were some of the biggest in wine production. The half-timbered houses that still stand throughout Alsace are due, in part, to this prosperous time when the vins d’Alsace were exported by river all over Europe.

Today, wines in Alsace are mostly white. Unlike other places in France, Alsace uses the grape varietal name, which makes it a bit easier for visitors to know what they’re ordering.

The region produces some of the most well-known dry Riesling in the world along with Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. Pinot Noir predictably contributes to rosés and less predictably to some whites. Topping it off is the popular Cremant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine found on most menus and tasting lists. Most Alsatian wine options are dry, but there’s plenty of sweet wine to go around, too.

Whether small, family-run wineries or slightly large co-ops or corporate endeavors, wineries in Alsace are generally open for visitors. These businesses produce some of the best wines in the world, but most will welcome you like family and invite you to taste as much as you’d like for free. It’s hard to think of a more enjoyable way to see some of the prettiest towns and landscapes in France.

From Marlenheim to Thann, the 100-mile route winds its way through the lush French countryside. As in the nearby Moselle Valley and southern France’s Cotes du Rhone region , vineyards seem to go on forever with each town running into the next.

In these foothills of the Vosges mountains, more than 1,000 wine producers make the astounding whites Alsace is known for. If you love wine, this trip is an ideal way to sip your way through vineyards large and small. If you don’t, the towns are the things that dreams are made of. Either way, all the elements combine into a fantastic day (or more) exploring Alsace.

Because I was staying in Colmar, that’s where I began my road trip near the southern end of the wine route. In just 23 miles (36 km), I visited Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville. The following day included a further exploration of Strasbourg at the north end. Every visit to Alsace will be a little different, so I’m covering all the stops here. If you are considering the trip, be sure to check out our Guide to Driving in France .

Don’t want to drive? Consider this small-group day tour along the Alsace Wine Route from Colmar or this half-day option . To visit from Strasbourg, try this option .

Colmar is the city that called me back to visit Alsace. Like many of the other cities on the Alsace wine route, Colmar was spared most of the ravages for World War II, so it is full of history and amazing buildings that date back to the 15th century. The colors and architecture are breathtaking. People often visit Colmar on a day trip or for its famous Christmas markets , but there are enough things to do in Colmar to fill at least a weekend if your vacation schedule allows.

What to do in Colmar

As one of the larger cities in Alsace, there’s a lot to explore in Colmar, and it’s all within a compact area. It’s possible to walk across the historic center in less than 15 minutes.

Make your own walking tour

Throughout Colmar you’ll find golden triangles emblazoned with the Statue of Liberty embedded in the sidewalks. Following them will take you to a lot of the city’s main sights, including the museum dedicated to one of Colmar’s most famous sons , the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. Just looking for these emblems and the historic panels that accompany them give you a great overview of the city’s history and the attractive buildings throughout the center.

See Petite Venise

In a city full of beautiful things, it’s no stretch to say that Petite Venise (Little Venice) is the most beautiful. This group of half-timbered buildings along the canal feels like you’ve stepped into the middle of a fairy tale. Like Bruges in Belgium or Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany , it oozes charm and feels purpose-built for tourism though, in reality, it’s looked much the same way for centuries.

Visit the Covered Market

I am a sucker for any and all local markets, so, of course, the covered market in Colmar was one of my favorite stops. Right on the edge of Petite Venise, it has about 20 merchants selling all the delicious French things. There are high-quality cheeses, quiches, produce, and prepared items. Even if you’re not as obsessed with markets as I am, it’s worth a stop.

Get an art education at the Unterlinden Museum

The Unterlinden Museum is one of the top museums not just in Alsace but in all of France. Located in a former 13th-century convent, the museum covers nearly 7,000 years of history. From prehistoric times to contemporary works, the Unterlinden Museum has a little bit of everything. Its star attraction is the Isenheim Altarpiece, a richly-colored work on multiple panels that dates from 1515.

For an even more in-depth look at what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in this exquisite city, read our detailed article about Colmar .

Wine tasting in Colmar

This is France, so there are many opportunities for trying wines at the restaurants and outdoor cafes throughout the city. In the summer, there are also often wine-related events in Place de l’Ancienne Douane in the city center. For a slightly more formal experience at a winery, don’t miss Domaine Karcher.

Karcher’s vineyards are a few miles outside the city center, but their wines are made and aged in Colmar. They have a sparkling Cremant and a late harvest Gewürztraminer that shouldn’t be missed. If an experience here is at the top of your list for a trip to Alsace, you may want to consider booking a tasting in advance because they’re popular.

Less than five miles from Colmar, dazzling Eguisheim is a must-visit on the Alsace wine route. This village of just 1600 residents is impossibly inviting, which is one of the reasons it was voted as Village préféré des Français (Favorite French Village) in 2013. Eguisheim is known for being the birthplace of the Alsatian viticulture industry, and its micro-climate is perfect for wine-growing.

Because of its proximity, Eguisheim is easy to visit via bicycle from Colmar. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot on the edge of town that’s a quick, 5-minute walk from the heart of things. Just make sure you have coins for the parking kiosk.

What to do in Eguisheim

Eguisheim is a lovely town and a wonderful place to visit, but there’s not a lot to do—it’s more about being. The best way to get a sense for the town is on a self-guided walking tour.

The old town wall no longer exists, but it left a circular lane lined with half-timbered houses that makes for a pleasant walk around town. Even if you stroll and browse to the max, it’s unlikely to take more than 45 minutes to an hour. If you start near the entrance to the town (near the tourist information office/TI) and go clockwise, you’ll see many of the prettiest things Eguisheim has to offer.

Right as you begin the walking tour, you’ll come upon a place where the road splits. The building in front of you looks like it came directly from Hansel and Gretel. Keep going to discover a series of more charming houses, small squares, and local merchants selling jewelry, food items, and handcrafted leather goods as well as plenty more typical souvenirs.

When you’ve made the loop, walk to the town center on Grand Rue where you’ll see the fountain, the “castle” (a private home built on the old castle’s footprint), and the 19th-century chapel of St. Leo IX. If your visit is like mine, there are likely to be plenty of storks around, too. They build their nests in the highest places in town and move in for good.

Wine tasting in Eguisheim

Between the parking lot and the town center is Wolfberger, a more corporate-feeling winery which is atypical in the area. There’s a history exhibit, a place to smell different wine aromas, and a large bar and showroom. You can try just about anything your heart desires.

I also visited the much smaller Pierre Henri Ginglinger, which offers free tastings of their organic wines near the TI. Settle in at one of the wooden tables in their tasting room, which feels more like a farmhouse or someone’s home sitting room than a corporate establishment. Their Muscat and Cremant were my favorite.

Before visiting Kaysersberg, everything I read proclaimed that this town—with less than 3000 residents—would be impossibly touristy. Perhaps it was because I visited on a warm weekday in April, but I didn’t feel that way at all. I can’t vouch for how quiet it could be on a July weekend, but a shoulder-season visit was pleasant.

Kaysersberg (Emperor’s Mountain) is filled with 15th-century homes and other landmarks. The arch through which you enter the town is from 1604. This place is properly old, not a creation for tourists. It doesn’t just feel like a step back in time—it is one. It’s also worth mentioning that this splendid place is the town where travel storyteller and worldwide vagabond Anthony Bourdain ended his earthly journey.

Kaysersberg has grown wine for over 400 years. So if you like wine, photography, quaint villages, or really anything pretty, Kaysersberg is worth a stop.

What to do in Kaysersberg

As with Eguisheim, a walking tour to experience Kaysersberg is the best “thing to do” there, though there are a few more destination sights than in the previous village. These are some of the highlights.

Walk through town

Starting at the main square, Place de la Mairie, you’ll find the Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the TI. Walk up the main drag, Rue du General de Gaulle. One of the first things you’ll see on the left is a fountain featuring the Roman Emperor Constantine, which dates from 1521. It’s a lovely fountain and yet not overly remarkable in its design, but the fact that it’s been in this spot for nearly 500 years blew my mind.

Continue down the street to see the buildings that have been decorated like actual gingerbread houses (smiling cookies and all). About the time you think the street is ending, you’ll reach the bridge where everything opens up into a superb scene of flowing water and more buildings. Drink it all in.

Visit Church of the Holy Cross

Adjacent to the Emperor Constantine fountain is the Church of the Holy Cross which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Step inside the Romanesque façade and appreciate the intricate 16th century altarpiece that shows the Passion of Christ. Sadly, the medieval stained glass was destroyed in World War II, so what’s here now is modern, but it’s worth admiring.

See glasswork at Verrerie d’Art De Kaysersberg

The nearby region of Lorraine, with which Alsace is often paired in history, is known for its glass. At this workshop, you can see the craft materialize in front of your eyes. See the glassblowers at work and wander among the spectacular showroom pieces.

Visit the Albert Schweitzer Museum

Dr. Albert Schweitzer was a philosopher, theologian, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (among other pursuits) in the early 20th century. The town where he was born pays tribute to the giant of a renaissance man in an interesting two-room museum near the end of Rue du General de Gaulle.

Wine tasting in Kaysersberg

Just a few steps from the TI, the Cave des Vignerons de Kaysersberg features 150 wine producers in the area surrounding Kaysersberg, so it’s an excellent place to try a wide variety of wines. Additionally, on the outskirts of town at Domaine Weinbach, the Faller family tends to the ancient Clos des Capucins. Try the Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru and Gewurztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru. Visits at Domaine Weinbach are by appointment only.

The next stop, Riquewihr, was only six miles (10 km) from Kaysersberg. Parking in a convenient lot just outside the city walls, I set out to see what this new town had in store.

Like many of the other villages and towns on the Alsace wine route, Riquewihr has rightly been officially recognized as one of the most stunning places in France. The enchanting mix of lanes, courtyards, and bright buildings make it a great place to feel the joie de vivre of a day in France. It was immediately apparent why so many people said not to miss this stop.

It’s impossible to say which town in Alsace is the prettiest because they all have a unique color or style to offer. In Riquewihr, it was the brilliant royal blue and Crayon-box yellow that most caught my eye.

What to do in Riquewihr

In what is surely a theme for this day trip, taking a stroll around the town is the best way to spend your time in Riquewihr. Fortunately, it’s easy to identify the main street—Rue du General de Gaulle—running up and down the hill through the center of town.

Riquewihr is a fabulous array of stone houses, towers, cobblestones, shops, tasting rooms, and the largest half-timbered houses I saw anywhere in Alsace. The town’s architecture is so rich now thanks to its wealth from wine production during its heyday in the 15th to 17th centuries. There is a lot to see in a small space.

If you start at the bottom of town at the Town Hall, you’ll see the map that shows Riquewihr as it was in 1644, surrounded by a double wall and a moat. At the time, this well-fortified wine village was a trading center for both Alsatian and German wine.

As you head uphill, you’ll see the homes of men who managed the wine estates in the area centuries ago. Between them are businesses with elaborate wrought-iron signs advertising what’s inside. If you’re in the market for something delicious—cheeses, sausages, or other Alsatian delicacies—these are optimal places to explore. Near the top of town is an imposing guard tower, known as Le Dolder, that dates all the way back to 1291.

Wine tasting in Riquewihr

In addition to its stunning beauty and the feeling of being frozen in time, Riquewihr is most famous for its wines known all over the world. Hugel & Fils has produced wine here since 1639 and still operates a tasting room next to its cellars in the heart of the town. The family-run enterprise makes Muscat and Pinot Gris and is most known for their Alsace Riesling and Gewurztraminer. I bought a bottle of their Gentil—a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer—to take home, though I didn’t have the willpower to make it that long.

From Hugel, it’s a five-minute walk downhill to Dopff & Irion. The winery offers good-value wines, the best of which come from the Schoenenbourg Grand Cru. You can also taste their eau de vie offerings, which are some of my favorites.

One of the oldest towns in Alsace, Ribeauville was the seat of the Lords of Ribeaupierre (hence the name “Ribeauville”) in the Middle Ages. The Lords built three castles in the surrounding area, the ruins of which can still be seen today. But despite its history and handsome features, the reason I came to Ribeauville was more straightforward—wine.

The towns throughout Alsace are known for their prolific wine production, but only Ribeauville has one of Lance’s favorite wineries, Trimbach Estate. The chance to visit Trimbach in person and the ease of reaching Ribeauville from Riquwihr landed it on my list for Alsace.

What to do in Ribeauville

At 5000 residents, Ribeauville is one of the largest villages I visited in Alsace. In many ways, it retains the charm of the 17th and 18th century, but that is merged with more elements of a modern city than I saw in the other villages. There seemed to be more contemporary architecture and more car traffic along with fewer tourists.

As with the other towns on the wine road, I wandered my way down Grand Rue past shops and antique buildings. The Easter decorations were still up, lending an air of whimsy to everything (decorating for every season and holiday is a must throughout Alsace).

Ribeauville has preserved parts of the old town walls and its defensive towers, including Tour des Bouchers, which originally dates from the 13th century. In the town, small lanes run into squares with fountains, and there is even a building from 1522 known as the Elephant Inn thanks to the paintings on its half-timbered façade. A sign points the way to the “quartier pittoresque” (picturesque area) where you’ll find some of the brightest buildings.

Overall, Ribeauville did not impress me as much as the other towns I visited. Perhaps it was because the other destinations were impossibly pristine and pulled together. Contrast that with construction and revitalization projects and much work happening to restore the 400-year-old buildings to their formerly bright glory. I was left with the impression that in a few years, Ribeauville will be just as pretty as the other towns, but it’s not quite there yet.

Wine tasting in Ribeauville

Trimbach Estate is one of the most famous Alsatian wineries. The Trimbach family has made wine in Alsace for 13 generations, stretching back to 1626.

Lance has been drinking the white wines from Trimbach for over a decade, and even though he was not with me on this trip, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit and buy something special that’s not exported to the US. I sampled a Pinot Blanc, a Gewürztraminer, and several Rieslings and walked away with a Vieilles Vignes (old vine) Riesling.

On Grand Rue, Robert Faller et Fils, which has been making wine since 1697, is also a solid option. Stop in to try their Cremant d’Alsace and Gewürztraminer.

The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg feels like a much larger Colmar with more waterways, streetcars, and traffic. But despite its many modern additions, parts of this city of 275,000 people still feel very small-town, echoing the attractive parts of the rest of Alsace.

Strasbourg is easy to get to and well-connected to the rest of France and beyond via the TGV train. Strasbourg is worth at least a day on its own, but it is also a great place to start or finish a trip on the Alsace wine route. Wander its streets, appreciate the mix of Franco-Germanic culture, and take in all the sights the city has to offer.

What to do in Strasbourg

A university town, busy city, and capital of the European Union (along with Brussels and Luxembourg ), there is a lot happening in Strasbourg. It definitely has the most to do of any of the cities in Alsace.

See Strasbourg Cathedral

The 800-year-old Strasbourg Cathedral dwarfs everything in its general area. The red sandstone building seems to pierce the sky while tourists (myself included) crane their necks and crouch, trying in vain to get a photo that lets you capture the entire, massive thing.

While the outside is worth the time to marvel at, the inside is worth a visit, too. The wide, Gothic interior is full of gold leaf, stained glass (most of it original), and carvings. Visitors looking for a workout can climb the 330 steps up the narthex for fabulous views of Strasbourg. The cathedral and its surrounding area–both old and new–have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy Petite France

Much like Petite Venise in Colmar, Petite France is a picturesque quarter of canals, old workshops, and 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered buildings. It’s a photographer’s delight. And, even with the crowds that can fill its narrow alleys and bridges in high season, Petite France remains a delight to visit.

Visit the park

On a sunny day, do what the locals do and head to Parc de l’Orangerie. Adjacent to the Council of Europe buildings, the park is the ideal place to laze away the day. Its 64 acres welcome cyclists, walkers, Ultimate Frisbee players, and more. For kids, there are play areas, a vintage children’s car track, and even a miniature farm.

Take a canal cruise on the Ill River

To see the city from the water, hop in one of the glass-topped boats that whip along the river. You’ll see everything from a unique vantage point, and a cruise is an easy way to get an overview of the city’s geography and history while resting your feet and preparing for the next wine tasting.

Wine Tasting in Strasbourg

For a unique wine experience, head to Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg. This wine cave in the medieval basements of the city hospital was founded in 1395 and was renowned for the quality of its wines. Though actual tastings are limited to open doors (“portes ouvertes”) days, you can see the cellar and its ancient wine-making implements and visit the on-site wine shop featuring wines aged in the cave. There’s even a barrel from 1492 which holds one of the oldest wines in the world.

As an alternative, Wolfberger Winery (from Eguisheim) has an outpost in Strasbourg just a few blocks from the Cathedral.

The easiest way to visit Alsace and the wine route is by car from Strasbourg at the northern end or Colmar at the southern end. Depending on your starting and ending points, it’s also possible to visit by bicycle or bus, especially if you’re visiting the villages nearest Colmar.

From Paris : Strasbourg is about 2 hours east of Paris on the TGV train. Colmar is about a half-hour farther on the same train line. There are some direct TGV train options to Colmar, but others require a switch in Strasbourg. From Basel : The trip from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg airport—which serves France, Germany, and Switzerland—to Colmar is about 45 minutes. The train trip to Strasbourg is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Tuesday 15th of August 2023

Thank you for an excellent article, Laura! This was one of the best I've read - lots of good details and lovely pictures. We have only 2 1/2 days in the area and are staying in Strasbourg. I'm wondering - can we do this wine tour you've laid out in one full day? The villages are gorgeous and I'd love to see them all. Also, wondering, do you know of tour company that would drive us on this same route? We could rent a car but it might be a concern to drive ourselves after all that wine tasting!

Laura Longwell

Saturday 19th of August 2023

Strasbourg is the northernmost point and Eguisheim is the southernmost with 100 km between them. While it would technically be possible to visit all the places in one day, I wouldn't recommend it because of how quickly you would need to move. I would suggest choosing 3 or 4 towns at the most, especially if you're planning to visit Colmar, which is packed with things to see. The tour from Strasbourg that is linked in the blue box in the article makes several great stops, or there are wine-specific tours available through the same portal.

Wally Dawkins

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

I really enjoyed your article. We are planning on visiting Alsace after a week in Greece. I want to follow your route. Would you base out of Colmer or Strasbourg? Could you share lodging advice? We plan on being in the Alsace region for 5 days. How would you do it? Thanks for all the information you shared in your article!

Staying in Colmar or Strasbourg comes down to what you're looking for -- Strasbourg is a much bigger city, but Colmar is packed with charm, and I love exploring it when all the day trippers have left. It's hard to go wrong with either, though Colmar would be my choice. We have several accommodations recommendations in our Colmar articles. I would recommend 2 days in Colmar, 1 day in Strasbourg, and 2 days in the smaller towns.

Bill Baucum

Saturday 17th of October 2020

We were planning to be in Alsace for Christmas this year-- but COVID hit and got cancelled- I really liked this article on Alsace places to visit -- thank you I would like to share my mantra for life-- "It is too bad that work has to interfere with vacation."

Sunday 18th of October 2020

Sorry about your trip. Christmas is a magical time in Alsace. Love your mantra :)

Maribel Salas

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Hi, I’m planning visit Colmar and Strasbourg from December 23-26. Any hotel recommendations?

Do you know how get a train from These cities to Vienna?

Friday 6th of December 2019

That sounds like an awesome trip. There's nothing like Alsace at Christmas. In case you haven't seen it, we've written more about the Colmar and Strasbourg Christmas markets.

Colmar: https://traveladdicts.net/colmar-christmas-market/ and https://traveladdicts.net/things-to-do-colmar-france/ (hotel recs included) Strasbourg: https://traveladdicts.net/strasbourg-christmas-market-france/

A few Strasbourg hotel recs: Le Kleber: https://bit.ly/2OVeZw3 Hotel des Arts: https://bit.ly/33VC3yW Ibis: https://bit.ly/2RpPip2

We haven't traveled to Vienna from France, but the Strasbourg train station is larger than Colmar, so that may be your better option. Have a fabulous time!

Wednesday 6th of November 2019

Great article ! Love the wine tasting suggestions!!! Going there in less than a month ! Can’t wait.

Thursday 7th of November 2019

Glad you enjoyed it, Christina. Alsace is spectacular, and the wine flows freely :)

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Wine consistently outperforms other alternative assets. vinovest makes wine investment easy., 20 incredible alsace wineries to visit in 2024 (tasting tours, best wines).

The Alsace region of France is home to over 4,000 winegrowers producing some of the world’s best terroir-driven wines. 

Each Alsace winery produces diverse wine styles, ranging from refreshing and delicate to opulent and full-bodied. You can also sample some distinct labels on the scenic wine route - a sparkling Crémant d’Alsace Chardonnay, a unique Alsatian Pinot Noir, and many more!

Let’s explore the Alsace wine scene and its top 15 wineries , upcoming wine houses , and the best food to pair with Alsace wines .

Further reading

• Discover all about the Enchanting Alsace Wine Region and its Flagship Labels .
• Also, check out the Fascinating World of French Wine .

This Article Contains

A quick intro to the alsace wine region.

• 15 Leading Alsace Wineries To Visit in 2024 (Including Best Wines, Styles) 

Other Upcoming Alsace Wineries

Best foods to pair with alsace wines.

The Alsace wine region is located near France’s border with Germany. The surrounding Vosges Mountains protect it from rain clouds and oceanic influences. So, the area enjoys sunny summers and dry autumns, ideal for grape ripening.

The Alsace vineyards are spread across 15,000 hectares with clay, sandstone, limestone, and volcanic soils. 

The predominant grape varieties grown here include the aromatic white Alsace Riesling , Gewurztraminer , Pinot Gris , Muscat , Pinot Blanc , and the red Pinot Noir grape variety. The wines are similar to the German wine styles produced across the border.

Alsace is also home to 53 AOCs including AOC Alsace, AOC Crémant d’Alsace, and 51 Alsace Grand Cru AOC domaines.

15 Leading Alsace Wineries To Visit in 2024 (Including Best Wines, Styles)

Here are the top 15 Alsace wineries to visit if you’re looking for a unique wine tasting experience in France:

• Domaine Weinbach
• Domaine Zind Humbrecht
• Maison Trimbach
• Maison Lucien Albrecht
• Domaine Boehler
• Domaine Albert Seltz
• Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss
• Jean-Baptiste Adam
• Domaine Paul Blanck
• Cave de Turckheim
• Domaine Albert Mann
• Hugel et Fils
• Domaine Lucas Rieffel
• Vins d'Alsace Sipp Mack

1. Domaine Weinbach

Domaine Weinbach was founded in 1612 and its first vine plantations date back to the 9th century. Its 30-hectare vineyard, located in the Kaysersberg valley in France, enjoys a warm microclimate.  

The winery follows biodynamic viticulture practices and produces food-friendly wine styles among which are:

• Pinot Blanc 
• Riesling 
• Gewurztraminer

While visiting the winery, you can sample their delectable labels in one of the tasting rooms. Remember to make a reservation before visiting Domaine Weinbach.

Best Wines To Try: 

• 2004 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee d'Or Quintessence de Grains Nobles ($793)
• 2008 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Mambourg Quintessence de Grains Nobles Cuvee d'Or ($680)

2. Domaine Zind Humbrecht

Domaine Zind Humbrecht was set up in 1959 by merging the Humbrecht and the Zind family vineyards. The winery owns 41 hectares of biodynamically farmed Alsace Grand Cru and small clos vineyards spread across six communes.

The main grape varieties include  Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay , Pinot Auxerrois, and Sylvaner. 

The Domaine Zind-Humbrecht winemaker group focuses on producing low-yield, late harvest wines. You can enjoy a private tasting of their exquisite labels by making a reservation at the winery.

Best Wines To Try:

• 2010 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Selection de Grains Nobles Trie Speciale ($211)
• 2012 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain ($103)

3. Maison Trimbach

Winegrowing at the Maison Trimbach estate began in 1626, and its wines gained international fame in 1898. The 40-hectare vineyards enjoy cold winters, hot summers, and dry autumns with low rainfall.

The winery produces a varied range of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and some Pinot Noir red wine labels.

Tastings at the winery are by appointment only on weekdays and based on availability on Saturdays.

• 1989 F E Trimbach Riesling Clos Sainte Hune Vendanges Tardives ($607)
• 2007 F E Trimbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre ($56)  

4. Maison Lucien Albrecht

The Albrecht family is among the founders of the Cremant d’Alsace AOC and established their own winery in 1698. Today, the family vineyards cover several Grand Cru AOCs, primarily in the Orschwihr wine village.

Lucien Albrecht produces signature Alsatian wine styles like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir red wine.

The Orschwihr wine cellar offers the entire range of Lucien Albrecht wines for tasting. One hour “prestige” wine tasting with commentary is available for groups of 10 to 55 people. You can also tour the estate’s flourishing wine grower plots. 

• 2007 Lucien Albrecht Riesling Vendange Tardive ($70)
• 2007 Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles ($57)

5. Domaine Boehler

Domaine Boehler has a winemaking heritage of over 200 years, but the winery became popular only in the 1970s. The vineyard terroir is characterized by marl-limestone soil, warm summers, and dry autumns with occasional rainfall.

The winery produces varied styles of Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir wines. Domaine Boehler also crafts the Cremant Brut, a sparkling white wine made with Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Auxerrois.

Wine tasting tours are available throughout the year. Make an appointment for an immersive guided tasting experience.

• 2019 Domaine Boehler Alsace Pinot Noir Saint Georges ($47)
• 2018 Domaine Leon Boesch Gewurztraminer Zinnkoepfle Vendanges Tardives ($44)

6. Domaine Albert Seltz

Albert Seltz is a 12-hectare winery located in Mittelbergheim, Lower Rhine that exclusively produces organic wines . 

The late harvest wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on the lees to extract maximum flavor. 

The primary grape varieties grown in the Seltz vineyards are Sylvaner, Riesling, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer. The winery produces a wide range of red , white , sweet , and sparkling wine styles.

You can visit the estate in groups of 2 to 20 for a tasting of these exquisite Alsatian wine labels. 

• 2012 Albert Seltz Riesling Zotzenberg ($57)
• 2013 Albert Seltz Pinot Gris Zotzenberg ($23)

7. Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss

Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss is a thirteenth-generation wine producer located between Strasbourg and Colmar. The 13.5-hectare vineyard has a continental climate with varied soil types of pink sandstone, blue slate, marl, and limestone. 

The winery produces biodynamic Grand Cru, Cremant sparkling white wine, and sweet wine.

You can make reservations at the winery and participate in a tasting guided by a wine ambassador.

• 2009 Marc Kreydenweiss Riesling Kastelberg 'Le Chateau' ($99)
• 2016 Marc Kreydenweiss Le Moine Pinot Gris Moenchberg ($63)

8. Jean-Baptiste Adam

With a rich winemaking history of 400 years, this winery currently produces elegant organic wines.  

Jean-Baptiste Adam has varied terroirs in its three major vineyard plots - the Letzenberg single vineyard and the Grand Crus of Wineck-Schlossberg and Kaefferkopf.

Pinot Gris cuvees and Alsatian Rieslings are the estate’s flagship wines.

You can tour the winery cellars and take part in a private tasting in groups of 2 to 10 people.

• 1997 Jean-Baptiste Adam Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles ($149)
• 2008 Jean-Baptiste Adam Pinot Gris Selection de Grains Nobles ($146)

9. Domaine Paul Blanck

The Domaine Paul Blanck estate is spread over 34 hectares, including five Grands Crus and four lieux-dit vineyards. 

The winery is located in the Kientzheim village and produces terroir-driven Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Gewurztraminer wines.

You can sample a range of wines with distinct terroir expressions in a 90-minute tasting at the winery.

• 1990 Domaine Paul Blanck Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vendanges Tardives Grand Cru ($267)
• 2015 Domaine Paul Blanck Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru ($73)

10. Cave de Turckheim

Cave de Turckhein is located along the Alsace Plain and the Valley of Munster and is famous for its Alsace still and sparkling wines. Its vineyards have a sunny climate and granite soil that produces robust, flavorful wines.

The winery crafts classic Alsace Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir wines.

You can taste 50 different wine styles at the estate’s welcoming shop and learn more about the cellar’s heritage.

• 2008 Cave de Turckheim Gewurztraminer ($43)
• 2017 Cave de Turckheim Pinot Gris ($23)

11. Domaine Albert Mann

The Domain Albert Mann estate owns 25 hectares of vineyard plots, including seven Grand Crus. The winery is located in Wettolsheim and was founded by the Mann and Barthelme families. 

Since 1997, Domaine Albert Mann has switched to biodynamic wine production. Its major wine styles are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and a Cremant bubbly. 

You can taste some of the best Alsace wines when you visit the cellars at Albert Mann.

• 2013 Albert Mann Riesling Schlossberg L'Epicentre ($164)
• 2012 Albert Mann Pinot Gris Hengst ($56)

12. Hugel et Fils

The Hugel estate is spread across 25 hectares in Riquewihr, with half of them in the Alsace Grand Cru area. The winery produces high-quality labels through minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar.

Hugel’s Alsace wines are exported to over 100 countries and include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Sylvaner styles.

As part of the Alsace wine route, the winery offers a great tasting experience and a tour of their cellars.

• 2011 Hugel & Fils Riesling 'Grossi Laue' ($81)
• 2001 Hugel & Fils 'Hugel' Gewurztraminer ($75)

13. Zeyssolff

This family-owned winery was founded in 1778. The Zeyssolff vineyards have a rich terroir with dry and sunny weather, providing excellent conditions for the growing of the traditional Alsace white grape varieties.

The estate has established state-of-the-art guest houses and the Au Peche Vigneron wine shop to promote wine tourism and tasting experiences.

• Zeyssolff Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives ($45)
• 2017 Zeyssolff Cuvee Z Klevener de Heiligenstein ($24)

14. Domaine Lucas Rieffel

Lucas Rieffel is located in Mittelbergheim. This Alsace estate has been producing certified organic grapes since 2012. 

The winery is known for its well-balanced, affordable styles of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Alsace Riesling.

Sample some of the prominent Alsace wine labels at the tasting rooms of Lucas Rieffel.

• 2016 Lucas et Andre Rieffel Kreuzel Pinot Noir ($33)
• 2012 Lucas et Andre Rieffel Pinot Gris Kirchberg de Barr ($24)

15. Vins d'Alsace Sipp Mack

The Vins d’Alsace Sipp Mack estate spans 24 hectares in the Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé and Bergheim villages. The terroir is varied, dominated by calcareous soil. 

The major grape varieties grown here include Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.

You can attend a tasting session at the winery to enjoy the best organic Alsace wines. 

• 2001 Domaine Sipp Mack Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives Cuvee Amelie (52)
• 2015 Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling Rosacker ($48)

Besides the top 15 wineries, here are a few more notable Alsace wine estates:

• Domaine André Ostertag : The Ostertag Domaine was set up in the 1960s and pioneered certified biodynamic viticulture in Alsace.

The  2017 Domaine Ostertag Pinot Blanc Barriques ($24) is a delightful white label of the estate.

• Domaine David Ermel & Fils : This Alsace winery, founded in 1795, enjoys a continental climate and follows environment-friendly viticulture techniques.

A good wine from the estate is the flavorful 2020 David Ermel Muscat ($13.)

• Domaine Thomas Boeckel : The 23-hectare estate is renowned for its unique wine aging process. Fermented wines are aged in 75-year old barrels for a year.

The 2018 Boeckel Sylvaner Zotzenberg ($29) embodies all the qualities of a complex Boeckel vintage.

• Domaine Allimant-Laugner : This is a 12-hectare classic estate that grows all seven Alsace grape varieties. 

The 2015 Domaine Allimant-Laugner Muscat ($19) is a good wine produced by the historical domaine.

• Rosacker : Rosacker produces complex and refined Alsatian Rieslings and Gewurztraminer wines in its 26-hectare estate.

The 2019 Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Riesling Rosacker ($24) is a stellar vintage wine of the estate .

The Alsace region produces versatile whites that pair well with a range of foods, such as white meats, seafood, shellfish, cheeses, foie gras, and Asian dishes. 

The region’s Pinot Noir complements roast pork, chicken, red mullet, tuna, and salmon.

Tour the Alsace Wine Route for the Perfect Tasting Experience 

The beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and historical wineries make Alsace the ideal tourist spot for wine aficionados and novices. 

Besides attending the tasting events, you should also get hold of some of the best Alsace wines for your collection.

If you’re looking to build a portfolio of investment-grade Alsace and other fine wines, check out the Vinovest website . It is a leading platform to buy, store, and sell authentic wine labels from across the globe.

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Falling under the spell of Colmar

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Alsace and Lorraine Food and Wine Cities Couples

Reading time: 0 min Published on 11 April 2023, updated on 15 April 2024

It is said that Colmar is the essence of Alsace. With its half-timbered houses, flower-bedecked homes, and multitude of canals and bridges, the city seems to have been taken out of a romance. Wander through its cobblestone streets, taste its regional specialties, stride across neighboring vineyards—love at first sight, guaranteed!

Half-timbered houses, flowers and heritage

It's impossible to remain indifferent to Colmar. Here, you can enjoy the sweetness of life drawn from the historic pedestrian center as you stroll through its streets admiring the buildings' facades. Check out the House of the Heads and its 105 grotesque masks that decorate it. Admire the Pfister House with its angled bay windows, wooden galleries, octagonal turrets and murals depicting biblical and secular scenes. Another must-see sight is the Collegiate Church Saint-Martin, with its remarkable Gothic architecture. Beautiful during the day, Colmar is a wonder at night thanks to outdoor wall lights revealing new outlines and reliefs. Indeed, this is the theme of the Féerie des lumières (Wonder of Lights) tour organized every Saturday, from April to October, by the city's tourism office. Féerie des lumières guided tour

Along the riverside

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Colmar au fil de l'eau (@colmaraufildeleau) le 30 Juin 2019 à 6 :16 PDT

The best way to discover Little Venice, an emblematic district of Colmar, is aboard a flat-bottomed boat. Sail on the Launch river, which irrigates the canals crossing the district, and begin reliving the journey of market gardeners who used to cross it to take their products to the market building. A must-see spot is the fishmonger's district, connecting Little Venice to the area of Tanneurs. It was here, in these houses with colorful and sometimes quirky facades, where the fishermen of the city lived. The pier also served as an auction house. Take a boat trip

Bæckeoffe, sauerkraut, späetzle, pretzels—these are the taste of Alsace , which Colmar has to offer in spades for sale in its covered market. This brick-and-stone building in Little Venice brings together some 15 merchants offering local products: meat, poultry, cheese, farm products, but also pretzels, wines and Alsace eaux-de-vie brandy, flowers and other spices. A must-taste is flammekueche , a flambéed tart with a very thin dough base and a mixture of cream, cottage cheese, bacon and onions (often called "Alsatian pizza"). Head to one of the city's winstubs , former wine bars converted into inns, to sample local cuisine. Save room for Gilg's kougelhopf, in old Colmar, or Bredele cookies, traditionally eaten at Christmas, that the Alsatian biscuit house makes all year long. Alsatian biscuit house Colmar covered market

Colmar in a bottle

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Domaine Martin Jund (@domainemartinjund) le 8 Mai 2019 à 5 :24 PDT

There is a good reason why it is called the capital of Alsatian wines! In Colmar, vineyards bloom down to the historic center, as in the rue de l'Ange, where "Domaine Martin Jund" is located. This family-operated winery, whose wines are certified organic farming, implements a reasoned culture of grapes. During tastings offered by the house, visitors can learn more about the different wines of Alsace: Riesling, Gewurtztraminer or sparkling crémant wine, all products made from grapes harvested in the region around Colmar. A few blocks away, "Domaine Robert Karcher et Fils" welcomes us in an old farm dating back to 1602. There, among one-hundred-year-old oak barrels, we discover the vineyard's production planted on the land of Harth, a municipality of Colmar. Domaine Martin Jund Domaine Robert Karcher et Fils

From vineyards to castles

Colmar is the perfect starting point to discover the most beautiful villages of the Alsace Wine Route . Eguisheim, Kaysersberg or Riquewihr—along the route is a parade of vineyards. You can also take a walk in the romantic Schoppenwihr park, the first organic botanical garden in France, unless you prefer to take the Route des Cinq Châteaux (Route of the Five Castles), which includes the three castles of Haut-Eguisheim, Hohlandsbourg Castle and Pflixbourg Castle.

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The 25 Best Pinot Noirs for 2024

words: Hannah Staab

photography: Geovanna Rivera

Published: April 17, 2024

In 2024, it’s not news that Pinot Noir is a popular grape. The thin-skinned variety, originally from France’s esteemed Burgundy region, captivated winemakers with its elegance and freshness and has taken off over the past two decades. Now, despite its fickleness , it’s planted across the globe and is one of the most common wines seen in shops and on by-the-glass lists.

But in such a crowded market, how can consumers find the best Pinot Noirs? After tasting hundreds of wines from all over the world, it’s clear to us that some regions have Pinot’s balance on lock. In the U.S., cooler climate sites in California like Santa Barbara and the Sonoma Coast lead to bright expressions of the grape, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley also lends itself well to the variety’s earthy characteristics. Even some regions in Europe that were previously dubbed too cold for Pinot Noir like Germany, Alsace, and Bugey are starting to release juicy and delicious examples of the variety.

So when you’re searching for your next favorite Pinot, track down one of these bottles that were tasted and vetted at VinePair HQ. Here are the top 25 Pinot Noirs for 2024.

Table Of Contents

Best pinot noirs under $25, best pinot noirs under $50, best pinot noirs under $100, best pinot noirs over $100, blicks lane vineyards pinot noir 2022.

Making an expressive and enjoyable Pinot Noir for less than $20 is no easy feat. But Marlborough’s Blicks Lane Vineyards manages to deliver a certified organic wine with bright aromatics for a steal at $16. It has notes of tart red berries, spice, and a hint of vanilla with refreshing acidity.

Average price: $16 Rating: 89

BloodRoot Coastal California Pinot Noir 2022

Noah and Kelly Dorrance of Reeve Wines started BloodRoot as a collaboration between esteemed Sonoma winemakers to make great value wines, and this Pinot Noir certainly delivers on that goal. It’s sourced from 20 vineyard sites located along California’s coastal range, across regions like Anderson Valley, Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Monterey. Wafts of strawberries and earth fill the nose and the palate has the perfect balance between juicy fruit and acidity.

Average price: $20 Rating: 91

Bow & Arrow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Owner and winemaker Scott Frank started Bow & Arrow in 2010 as a project to showcase the Willamette Valley’s humble terroir through the lens of grapes popular in France’s Loire Valley. The fruit for this bottling was sourced from vineyards across the Willamette Valley, from the Chehalem Mountains to the Van Duzer Corridor. The result is a wonderfully earthy expression of Pinot Noir. There’s brambly berry fruit, forest floor, and mushroom on the palate with great acidity and mouth-coating tannins.

Average price: $23 Rating: 90

Weingut Jürgen Leiner ‘Handwerk’ Spätburgunder Trocken 2021

It’s time to start paying attention to Pinot Noir from Germany — or Spätburgunder as it’s known there — and this bottle is a great introduction. The vines are farmed biodynamically on the gentle slopes of the Pfalz region. It has bright aromatics and a juicy palate full of cranberry and cherry fruit with a hint of spice.

Average price: $24 Rating: 90

La Ferme de Jeanne Bugey Pinot Noir 2022

Bugey is a small region tucked between the alpine region of Savoie and the Rhône River. La Ferme de Jeanne estate was founded in 1981 — decades before Bugey even reached official AOC status in 2009 — with 22 acres of organically farmed vineyards. The cool alpine environment comes across in the freshness of this Pinot Noir, which comes in at just 12.2 percent ABV. Notes of black raspberry and white pepper are lifted by bright acidity. It’s fun and juicy, but the subtle savory notes add great complexity.

Average price: $29 Rating: 92

Division Winemaking Company Pinot Noir ‘Un’ 2022

Oregon’s Division Wine Co. makes a wide range of wines that we absolutely adore, including several expressions of Pinot Noir. The “Un” bottling from the Willamette Valley is aged for eight months in French oak and two months in concrete tanks. It has notes of black raspberries with flecks of vanilla and spice. The palate is full of lively, concentrated notes of red plum, raspberries, and blackberries, but the fruit depth is balanced by grippy tannins and bright acidity.

Average price: $30 Rating: 90

Battenfeld-Spanier Hohen-Sülzen Spätburgunder Alte Reben Erste Lage 2019

You might be able to tell from the label that this is another German Pinot Noir. But don’t be intimidated by its lengthy name. This wine is incredibly warm and inviting. There are fragrant notes of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and wild berries on the nose. The palate brings more tart, red fruit notes of cranberries and wild strawberries with grippy tannins and racy acidity. Pair with a plate of creamy, spicy spaetzle.

Average price: $36 Rating: 91

Pray Tell Pinot Noir 2021

This playful Pinot Noir is made from three different vineyards from across the Willamette Valley, two in the Eola-Amity Hills subregion and one in the Van Duzer Corridor, all farmed organically or biodynamically. These areas experience warm days and nights cooled by the strong Pacific winds, leading to a fresh expression of Pinot Noir. This wine was aged for 14 months in new French oak (25 percent), terra cotta amphorae (25 percent), and neutral oak barrels (50 percent). It’s extremely juicy with bright notes of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and orange zest. The concentrated fruit is balanced by hints of earth and mouth coating tannins.

Average price: $40 Rating: 90

Paul Humbrecht Pinot Noir Matthieu 2019

The Paul Humbrecht estate produces organic and biodynamic wines in France’s Alsace region. This wine has a lovely nose with pops of cherry and vanilla. And the palate brings brambly berry notes and grippy tannins.

Domaine Barmès-Buecher Pinot Noir Reserve 2022

France’s Alsace region has long been known for its expressive, aromatic white wines. Just a few decades ago, the region was considered too cold to produce high-quality red wines. But rising temperatures have paved the way for Pinot Noir. This bottling from the biodynamic Domaine Barmès-Buecher estate has aromas of forest floor and wild blackberries. The palate has rich blueberry and plum notes with grippy tannins. Serve this wine with an Alsatian sausage and cheese plate.

Average price: $42 Rating: 90

Scar of the Sea Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Scar of the Sea works with vineyards across California’s Central Coast to showcase cool-climate wines shaped by coastal influence. This particular bottling is from the Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley AVA. It’s made with 30 percent whole-cluster fermentation and aged on fine lees in neutral French oak barrels for 10 months. The resulting wine has a beautiful woodsy note on the nose and a palate full of vibrant red fruits like cherry and pomegranate lifted by a bright acidity. There are hints of dried herbs and earth on the palate that add complexity.

Average price: $46 Rating: 93

Red Car West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021

The Red Car winery has five ridgetop vineyards in the West Sonoma Coast AVA, an area that benefits from high elevation, mountainous topography, and its close proximity to the Pacific. This Pinot Noir is brimming with pops of raspberry and cherry with hints of earth. And the region’s coastal location comes through in the wine’s fresh acidity.

Average price: $48 Rating: 94

Marine Layer Wines Lyra Pinot Noir 2021

This wine is the platonic ideal of Sonoma Pinot. It’s made from a selection of vineyard sites across the Sonoma Coast AVA, delivering both a bright lifted aromatic profile as well as layers of complexity and flavor. Fragrant notes of strawberries and rhubarb float out of the glass. The palate is wonderfully balanced and brings more red berry fruit as well as hints of cinnamon and cream. If you’re looking for a great example of Sonoma Pinot Noir, this is it.

Average price: $50 Rating: 94

Johan Vineyards ‘Sapience’ Pinot Noir 2021

The “Sapience” bottling is Johan Vineyards’ reserve Pinot Noir, meant to showcase the powerful expression of the grape from its site in the Willamette Valley’s Van Duzer Corridor. With a great concentration of fruit and a great tannic structure, this wine brings the intensity, but not in a jammy, high-alcohol way — it clocks in at 12.4 percent ABV. It has a dusty, earthy nose and notes of cherry and blackberry on the palate.

Average price: $55 Rating: 91

Kleinlerer Wines Pinot Noir 2022

This Pinot Noir comes from the sustainably farmed Starscape Vineyard in Sonoma County. It has an earthy nose with notes of tart cherries and orange zest. The palate brings juicy red fruit and bright acidity, and lands on a slightly savory note.

Average price: $55 Rating: 90

Rhys Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2021

Although Pinot Noir is a fairly predictable grape, known for its lighter body, high acidity, and red fruit characteristics, there’s still a lot of wiggle room in the winemaking that can lead to distinct styles of Pinot. For example, this delicious bottle from California’s Santa Cruz Mountains is aged in 25 percent new French oak for 18 months, which lends notes of vanilla and chocolate-covered cherries. It’s a rich and juicy expression of Pinot Noir, and while it’s perfectly balanced, it’s definitely not for those who shy away from oak flavors.

St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

St. Innocent focuses on making single-vineyard Pinot Noir expressions in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This particular bottling is from the Freedom Hill Vineyard, located in the foothills of the Coast Range, where the warm air rises from the valley floor during the day and cool ocean breezes blow through the vineyards at night. This allows the grapes to develop complex characteristics while still maintaining acidity. This comes across in the wine, with deep blackberry and raspberry flavors held up by silky tannins and fresh acidity. There’s also some well-integrated oak flavors of vanilla and baking spices.

Average price: $55 Rating: 93

Failla Olivet Ranch Pinot Noir 2022

Ehren Jordan founded the Failla Winery in 1998 with a passion for producing cool-climate wines across Sonoma County’s diverse climates and soils. This particular bottle comes from the Olivet Ranch vineyard in the Russian River Valley, a site Jordan acquired in 2011 and converted to organic farming. This wine is delightfully high-toned with lifted aromas of cherry, pomegranate, and orange zest on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced with a silky mouthfeel and a slight earthy kick on the finish that adds complexity.

Average price: $58 Rating: 94

Reeve Wines ‘Mirama’ Pinot Noir 2022

Reeve’s Mirama cuvée is a tribute to the cool-climate, hillside expressions of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, sourced from several vineyards across the region. This wine opens with bright aromas of strawberries, rhubarb, earth, and a hint of vanilla from some time aging in oak. The palate is like a rich strawberry rhubarb pie with hints of cinnamon. A wonderfully light and easy-drinking Pinot.

Darling Wines Azaya Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Darling Wines makes energetic, cool-climate wines from across Sonoma County, sourcing from thoughtfully farmed vineyards. This wine is from the Azaya Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap AVA, located 420 feet above sea level and just nine miles from the Pacific Ocean. This bottling has the perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. There are notes of blueberries, black cherry, and a nice minerality that lifts the fruit.

Average price: $60 Rating: 93

Hundred Suns Wine Bednarik Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Hundred Suns is a small winery founded by partners Grant Coulter and Renée Saint-Amour. After Coulter worked as a winemaker at top Oregon estates like Beaux Frères for years, the pair decided to move to a fixer-upper in the Willamette Valley and start their own estate. This bottling comes from the Bednarik Vineyard in the Tualatin Hills AVA, which was originally planted in 1988 and is still own-rooted. The nose of this wine is seriously invigorating with pure aromas of ripe cherry. This carries over to the palate with concentrated cherry fruit, raspberry, and orange zest flavors.

Lingua Franca Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Lingua Franca’s Estate Pinot Noir bottling is sourced from the estate’s finest sites and is aged in a combination of 25 percent new and 75 percent old French oak barriques for 12 months, followed by four months in tanks before bottling. The subtle oak influence comes through in elegant vanilla and spice notes. And the palate brings a nice depth of fruit supported by a firm tannic structure.

Average price: $60 Rating: 92

Presqu’ile Winery ‘Presqu’ile Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2022

The Presqu’ile Winery crafts cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah in the Santa Maria Valley AVA of California’s Santa Barbara County. This bottling is made from entirely estate-grown fruit from their stunning property, which is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area. It has juicy notes of strawberry, raspberry, and orange. Its vibrant acidity and barely-there tannins make this a gluggable and easy-to-love Pinot.

Average price: $62 Rating: 94

Hirsch Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Estate Pinot Noir 2021

Hirsch is a wizard of cool-climate Pinot Noir in the U.S. The estate’s breathtaking vineyard in the oceanfront Fort Ross-Seaview AVA appears to be on the edge of the earth, between the cliffs and the clouds of fog. The area’s dramatic topography lends itself to some beguiling expressions of Pinot Noir, including this reserve bottling, crafted from the estate’s oldest and most powerful vineyard blocks. This wine opens with a fragrant, herbaceous nose. There are aromas of thyme, tarragon, and vanilla jumping out of the glass. The palate has deep red and black berry fruit, balanced by a refreshing acidity and grippy tannins.

Average price: $95 Rating: 96

Bergström Wines ‘Winery Block’ Pinot Noir 2022

Bergström’s Winery Block Pinot Noir comes from a site in the Chehalem Mountain AVA of the Willamette Valley positioned at 400 feet of elevation on sedimentary sands and sandstone bedrock. The 1.3 acres of vines are densely packed, resembling more of a bonsai garden than a cookie-cutter vineyard. This leads to a wildly aromatic expression of Pinot Noir with fragrant red berry notes and hints of vanilla and spice. The palate has flavors of cranberries, black raspberry, and orange zest. The wine’s structure suggests it could benefit from a few years of cellaring.

Average price: $150 Rating: 93

Where does Pinot Noir come from?

Pinot Noir is originally from the Burgundy region in France, where it has a long history. The Pinot Noir produced in Burgundy is still thought to be some of the most elegant wines in the world, and also some of the most expensive bottles sold.

Which region makes the best Pinot Noir?

There are different styles of Pinot Noir around the world, but the regions most renowned for this variety include Burgundy, California’s Sonoma Coast, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Germany, and New Zealand.

Why is Pinot Noir so popular?

Pinot Noir is popular for its light- to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity and silky tannins. The wines are also known for their vibrant red fruit characteristics and savory notes like earth and spice that can add complexity. Compared to fuller-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon , Pinot Noir has fewer tannins, so it can be a more pleasant and easy-to-drink wine in its youth.

VinePair’s tasting methodology

Throughout the year, VinePair conducts numerous tastings for our popular Buy This Booze column, and wine and spirits reviews. Our mission is to provide a clear, reliable source of information for drinkers, providing an overview applicable to day-to-day buying and drinking.

Tastings are not typically conducted blind. In alignment with our reviews mission, we believe in purposefully tasting all products as our readers typically would, with full knowledge of the producer, the region, and — importantly — the price.

• The 25 Best Pinot Noirs for 2024 | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/btb-best-pinot-noirs-2024/
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• wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Pinot Noir, wbs_brand Battenfeld-Spanier, wbs_brand Bergstrom Wines, wbs_brand Blicks Lane Vineyards, wbs_brand BloodRoot, wbs_brand Bow & Arrow, wbs_brand Darling Wines, wbs_brand Division Wine Making Company, wbs_brand Domaine Barmès-Buecher, wbs_brand Failla, wbs_brand Hirsch Vineyards, wbs_brand Hundred Suns, wbs_brand Johan Vineyards, wbs_brand Kleinlerer Wines, wbs_brand La Ferme de Jeanne, wbs_brand Lingua Franca, wbs_brand Marine Layer, wbs_brand Paul Humbrecht, wbs_brand Pray Tell, wbs_brand Presqu\'ile Winery, wbs_brand Red Car, wbs_brand Reeve, wbs_brand Rhys, wbs_brand Scar of the Sea, wbs_brand St. Innocent, wbs_brand Weingut Jürgen Leiner, buy this booze, pinot noir, red wine, Wine, Wine Recommendation
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