Wineyards in Alsace for the thirsty: where-for-wine-tasting

Wineyards in Alsace for the thirsty: where-for-wine-tasting

April 11, 2025

Alsace, a picturesque region in the east of France, is famous not only for its charming towns and rich history, but above all for its delicious wines. It is here, amid picturesque hills and medieval castles, that some of the most beautiful vineyards in Europe stretch out. For wine lovers, both experienced and novice, Alsace is a true paradise, offering an unforgettable taste and cultural experience. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the region's best vineyards, where you will be able to taste exquisite Alsatian wines, learn the secrets of their production and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of winemaking. Discover with us the magic of Alsatian vineyards and be seduced by the bouquet of flavors that this unique region offers.

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Robert Blanck and Cattin - gems of Alsatian winemaking

Our wine adventure in Alsace begins with a visit to the Robert Blanck Alsace Wines winery, located in the charming town of Obernai. This is a family-owned winery with a long tradition, where we can taste delicious Alsace wines in a cozy atmosphere. The winery is located at 167 Route d'Ottrott, 67210 Obernai, just 25 km southwest of Strasbourg. It's easy to get here by car or train - the Obernai train station is well connected to Strasbourg and other towns in the region.

A visit to Robert Blanck is a real feast for the senses. The owners passionately talk about the wine-making process, and the tasting takes place in an atmospheric cellar. Here we can taste excellent Rieslings, aromatic Gewürztraminers or elegant Pinot Noir. I particularly recommend their Crémant d'Alsace, an Alsatian version of Champagne, which impresses with its freshness and subtle bubbles. The tasting lasts about 1.5 hours and costs 15 euros per person, but the fee is refunded when the wine is purchased.

The next stop on our wine map is Cattin - Great Wines & Crémant d'Alsace in Vœgtlinshoffen. This modern winery, located at 35 Rue Roger Frémeaux, 68420 Vœgtlinshoffen, offers not only tastings of delicious wines, but also breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest. The winery is easiest to reach by car - it is located about 15 km south of Colmar.

Cattin is famous for producing excellent Crémant d'Alsace sparkling wines, but they also offer classic white and red wines. I especially recommend a visit to their Belvédère restaurant, where we can enjoy the wines accompanied by local delicacies while admiring the panorama of Alsace vineyards. A tasting at Cattin costs about €20 per person, but it's worth the investment for the full experience with a tasting and dinner at Belvédère.

Both wineries are family-friendly with children - while the adults are tasting wines, there are juices made from local grapes and a play space for the little ones. Keep in mind, however, that alcohol tasting is only allowed for adults.

Also worth a visit in the area is the charming town of Riquewihr, known as the 'pearl of Alsatian vineyards', where you'll find numerous wineries and atmospheric restaurants serving local specialties.

Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN and Wines of Alsace HORCHER -. tradition and innovation

Continuing our wine tour of Alsace, we can't miss two more excellent wineries: the Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN in Riquewihr and the Wines of Alsace HORCHER in Mittelwihr.

Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN is one of the most well-known and respected wineries in the region. It is located in the heart of the charming town of Riquewihr, at 2 Avenue Jacques Preiss, 68340 Riquewihr. The winery is easiest to reach by car, but keep in mind that Riquewihr is a popular tourist destination and parking can be a challenge in high season. Alternatively, you can take a bus from nearby Colmar.

The history of the DOPFF winery dates back to 1574, making it one of the oldest in the region. A visit here is a true trip back in time. During the tasting, which costs about 15 euros per person, we have the opportunity to taste wines from the prestigious Grand Cru plots. I particularly recommend their Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, which perfectly capture the character of Alsatian terroir. The winery also offers fascinating tours of the historic cellars, where we can see how traditional production methods are combined with modern technology.

Our next stop is Wines of Alsace HORCHER, located in the small village of Mittelwihr, at 6 Rue du Vignoble, 68630 Mittelwihr. This family-owned winery, although less well-known than DOPFF, offers an extremely authentic and personal experience. Mittelwihr is best reached by car - the village is about 5 km north of Colmar.

A visit to HORCHER is not just a wine tasting, but a real adventure. The owners offer a unique 'wine walk' experience, during which we wander through the vineyards, learning about viticulture and the influence of terroir on the taste of wine. Halfway through, a surprise awaits us - a wine tasting right among the vines! When we return to the vineyard, an extensive tasting in a cozy room awaits us. The cost of such an experience is about 25 euros per person, but I assure you that it is worth every cent.

Both wineries are family-friendly, although HORCHER, due to its walk through the vineyards, may be more suitable for families with older children. Both DOPFF and HORCHER offer juices for the little ones, as well as snacks for tasting.

In the area, visit the picturesque town of Kaysersberg, hometown of the famous physician and philosopher Albert Schweitzer, where you'll find charming restaurants serving traditional Alsatian dishes that pair perfectly with local wines.

Remember that while wine tasting is a wonderful experience, safety is paramount. If you plan to visit several vineyards in one day, consider using a local guide or an organized tour that will provide transportation between vineyards.

Domaine Emile Beyer - quintessential Alsace winemaking

To conclude our wine journey in Alsace, we will visit Domaine Emile Beyer, a winery that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. It can be found in the charming town of Eguisheim, at 7 Place du Château Saint-Léon, 68420 Eguisheim. This is a must-visit place to fully understand and appreciate the character of Alsatian wines.

Eguisheim is easiest to reach by car - the village lies just 7 km southwest of Colmar. You can also take regular buses from Colmar, which is a good option if you plan an intensive tasting.

Domaine Emile Beyer is a winery with an impressive history dating back to 1580. Now run by the 14th generation of the Beyer family, it combines centuries of tradition with an innovative approach to winemaking. The winery is famous for producing biodynamic wines, which means that the grapes are grown in harmony with nature, without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

A visit to Domaine Emile Beyer is a true wine education. They offer a variety of tasting options, from simple ones lasting about an hour and costing €15, to advanced experiences lasting several hours that combine a tasting with a visit to the vineyards and cellars. I especially recommend their 'Grand Cru Experience', during which we can taste wines from the best plots, including the famous Riesling Grand Cru Eichberg.

What sets Domaine Emile Beyer apart is not only the quality of the wines, but also the passion and knowledge they share with their guests. The owners and sommeliers enjoy talking about each wine, its history, production process and unique characteristics. This is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Alsatian wines and learn how to taste wine professionally.

The winery is family-friendly - they offer juices for children and a play space. However, due to the educational nature of the visits, they may be more suitable for families with older children or teenagers interested in wine culture.

Near Eguisheim, visit the Château du Hohlandsbourg, which offers a spectacular view of the Alsatian vineyards. It's the perfect place to end a day full of wine experiences.

To sum up our tour of Alsatian vineyards, it's worth noting that each of the wineries we visited offers a unique experience. From the traditional methods at Robert Blanck to the modern approach at Cattin, the historical depth of DOPFF AU MOULIN, the authenticity of HORCHER to the biodynamic philosophy of Emile Beyer, each place allows you to discover a different aspect of Alsace's rich wine culture.

Remember that wine tasting is not only a pleasure, but also a responsibility. It's always a good idea to have a plan for getting back to your accommodation safely, whether by designating a driver who doesn't drink, using public transportation or a cab.

Alsace is a region to be discovered slowly, savoring not only the wine, but also the landscape, history and culture. Each visit to a winery is not only a tasting, but above all a meeting with passionate people who are happy to share their knowledge and love of wine. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just starting out on your wine adventure, Alsatian wineries offer an experience you will long remember.

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