North of Colmar Wine Travel Guide (Alsace, France)

Exploring North of Colmar in Alsace, France Discover the charming wine region north of Colmar in Alsace, France. This area is known for its picturesque villages, world-class Rieslings, and rich cultural heritage. Towns and Villages The Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsace Wine Route) winds through several enchanting villages north of Colmar. Key stops include: Ribeauvillé: Medieval town with three hilltop castles Riquewihr: Fairy-tale village with well-preserved 16th-century architecture Kaysersberg: Birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, featuring colorful half-timbered houses Eguisheim: Circular village layout with concentric streets and a central square Wine Producers The region boasts numerous renowned wineries. Some notable producers include: Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg: Known for exceptional Rieslings and Gewürztraminers Trimbach in Ribeauvillé: Family-run estate producing world-famous Clos Sainte Hune Domaine Marcel Deiss in Bergheim: Pioneers of field blends and biodynamic viticulture Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim: Organic and biodynamic wines with distinct terroir expression Accommodations Choose from a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets: Le Chambard in Kaysersberg: Luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant Hôtel à la Cour d'Alsace in Obernai: Charming 4-star hotel in a historic setting Gîtes and chambres d'hôtes: For a local experience, consider staying at a wine grower's guest house Dining Indulge in Alsatian cuisine at these recommended restaurants: L'Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern: Three Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing refined Alsatian flavors Winstub du Sommelier in Bergheim: Traditional Alsatian tavern with an extensive wine list JY'S in Colmar: Modern, creative cuisine in a stylish setting Wine Shops & Bars Explore the region's wine culture at these notable establishments: La Cave de Ribeauvillé: Extensive selection of local wines, including rare vintages La Boutique du Sommelier in Riquewihr: Curated collection of Alsatian wines with expert advice Au Tire Bouchon in Colmar: Cozy wine bar offering tastings and small plates Insider Tip Many wineries offer free tastings, but it's polite to purchase a bottle if you enjoy the wines. Other Shops Discover local crafts and specialties in these unique stores: La Maison de la Choucroute in Meistratzheim: Everything related to Alsace's famous sauerkraut Fortwenger Gingerbread in Gertwiller: Traditional Alsatian gingerbread and cookies Poterie d'Alsace in Soufflenheim: Colorful, locally-made ceramics and pottery Attractions Beyond wine, explore these captivating sights: Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle: Restored medieval fortress with panoramic views Eco-Musée d'Alsace: Open-air museum showcasing traditional Alsatian life Albert Schweitzer Museum in Kaysersberg: Dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Hidden Gem Visit the Alsace Ecomusée during harvest season to witness traditional grape-picking methods. Events Plan your visit around these wine-centric events: Foire aux Vins d'Alsace (August): Wine fair in Colmar featuring tastings and concerts Pique-Nique chez le Vigneron Indépendant (May): Picnic with independent winemakers in their vineyards Christmas markets (November-December): Festive markets in towns along the wine route Appellations Understand the region's wine classifications: Alsace AOC: Base appellation for varietal wines Alsace Grand Cru AOC: 51 designated sites producing exceptional wines Crémant d'Alsace AOC: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method Key Grand Cru Sites Schlossberg in Kaysersberg and Osterberg in Ribeauvillé are renowned for their Rieslings. Grape Varieties The North of Colmar region in Alsace is renowned for its white wine production. Key grape varieties include: Riesling Gewürztraminer Pinot Gris Muscat Sylvaner Pinot Noir is the primary red grape variety grown in the area. Main Wine Styles Alsace wines are known for their aromatic and dry characteristics. Popular styles include: Crisp, mineral-driven Rieslings Spicy, floral Gewürztraminers Full-bodied Pinot Gris Light, fruity Sylvaners Elegant Pinot Noir rosés and reds The region also produces exceptional late harvest and botrytis-affected sweet wines. Food Specialties Alsatian cuisine blends French and German influences. Local specialties pair wonderfully with regional wines: Choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with various meats) Tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon) Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable casserole) Kugelhopf (sweet bread with raisins and almonds) Don't miss the opportunity to try local Munster cheese with a glass of Gewürztraminer. Drives & Walks Explore the picturesque Alsace Wine Route: Ribeauvillé to Riquewihr: A scenic 5 km drive through vineyards Kaysersberg Circuit: 8 km walking trail offering panoramic views Niedermorschwihr to Turckheim: 6 km hike through Grand Cru vineyards For nature lovers, the Vosges Mountains offer numerous hiking trails with stu

ing vistas. Itineraries 3-Day Wine Lover's Tour Day 1: Visit Riquewihr, tour Dopff Au Moulin winery, di

er at Taverne Alsacie

e Day 2: Explore Kaysersberg, wine tasting at Domaine Weinbach, lunch at Le Chambard Day 3: Tour Hunawihr, visit the Butterfly Garden, concluding di

er at JY's Restaurant in Colmar 5-Day Alsace Experience Extend your stay to include visits to Eguisheim, Turckheim, and additional wine tastings at renowned producers like Trimbach and Zind-Humbrecht. Getting There & Around Reach Colmar via train from major French cities or fly into nearby airports: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (68 km) Strasbourg Airport (72 km) Rent a car for easy access to vineyards and small villages. Local buses co

ect major towns, but services can be limited. Best Time to Visit Late spring to early fall offers ideal wine tasting conditions. Key periods: May-June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals Avoid August for less crowded experiences. December features charming Christmas markets. Sustainability Efforts Alsace leads in eco-friendly winemaking: 25% of vineyards are organic or biodynamic Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: 100% biodynamic since 2002 Domaine Weinbach: Organic and biodynamic practices Many wineries use solar power and implement water conservation methods. Language Tips French is the official language, but Alsatian (Germanic dialect) is widely spoken. Useful wine-related phrases: "Je voudrais goûter ce vin" (I'd like to taste this wine) "Quelle est votre spécialité?" (What's your specialty?) "Santé!" (Cheers!) English is common in tourist areas and larger wineries. Further Resources Enhance your Alsace wine knowledge: Alsace Wines Official Website Alsace Tourism "The Wines of Alsace" by Tom Stevenson (book) "Alsace Wine Route" app for iOS and Android Join online forums like Wine Berserkers for enthusiast discussions and recommendations.