Alsace: Full-Day Wine Tour & Tastings from Strasbourg

Discover the Charm of the Alsace Wine Route with a Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg

This full-day wine tour from Strasbourg offers an engaging journey through the mid-Alsace wine region, priced at $193 per person and lasting 8 hours. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour visits 3 wineries for tastings in the morning, followed by 2 additional tastings in the afternoon, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts eager to explore the region’s renowned wines and picturesque villages.

The tour starts at 17 Pl. de la Cathédrale in Strasbourg and combines scenic drives along the Alsace Wine Route with stops at medieval towns like Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. The participation is limited to 8 people, ensuring a small-group experience filled with personalized insights, making it ideal for those who prefer an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. While the tour operates rain or shine, comfortable shoes and a good appetite for wine come highly recommended.

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Key Points

• Includes tastings at 3 typical wineries, with an additional 2 tastings in the afternoon
• Visits key Alsace towns: Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, famed for their medieval charm
• Focus on Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Sylvaner, with wines from top Grand Crus such as Zotzenberg and Kastelberg
• Led by an experienced, knowledgeable guide providing live commentary in English
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Operates in all weather conditions, so come prepared with comfortable shoes

Starting Point and Scenic Drive Through the Alsace Wine Route

The tour departs from 17 Pl. de la Cathédrale in Strasbourg, setting the stage for a scenic 8-hour journey through the heart of Alsace’s vineyards. The guide leads you in a fully equipped mini-van, ensuring a comfortable ride while showcasing some of the best views of the region’s rolling hills and charming villages. The drive itself provides a glimpse into the area’s landscape, with the soil particularly favorable for Riesling in the Mittelbergheim region.

This route is carefully planned to balance scenic drives and wine tastings, giving ample time to appreciate the landscape and learn about the area’s viticulture. Along the way, the guide offers commentary that enriches the experience, making the journey as engaging as the stops.

Tasting Riesling and Other Top Alsace Wines at Mittelbergheim

The tour begins in the Mittelbergheim wine-producing area, famous for its Zotzenberg, Kastelberg, and Wiebelsberg Grand Crus. Here, soil quality contributes to the region’s reputation for exceptional Riesling wines. The first tasting includes Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Riesling, giving a broad taste of the area’s diversity.

This stop offers a genuine experience at a typical local winery, where the focus is on authentic, regional wines. The tasting sessions allow visitors to understand the nuances of Alsace wines, especially Riesling—widely regarded as the king of grapes in this region.

Exploring the Village of Dambach La Ville and Grand Cru Frankstein

Next, the tour moves to the Dambach La Ville wine area, situated in the heart of Alsace’s wine country. The village is home to the Grand Cru Frankstein, which produces wines with distinct character. Visitors enjoy some free time for lunch, providing a chance to relax and soak in the village atmosphere.

Dambach La Ville is a key stop for those interested in how local terroir influences wine. The guide shares insights about the region’s viticulture, emphasizing the importance of soil and climate in shaping the flavors of the wines produced here.

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Discovering Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr’s Medieval Heritage

In the afternoon, the tour visits Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, two towns celebrated for their medieval architecture and vibrant history. Both villages are renowned for their picturesque streets, historic buildings, and wineries. The tour includes 2 tastings at carefully selected wineries, some of which are family-owned and have been producing wine since the 17th century.

Riesling dominates the wines here, but the region also produces excellent Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewürztraminer. The guide provides stories about the heritage of these villages, making the visit more than just wine tasting—it becomes an immersion into the region’s history and culture.

Top Wineries and Winemakers of Alsace

Among the notable wine producers visited are the Trimbach family, who began making wine in 1626, and the Hugel family, established in 1639. These historic wineries add a layer of authenticity to the experience, offering insights into traditional winemaking methods that have been passed down centuries.

Visitors get a personalized look at the wineries, often meeting the makers and learning how their winemaking processes differ across varieties and estates. This behind-the-scenes access elevates the tasting experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

The Afternoon Tasting Sessions at Selected Wineries

The second round of tastings takes place at highly selected wineries, with 45-minute sessions that focus on the region’s signature wines. The guide’s expertise ensures that each tasting is tailored to highlight the best attributes of the wines and answer questions about flavor profiles, pairing suggestions, and regional characteristics.

These tastings provide a rundown of the Alsace wine scene, from classic Rieslings to other aromatic varieties like Muscat and Gewürztraminer. The experience at each winery emphasizes the region’s diversity and quality.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and What’s Included

The tour is operated by Ophorus with a small group size limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The fully equipped mini-van guarantees comfort during the drives between stops. The guide offers live commentary in English, sharing stories, regional facts, and wine insights throughout the day.

Included in the $193 price are tastings at 3 wineries, an English-speaking driver/guide, and transportation. However, entrance fees to monuments, museums, and attractions, meals, and personal expenses are not included. The tour is designed to operate rain or shine, and visitors should bring passport or ID and comfortable shoes for walking.

Pacing, Timing, and What to Expect

The itinerary is carefully timed, with driving segments lasting from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the stop. The tastings are spaced out to balance relaxation and sightseeing, with free time for lunch in Dambach La Ville. The total duration of 8 hours includes time for visits, tastings, and scenic drives.

The tour is paced to give participants enough time to savor the wines without feeling rushed. The small group setting facilitates conversations and personalized attention from the guide, making the experience more engaging.

Experience Feedback and What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Based on numerous reviews, this tour excels because of the knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendly demeanor and wealth of information. Guides like Laurent, Jérôme, Florence, Pauline, and Laurence receive high marks for their enthusiasm, storytelling, and attentiveness.

Travelers appreciate the excellent wine selections, with many noting they tried around 15-16 wines during the day. The opportunity to meet family-owned wineries, see medieval villages, and enjoy stunning scenery makes this tour more than just a tasting—it’s a comprehensive exploration of Alsace’s wine and culture.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This full-day experience is perfect for wine lovers who want to deepen their understanding of Alsace wines, especially Riesling and Pinot Gris. The tour’s small group size and expert guides make it suitable for those seeking a personalized, educational experience.

While the tour is not wheelchair accessible and adults-only (participants must be 18+ to drink alcohol), it appeals to history enthusiasts and those interested in regional traditions. It’s a great fit for visitors looking for a relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, and authentic winery visits.

Alsace: Full-Day Wine Tour & Tastings from Strasbourg – Final Words

This tour offers a comprehensive look at the Alsace Wine Route, combining scenic drives, historic villages, and top-quality tastings. The small-group format and expert guides ensure a personalized experience that highlights the region’s best wines and sights.

While it does not include meals or entrance fees, the tastings and sightseeing are well-curated, making it value for money at $193. The eight-hour duration balances immersive experiences with comfortable pacing, making it ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Alsace and its renowned wines.

This tour suits curiosity-driven wine enthusiasts and those eager to explore medieval towns while learning about local winemaking traditions. It’s a reliable, well-reviewed option for travelers seeking a rich, enjoyable day along the Alsace Wine Route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
Tastings at 3 typical wineries and 2 additional tastings in the afternoon, an English-speaking driver/guide, and transportation in a fully equipped mini-van are included.

How long is the tour?
The full-day tour lasts 8 hours, covering scenic drives, winery visits, and sightseeing stops.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. There is free time for lunch during the day, and snacks are typically not provided during tastings.

What should I bring?
Visitors should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and be prepared for all weather conditions as the tour operates rain or shine.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
This is an adults-only tour (minimum age 18 years) due to wine tastings, and it is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

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