Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour

Explore a Prestigious Alsace Winery with a Unique Video Presentation

The Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour at Maison ZEYSSOLFF offers a captivating look into one of Alsace’s most esteemed wine cellars. Priced at just $22.06 per person, this 1 hour 30 minutes experience combines behind-the-scenes access to ancient wine-making equipment, a guided wine tasting of five Alsatian wines, and a one-of-a-kind 180-degree video projection onto century-old oak barrels.

Located in Gertwiller, about 20 minutes from Strasbourg, this tour is ideal for those interested in the region’s wine heritage. Note that the site features century-old oak casks, including a cask made in 1897 for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition. While the experience is highly praised, visitors should be aware that access involves a short journey from Strasbourg, making timing and transportation considerations worthwhile.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated: Priced at $22.06, with over 100 five-star reviews.
• Includes a guided tasting: Sample five Alsatian wines alongside regional kougelhopf.
• Unique 180-degree video: Experience a scenographic film projected onto oak barrels, the only one of its kind in France.
• Behind-the-scenes access: See century-old oak foudres and learn about wine aging and bottling.
• Flexible schedule: Multiple morning and afternoon departures available.
• Accessible location: Easily reachable by train or short taxi ride from Strasbourg.

Maison ZEYSSOLFF’s Historic Cellars and Wine-Vinification Methods

Maison ZEYSSOLFF is renowned for its use of century-old oak “foudres”, some exceeding 10,000 liters in capacity. The most notable example is the 1897 cask, created for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, which remains an impressive symbol of the estate’s history. The winery continues to vinify in these traditional oak vessels, offering a genuine connection to classic Alsatian winemaking techniques.

The guided tour walks visitors through the wine-making process, from fermentation to bottling, with detailed explanations about the role of oak casks in developing flavor. The cellar renovation in 2020 provided space for the scenographic 180° immersive movie, which showcases the estate’s history and philosophy. This visual experience enhances understanding of the estate’s heritage in a memorable way.

The 180-Degree Video Experience and Its Scenic Setting

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is the immersive video projection. The film, projected onto hundred-year-old oak barrels, is not a typical vineyard video but a story about the estate’s history and working philosophy. The combination of sound and mapping effects results in a fully immersive viewing experience with a scenic 180° view, unique within France.

This scenographic area is designed to captivate visitors, allowing them to feel immersed in the winery’s story. The projection is especially notable for its use of mapping technology that creates a dynamic visual display while still being part of the cellar environment.

Guided Tasting of Alsatian Wines with Kougelhopf

Following the cellar visit, guests are treated to a guided tasting of five different Alsatian wines. The tasting includes regional kougelhopf, a traditional Alsatian brioche, which pairs beautifully with the wines. The wine selection spans various styles, allowing visitors to appreciate the diversity of Alsace’s wine offerings.

The tasting is described as educational and engaging, with guides providing detailed explanations about each wine’s characteristics and the region’s wine traditions. Several reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable guides, making this part of the experience particularly enjoyable.

Practicalities: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour starts at Au Péché Vigneron, located at 156 Rte de Strasbourg, Gertwiller. The site is easy to reach by public transportation, with the winery also offering train access within the village. The group size is limited to 20 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Participants can choose from multiple departure times, making it easy to fit into a variety of schedules. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics.

Considerations for Visiting and Booking

This tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The average booking window is 13 days in advance, indicating good availability for most dates.

Despite the positive reviews, some visitors note that the winery is located 17 km from Strasbourg, which may require some planning. Transportation options include taxi or Uber (costing around €50 for four people) or train, with a local station in Gertwiller.

Why This Tour Excels: Expert Guides and Memorable Experiences

Many reviewers praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, like Marie and Victor, for their professionalism and warmth. The wine tastings receive high praise for their deliciousness and generous portions, with some guests purchasing wines directly from the estate to take home.

The visual component of the 180° projection adds a memorable scenic element to the traditional cellar tour. Several reviews highlight the entertainment value of the video, which sets this experience apart from standard wine tours.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This wine cellar tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Alsace’s winemaking traditions in a historical setting. The combination of a guided cellar visit, wine tasting, and visual storytelling makes it appealing for those wanting a comprehensive and engaging experience.

It also suits those interested in wine history, technology, and regional specialties like kougelhopf. The affordable price and accessible location make it a great choice for a half-day activity outside Strasbourg’s city center.

Final Thoughts on the Maison ZEYSSOLFF Wine Tour

The Maison ZEYSSOLFF wine tasting and immersive cellar tour offers a balanced mix of history, tradition, and sensory pleasure. The guided visit to century-old oak casks, combined with delicious wine tastings and the unique 180° video, creates an experience that is both educational and entertaining.

While the distance from Strasbourg may require some planning, the quality of the guides, wines, and visual presentation makes this tour worth the effort. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking authentic Alsatian wine culture in a scenic, approachable setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to Gertwiller complicated?
Not at all. The site is accessible by train, and taxi or Uber rides cost around €50 for four people. Directions and options are provided in the booking confirmation email.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 13 days in advance, but availability may vary depending on the season and demand.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour involves walking in a cellar environment, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

What is included in the tasting?
Guests sample five Alsatian wines, paired with kougelhopf, a regional brioche, to enhance the tasting experience.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The 180° video projection on century-old oak barrels and the historical winemaking equipment make this tour especially memorable and visually engaging.

Are the wines of good quality?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the quality and taste of the wines, with many guests choosing to purchase bottles after the tour.

Is the experience educational?
Absolutely. Guides provide detailed explanations about the wine-making process, Alsace’s wine varieties, and the estate’s history, making it suitable for both novices and connoisseurs.

How long does the tasting last?
The entire tour takes approximately 90 minutes, including the cellar visit, video experience, and tasting.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for wine lovers eager to explore Alsace’s wine heritage in a historic cellar setting with the added excitement of a visual experience.