The Alsace Wine Route
in Two Days

Kaysersberg

Start with one of Alsace’s most beautiful villages

From Les Écrins · approx. 8 km / 5 miles · 10–15 minutes by car

We would begin the morning in Kaysersberg, where colourful half-timbered houses line the River Weiss beneath the ruins of the medieval castle.

Take your time wandering through the old streets and across the fortified bridge. If you feel like stretching your legs, walk up towards the castle ruins for a different perspective over the village and surrounding vineyards.

Allow around 1½–2 hours

Kientzheim

Our little hidden gem

From Kaysersberg · approx. 4 km / 2.5 miles · 5 minutes by car

Just a few minutes away, Kientzheim is very different: quieter, smaller and wonderfully easy to overlook. Completely enclosed by its medieval ramparts, this tiny wine-growing village has cobbled lanes, traditional houses and a long winemaking history.

It is also far less well known to international visitors than neighbouring Kaysersberg or Riquewihr, which is exactly why we like sending our guests there. Step away from the busiest stops on the Wine Route and you can discover a much quieter side of Alsace, often with remarkably few people around.

Allow around 1 hour, longer if you stop for a tasting

Riquewihr

An afternoon among the vineyards

From Kientzheim · approx. 7.5 km / 4.5 miles · 10–15 minutes by car

Continue to Riquewihr, one of the most recognisable villages on the Alsace Wine Route.

Its colourful Renaissance houses, cobbled streets and remarkably preserved fortifications make it undeniably beautiful and understandably popular. Take some time to wander into the quieter side streets and look up: some of the most beautiful details are above the shopfronts.

And there is one place we always suggest stepping inside: Féerie de Noël. Behind its door, the shop unfolds into a surprisingly large Christmas world, recreating the atmosphere of a snow-covered Alsatian Christmas market with little half-timbered façades, decorated trees and an extraordinary collection of ornaments, nutcrackers, wooden decorations and traditional Christmas pieces.

Allow around 1½–2 hours

A wine tasting at Domaine Freyburger

Ammerschwihr

From Riquewihr · approx. 8.5 km / 5 miles · 15 minutes by car

For a more personal introduction to Alsace wine, we particularly like Domaine Freyburger in Ammerschwihr.

Nathalie and Christophe are independent winegrowers whose family estate is certified organic. Their cellar still houses century-old oak foudres, and they offer several different tasting experiences, from a simple introduction to Alsace wines to more in-depth experiences and wine-and-chocolate pairings.

It is a lovely way to go beyond simply drinking Alsace wine and understand a little more about the people, terroirs and traditions behind it.

Eguisheim

Another fairytale village

From Les Écrins · approx. 23 km / 14 miles · 30 minutes by car

Begin your second day in Eguisheim, famous for the concentric streets that curl around its historic centre. Follow the narrow lanes around the village, notice the colours, courtyards and flower-filled façades, and enjoy it before the day becomes busier.

Allow around 1½ hours

Colmar

Much more than Petite Venise

From Eguisheim · approx. 8 km / 5 miles · 15 minutes by car

Spend the rest of the day in Colmar. The historic centre feels almost purpose-built for wandering, with half-timbered houses, canals, little squares and an extraordinary amount of architectural detail packed into a relatively compact area.

La Petite Venise, where colourful houses line the canals of the old market-gardening district, is Colmar’s most photographed corner for good reason. Our advice is to explore beyond the famous viewpoints too: the surrounding streets are just as much part of the experience.