Alsace: Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Alsatian Lunch

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a taste of Alsace’s legendary wine scene combined with hearty regional cuisine, this Alsace: Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Lunch offers a delightful snapshot of the region’s best. For about 2.5 hours, you’ll be treated to a guided journey through a family-run winery dating back to 1778, sampling organic wines and discovering the secrets of traditional winemaking. The experience culminates in a mouthwatering Alsatian lunch served in a newly designed, fully immersive space that blends visuals, sounds, and flavors.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized, authentic vibe—a family-owned winery with a deep-rooted history, passionate guides, and a thoughtfully curated meal that highlights local specialties. A possible consideration is the somewhat structured timing, which might feel rushed if you’re a slow eater or prefer a more leisurely exploration. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic fit for those who want a compact, well-rounded taste of Alsace’s wine and culinary culture—perfect for curious wine lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike.

Key Points

• Authentic Family Winery: Visit a historic winery in Gertwiller, operated by a family since 1778.
• Expert-Guided Experience: Learn about traditional Alsatian winemaking, with explanations of each step from grape to bottle.
• Quality Organic Wines: Sample a selection of wines, including some with historical significance, in a beautifully renovated cellar.
• Hearty Alsatian Lunch: Enjoy regional specialties like soupe, meat pie, cheeses, kougelhopf, and Bibeleskaes, paired with wine.
• Immersive Atmosphere: The dining space features visual projections and lounge music, enhancing the sensory experience.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Vegetarian options are available, and children can opt for a special menu or enjoy the tour without wine tasting.

What to Expect from the Alsace Wine and Lunch Tour

This tour balances educational insight with a genuine taste of Alsace’s culinary and winemaking traditions, making it a rewarding experience for anyone interested in regional culture. We’ll explore each part of the itinerary, highlighting what makes this tour special—and what to keep in mind.

The Winery: A Historic Setting

Starting in Gertwiller, the tour begins at “Au Péché Vigneron,” a charming, cube-shaped wooden building situated on the main road. The winery’s history stretches back to 1778, and its authenticity is palpable. The cellar, dating from 1850, houses massive oak barrels—some with a history as fascinating as the wines they store, including a barrel from the 1900 World’s Fair.

As the guide leads you into the cellar, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail in the traditional winemaking process. The guides, notably passionate and knowledgeable, are praised for their ability to convey complex details in an engaging way. One reviewer mentioned that “the owners know how to convey their passion,” which comes across in their storytelling.

The Cellar Tour: Learning from the Past

The guided tour, lasting approximately an hour, offers a close-up look at how Alsace wines are made. You’ll see the historic barrels, learn about the organic production process, and understand why Alsace is renowned for its dry white wines and sparkling crémant.

What’s especially interesting is the combination of tradition and modern sustainability. The winery’s transition to organic practices means that the wines you taste are crafted with care for the environment, a point many guests appreciate.

A standout highlight, according to reviews, is the visual presentation—video elements projected onto the cellar walls bring the process to life. One visitor remarked, “In the wine cellar, there is an original wine barrel that was part of the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris,” adding a layer of connection to history that makes wine tasting even more meaningful.

Tasting: Sampling the Best of Alsace

Following the tour, the focus shifts to tasting. Guests are presented with a selection of Alsatian wines, including some sparkling crémant. The guide explains the flavor profiles and pairing suggestions, enriching your understanding of what makes Alsace wines unique.

Guests frequently praise the quality of the wines. One reviewer described the experience as “a very nice and truly intimate wine tasting,” highlighting the personalized nature of the visit. Tasting some of the wines in the historic cellar setting amplifies the experience, making each sip feel more connected to the land and tradition.

The Culinary Experience: Alsace on a Plate

The latter part of the tour is reserved for a regional lunch in a brand new, fully immersive dining space. Expect a warm welcome with lounge music and visuals that transport you into the heart of Alsace. The menu features hearty regionals like soup, Alsatian meat pie, and a cheese platter.

The real treat is the pairing of wines to each dish—a thoughtful touch that elevates the meal. The dishes themselves are classic, offering a true taste of Alsace: savory, comforting, and beautifully presented. The inclusion of vegetarian options in advance makes it accessible for different dietary needs.

Dessert includes a slice of kougelhopf and Bibeleskaes, a creamy fromage blanc, which many describe as a delightful way to finish. Coffee or tea rounds out the meal, and bottles are available for purchase if you want to take home a souvenir of your visit.

Atmosphere and Presentation

The ambiance in the immersive space is designed to make you feel like a part of Alsace’s winemaking story. The projected images, gentle lounge music, and cozy setting create a sensory-rich environment that’s both relaxing and engaging. Guests report feeling “comfortable” and “transported” into a different world—an experience that combines education with entertainment.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs around $76 per person, which many consider a fair price given the combination of cellar visit, tasting, and a full regional meal. The tour is duration of 2.5 hours, making it ideal for a half-day activity.

Participants must be 18+ for the wine tasting, but children are well-catered to with special menus, including snacks, drinks, and desserts. The tour is offered in English and French, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Group sizes are generally small, allowing for a more intimate experience—critically important when tasting wines and learning from passionate guides.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This experience shines because of its balance between education and enjoyment. You get an authentic glimpse into Alsace’s winemaking heritage, coupled with a hearty, regional lunch that celebrates local flavors. The guides’ knowledge, especially their passion and storytelling ability, brings added depth to the visit.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate history, authentic local experiences, and good wine. The immersive dining space makes it a memorable one, perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a well-rounded taste of Alsace’s culinary and culinary traditions.

While it may not suit travelers looking for a vineyard walk or those seeking a longer, more extensive wine tour, it offers an efficient, enjoyable overview that can easily fit into a day exploring the region.

The Sum Up

The Alsace Wine Tasting and Lunch tour stands out for its authenticity, intimacy, and focus on regional traditions. From the historic cellar to the carefully curated meal, every element is designed to give you a true slice of Alsace’s rich winemaking culture. The knowledgeable guides and immersive environment make learning about wine engaging and fun without feeling rushed.

This experience offers excellent value for those looking for a short, meaningful taste of Alsace—blending history, gastronomy, and wine seamlessly. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to understand the region’s heritage while enjoying some of the finest wines and comforting regional dishes.

If you’re after a personalized, informative, and delicious way to experience Alsace, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and you can specify dietary needs in advance to ensure a suitable meal.

Can children participate in the wine tasting?
No, participants must be 18+ for the wine tasting. However, children can join the tour, receive a special menu, and enjoy the cellar visit without wine.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including the cellar tour, tasting, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a guided visit to the cellar, tasting of Alsatian wines, brochures, information about the region, and a regional lunch with coffee/tea and dessert.

Where is the meeting point?
The winery is located at 156 Rte de Strasbourg, Gertwiller. Look for the wooden cube building near the big parking lot; the entrance is on the street side.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times. You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Is the tour offered in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is conducted in both French and English, making it accessible for international visitors.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic, and delicious introduction to Alsace’s wine heritage and culinary traditions, making it a memorable addition to any trip to the region.