Immersive cellar tour, tasting and board meal

This tour promises an engaging blend of wine education, history, and good food, all set within a family-run cellar that has been in operation since 1850. For those interested in genuine Alsatian wine culture, it combines a unique visual experience—an immersive 180° projection on century-old oak barrels—with a tasting of five local wines and a hearty regional meal. It’s an experience that appeals equally to wine lovers, history buffs, and families seeking a relaxed cultural outing.

One thing we love about this experience is its combination of tradition and innovation. The projection onto barrels isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a thoughtfully crafted way to connect visitors with the estate’s personal story and philosophy. Plus, the accessible, family-friendly atmosphere makes it suitable for everyone, including children. A potential drawback could be the limited duration—at 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable but fairly tight schedule. Still, the value packed into this experience makes it a worthwhile visit for those exploring Alsace’s wine region.

If you enjoy authentic, handcrafted experiences that go beyond just tasting wine, this tour suits travelers looking for a deeper connection to local craft and family heritage. It’s also a good fit for visitors with kids, as the film and menu options are designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages.

Key Points

• Unique Projection Experience: The only one of its kind in France, projecting an immersive film onto century-old barrels.
• Authentic Family Cellar: Dating back to 1850, with old oak barrels still in use, offering a genuine taste of Alsace wine tradition.
• Balanced Tasting & Food: Five wines paired with a nourishing meal of soup, a mixed board, and dessert—vegetarians can be accommodated.
• Educational & Personal: The film isn’t just about wine-making but shares the winegrower’s personal story and philosophy.
• Accessible & Kid-Friendly: The experience is designed to welcome families with children, who can choose from a tailored menu.
• Value for Money: At $53 per person, including guided tasting, film, and meal, it offers a comprehensive cultural visit.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at 156 Rte de Strasbourg in Gertwiller, a small town in the heart of the Alsace wine region. The location is easy to reach, with a large, free parking lot directly opposite the cellar, making it practical for guests arriving by car. For public transport, Gertwiller station is just a 7-minute walk away, while the larger Barr station is about 25 minutes on foot. Travelers coming from Strasbourg or Colmar will appreciate the straightforward connections, including a direct link to Strasbourg station or a transfer at Sélestat.

The Journey Inside the Cellar

Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the family cellar, which has been in operation since the mid-19th century. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of hundred-year-old oak barrels—a living piece of Alsace’s winemaking history. The owner’s pride in maintaining traditional methods is palpable, and you’ll find that the cellar has a quiet, timeless charm.

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the immersive film projected onto the barrels. This isn’t your average winery video. Instead, it’s a scenographic experience that uses 180° mapping and sound to tell the personal story of the estate owner, sharing their philosophy and approach to wine. Unlike typical vineyard videos, it’s not just about the process but about the human side of winemaking, making it especially engaging. Several reviews mention how captivating this part is, with one noting, “The projection was stunning and really brought the cellar’s history to life.”

Educational Component

Before the tasting, there’s a video explaining how Alsace wines are made. This is suitable for children and beginners, offering a simplified but informative introduction to the region’s winemaking traditions. It’s a good way for families to learn together, and the owner’s personal touch makes it more memorable than standard wine education.

The Guided Tasting

Following the film, you’ll move to the dining bar area to taste five wines from the estate. The wines are organic, reflecting the estate’s commitment to sustainable practices. The tasting is guided, and the host is available throughout to answer questions, which is especially helpful for those unfamiliar with Alsace wines. Expect a variety of styles, from crisp whites to possibly some reds or rosés, depending on the season.

The Meal

The meal is designed to complement the wines and offers a hearty, regional flavor. It includes:

• A soup to start—a comforting warm dish that warms up your palate.
• A platter with options like charcuterie, cheese, fish, and raw vegetables—perfect for sharing and experiencing local flavors.
• A dessert typical of Alsace, with coffee or tea to end the meal.

Vegetarians can request special arrangements beforehand, and children are offered a simple menu of sausages, vegetable crisps, drinks, and dessert. One reviewer appreciated the flexibility, noting that “the children’s menu was simple but satisfying, and they loved the variety.”

Duration and Group Size

This experience lasts about 2.5 hours—a perfect length for a relaxed, yet engaging activity. The group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate, personalized experience. Several reviews mention the small group size made it easier to ask questions and feel more connected to the guide.

Cost and Value

At $53 per person, including guided tasting, the immersive film, and a substantial regional meal, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and quality. It’s a comprehensive experience that offers both education and enjoyment without feeling rushed or superficial.

Why We Think This Tour Works Well

The combination of history, storytelling, and wine tasting makes this a compelling experience for those wanting more than just a tasting session. The projection onto barrels transforms the cellar into a cinematic gallery, creating a memorable visual and emotional connection to the estate’s story. The family-run aspect adds authenticity, making it feel like visiting a friend’s home rather than a commercial operation.

The food component shouldn’t be overlooked either, as it allows you to savor regional flavors in a cozy setting. The wines, carefully selected from the estate’s organic production, provide a genuine taste of Alsace’s terroir.

For families or groups with varying interests, the accessible setup and engaging storytelling mean everyone can enjoy this activity—whether they’re wine enthusiasts, history lovers, or curious kids.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a more immersive and personal look into Alsace’s wine culture. It works well for those interested in stories behind the wine, not just the taste, and appreciates a small-group, intimate setting. Families or groups with children will find it accommodating, thanks to the kid-friendly components and relaxed pace.

It’s a perfect choice for visitors seeking to understand the local traditions with a modern twist—a blend of old-world craftsmanship and innovative storytelling.

This immersive cellar tour offers a well-rounded experience—from historical insights and engaging audiovisual storytelling to tasting five wines and enjoying regional cuisine. The small group size and friendly guide make it feel personalized, while the unique projection adds a memorable visual element that you won’t find elsewhere in France.

While it’s a relatively short experience, the depth of storytelling and quality of the wine and food make it a great value for the price. It’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, especially those wanting to combine cultural insight with culinary delights in a warm, welcoming setting.

If you’re in Alsace and want to go beyond the typical tasting tour, this experience is a genuinely engaging way to spend a couple of hours. It’s not just about drinking wine—it’s about understanding the passion, history, and family tradition behind each glass.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes a video suitable for children, and the meal options are designed to be kid-friendly, with menus like sausages and vegetable crisps. You can also opt not to register children in advance if they prefer to choose menus on the spot.

What is included in the price?
The $53 fee covers guided tasting of five Alsace wines, the immersive cellar tour with a 180° projection, the introductory video, and a regional meal with soup, a mixed board, and dessert.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the cellar and tasting area are accessible for all visitors, and the experience is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or other activities.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in both English and French, with a live guide available to answer questions.

Where is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 156 Rte de Strasbourg in Gertwiller, with nearby parking available. Public transport options include walking from the Gertwiller station or a short taxi ride from Strasbourg or Sélestat.

Is this experience good value for money?
Absolutely. For just over fifty dollars, you get a guided tour, an immersive audiovisual experience, five wines, and a regional meal—offering a comprehensive and enjoyable insight into Alsace’s winemaking culture.

This tour is a fantastic way to explore the heart of Alsace’s wine country—combining history, technology, food, and wine into a rich, memorable experience. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, it’s an opportunity to see, taste, and feel the soul of this legendary region.