ALSACE - THE AREA
Alsace Wine Tasting Tours, Holidays and Trips
Alsace is the smallest region in metropolitan France, however it is a region packed tightly with culture, gastronomic delights and of course vineyards. Located on France’s eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine, it is situated adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. In the 17th Century,- the region was gradually annexed by France and has changed hands between France and Germany four times in 75 years! This has resulted in a cultural blend of modern French institutions and traditional Germanic cuisine and architecture. Alsatian cuisine, marked by the use of pork in various forms evokes conviviality and dishes are served with generous portions. Foie gras has been produced in the region since the 17th Century, however Sauerkraut is its gastronomic symbol.
The region is famous in particular for its picturesque villages and its large number of churches and castles, which have miraculously survived five Centuries of wars between France and Germany. It is also famous for wine-making, with 170km of vineyards spanning the Route des Vins d’Alsace and the stunning forests and lakes of the Vosges Mountains are a sight to behold. Strasbourg is the region’s capital and the seat of several prestigious European institutions. Its historic centre is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alsace’s semi-continental climate typically brings cold and dry winters and hot summers to the region.
Riquewihr
From the Middle Ages, Riquewihr was renowned for producing “the most noble wines of the country,” and is situated just 20 minutes from Colmar. Located at the foothill of the Vosges mountains, nestled in a small valley, the Romans were the first to recognise the potential of this small, picturesque village.
During the sixth Century, the village was acquired by a rich landowner called Richio and ownership of Richolare was passed onto the Count of Horbourg six centuries later. He fortified the city and dug a deep ditch around it in 1291. The village was later sold to the Counts of Wurtenberg and remained in their possession until the French Revolution.
For visitors today, the picturesque village of Riquewihr lies on the Alsace wine route and is of extraordinarily architectural interest. Medieval remains such as the ramparts and elegant half-timbered houses with oriel windows and fountains can be seen in the village. Many visitors are charmed by how it looks exactly as it did in the 16th Century and others marvel at its picturesque qualities. As well as being a beautiful and romantic place to stay, it is also home to some of the region’s most prestigious wines. Even the great Voltaire owned vineyards in Riquewihr!