Wine Tasting in Strasbourg, France: A Local Guide
Wine Tasting in Strasbourg, France: A Local Guide
Strasbourg is the northern gateway to the Route des Vins d’Alsace, one of France’s oldest and most scenic wine roads. Alsatian wines are distinctive in the French landscape — overwhelmingly white, aromatic, and sold in the tall, slender flute bottle that signals Alsace immediately. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Crémant d’Alsace (sparkling wine) are the principal varieties, and they pair with Alsatian cuisine so precisely that drinking anything else in Strasbourg feels like a missed opportunity.
The Route des Vins d’Alsace
The wine road stretches 170 kilometers from Marlenheim (just west of Strasbourg) south to Thann. The northern section, closest to Strasbourg, is easily accessible for day trips. Villages like Obernai (30 minutes by car), Barr (35 minutes), Riquewihr (1 hour), and Colmar (1 hour by train or car) are the most popular stops. Each village has multiple producers offering tastings, many directly in their cellars.
Riquewihr is often called the pearl of the wine road — a perfectly preserved medieval village surrounded by grand cru vineyards. Domaine Hugel and Dopff au Moulin are two notable producers based here.
Obernai is the closest significant wine village to Strasbourg and makes for a manageable half-day trip. The town center is beautiful, with a covered market hall and half-timbered houses.
Colmar functions as the wine capital of Alsace. The Marché Couvert (covered market) and the streets of the old town are lined with wine shops and tasting rooms. Combine it with a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece.
The Route des Vins is well-signposted and designed for self-driving, but it also works by train (Strasbourg to Colmar is 30 minutes by TER) combined with walking or cycling between villages.
Wine Tasting in Strasbourg
If you prefer to taste without leaving the city, Strasbourg has an excellent wine bar and cave scene.
Au Brasseur. A craft brewery and wine bar near the cathedral with a selection of Alsatian wines alongside house-brewed beer. A good introduction to the range of Alsatian varieties.
La Vignette. A natural wine bar in Krutenau with a focus on Alsatian producers and a knowledgeable staff happy to walk you through a flight. Small plates accompany the wines.
Cave des Hospices de Strasbourg. Located in the cellar of the Hôpital Civil, this historic wine cave dates to 1395 and houses one of the oldest barrels of wine in the world (a 1472 vintage). Tastings and sales of Alsatian wines are available in a unique, atmospheric setting. Open to the public — no appointment needed.
Winstubs. The traditional Alsatian wine rooms — Chez Yvonne, Le Clou, Au Pont du Corbeau — serve wine by the pitcher in traditional green-stemmed glasses. Ordering a pitcher of Riesling or Sylvaner with dinner is the most authentic way to taste Alsatian wine.
Alsatian Wine Varieties
- Riesling — the flagship. Dry, mineral, and age-worthy. The best expression of Alsatian terroir.
- Gewurztraminer — aromatic and full-bodied, with lychee and rose notes. Pairs brilliantly with Munster cheese and spiced dishes.
- Pinot Gris — rich and round, with more body than most white wines. Works with the hearty side of Alsatian cuisine.
- Muscat d’Alsace — dry (unlike Muscat from other regions), grapey and floral. An excellent aperitif.
- Crémant d’Alsace — sparkling wine made by the traditional method. The best value sparkling wine in France, at ~EUR 8-15 per bottle.
- Pinot Noir — the only red variety in Alsace. Light-bodied and often served slightly chilled.
Budget Guide
| Experience | Approximate Cost (per person) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ~EUR 5-12 | Wine by the pitcher at a winstub, wine shop tasting |
| Mid-range | ~EUR 25-50 | Wine bar flight, vineyard visit with tasting on the Route |
| Luxury | ~EUR 80-200+ | Private guided wine tour, grand cru producer visit, multi-course pairing |
Crémant d’Alsace at ~EUR 8-15 per bottle is one of the best wine values in France. Buying direct from producers on the Route des Vins saves compared to restaurant markups. For trip budgeting, use the France Trip Budget Calculator.
Best Time to Visit
The grape harvest (vendanges) in late September and October is the most exciting time — the vineyards are golden, the villages hold harvest festivals, and new-vintage wines begin appearing. The Route des Vins is beautiful year-round but most atmospheric in autumn. The Strasbourg Christmas market (late November through December) pairs wine tasting with vin chaud (mulled wine) and seasonal atmosphere. Spring brings vineyard blossoms and fewer crowds. For seasonal advice, see Best Time to Visit France.
Local Tips
- Start with Crémant. If you are new to Alsatian wines, Crémant d’Alsace is an accessible and affordable starting point that showcases the region’s quality.
- Visit the Cave des Hospices. The 1472 barrel alone makes this worth the trip. Tastings are inexpensive and the setting is unforgettable.
- Drive or cycle the Route des Vins. The wine road was designed for slow travel. Cycling between villages is flat to gently hilly and takes you through the vineyards themselves.
- Buy at the source. Bottles purchased directly from producers on the Route cost 20-40% less than in Strasbourg shops or restaurants.
- Ask for grand cru. Alsace has 51 designated grand cru vineyards. Wines from these sites cost more (~EUR 15-30 per bottle) but demonstrate the region’s peak quality.
Key Takeaways
- Strasbourg is the gateway to the Route des Vins d’Alsace — 170 kilometers of vineyards, medieval villages, and producer tastings.
- Riesling is the flagship, but Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Crémant d’Alsace are equally essential to understanding the region.
- In-city tasting is easy at winstubs, wine bars like La Vignette, and the historic Cave des Hospices de Strasbourg.
- Crémant d’Alsace (~EUR 8-15/bottle) is France’s best-value sparkling wine.
- Harvest season (September-October) is the ideal time; the Christmas market season adds a festive wine-tasting dimension.
Next Steps
- Explore France’s wine geography with the French Wine Regions Guide.
- Plan your full visit with the Strasbourg Travel Guide.
- Budget your wine-focused trip using the France Trip Budget Calculator.
Verify hours, prices, and availability with venues directly. Travel information is current as of the publication date.