The Alsace Wine Route is 170 km of gentle curves between Marlenheim and Thann, sixty villages, the Mont Sainte-Odile above, the Vosges behind. The best time to drive it for two is neither summer nor the harvest — it is late February and April, when the villages are empty, the cellars are reopening, and the light hangs low and clear.
Here is our itinerary — the one we recommend to couples who want to take their time, taste seriously, and avoid driving 60 km between two tastings.
In this article
- → Why come off-season
- → Stage 1 — Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim
- → Stage 2 — Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Hunawihr
- → Stage 3 — Eguisheim, Turckheim, Colmar
- → Wine estates worth visiting as a couple
- → Our ideal base
Why come off-season
In summer, the Wine Route is saturated. The flagship villages (Riquewihr, Eguisheim) absorb up to 5,000 visitors a day. Cellars close at 5pm, restaurants are full, parking becomes a sport. Off-season (October-November, February-April), the opposite is true: you meet the winemaker, you take the time to talk, you leave with cases in the boot.
And the winter-to-spring light is sublime. The bare vines reveal the relief of the hillsides. The villages, free of crowds, become themselves again.
Stage 1 — Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim
Start south of Obernai. Visit the old town in the morning (Place du Marché, the town hall, the belfry), then take the country road towards Barr. Do not miss Mittelbergheim, listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France: 600 inhabitants, 30 winemakers, the atmosphere of another era.
Obernai
A charming fortified town. Belfry, town hall, market square. About 1h30 to visit.
Barr
More authentic atmosphere, less tourist-driven. The Caveau du Folie Marco is well worth the detour.
Mittelbergheim
600 inhabitants, 30 winemakers. A cellar visit at Lucien Albrecht or André Rieffel is essential.
Andlau
A peaceful village, famous abbey, Grand Cru Kastelberg. Our favourite lunch: Au Bœuf Rouge.
Stage 2 — Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Hunawihr
The historic heart of the Route. Ribeauvillé, watched over by three medieval castles. Riquewihr, the perfect fortified town (visit it before 11am). Hunawihr, smaller, more confidential, with its fortified church and its stork reintroduction centre.
Stage 3 — Eguisheim, Turckheim and Colmar
Eguisheim is our favourite village. A unique circular layout, central fountain, polychrome houses. Tourist-heavy in season, deserted off-season. Recommended estate: Léon Beyer (3rd generation, the aristocracy of Alsatian wine).
Finish in Colmar. The old town, La Petite Venise, the Unterlinden Museum (Isenheim Altarpiece). Half a day is enough.
Wine estates worth visiting as a couple
Every winemaker welcomes visitors — but some understand better than others that a couple wants to take time, taste seriously, and not be rushed through between two groups.
Trimbach (Ribeauvillé)
13th generation, the legendary Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune. A serious tasting, perfect welcome. Book ahead.
Hugel (Riquewihr)
The institution. Medieval cellars, a masterful tasting, an incomparable setting.
Zind-Humbrecht (Turckheim)
Olivier Humbrecht, Alsace's first Master of Wine. A biodynamic estate. By appointment, demanding and fascinating.
Pfister (Dahlenheim)
Mélanie Pfister, a brilliant young generation. A more confidential estate, total openness, a fascinating conversation.
Our day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — South (Obernai → Andlau)
Arrival at the suite in late morning. Afternoon: Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim. Tasting at Albrecht. Dinner in Andlau.
Day 2 — Heart (Ribeauvillé → Hunawihr → Riquewihr)
Leave at 9.30am. Ribeauvillé in the morning, lunch at Wistub Zum Pfifferhüs. Riquewihr and Hunawihr in the afternoon. Tasting at Trimbach or Hugel. Back to the suite around 6pm.
Day 3 — South (Eguisheim → Turckheim → Colmar)
Eguisheim in the morning (before 11am). Turckheim and a tasting at Zind-Humbrecht. Colmar in the afternoon. Head home at the end of the day.
Our base
Our advice: do not stay in the villages themselves. Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé are magnificent but saturated in season. Choose a central spot, 20-30 minutes from the three stages — exactly our location, halfway between Strasbourg and Colmar, 25 minutes from the Wine Route.
Three suites ideal for a Wine Route stay:
La Forêt Enchantée
The natural retreat. Botanical décor, hushed atmosphere. Ideal after a day among the vines.
L'Oasis Tropicale
The perfect contrast between the austere beauty of the winter vineyard and a warm, exotic setting.
La Suite Cosy
More intimate, more romantic. Ideal for a first stay together on the Wine Route.
Our advice
Designate a sober driver OR book a chauffeur (Mystery Cab in Strasbourg, a local taxi in Riquewihr). Drink-driving is taken very seriously in France, especially on the Wine Route. Many estates will also deliver your purchases directly to the suite — just ask.
Book your vineyard weekend
We know all the winemakers personally. If you would like help organising your route — stages, tastings, restaurants, transport — we will gladly do it.
Book a suite