A Wine Lover's Guide to Strasbourg

| ©Sylvain Naudin/Flickr

The excellence of Alsace wines is recognized the world over. The region’s climate and complex geology are what gives Alsace wines an unmistakable character, but the ultimate edge comes from centuries of know-how, tradition and a healthy dose of innovation. As a starting point to explore the wine route, there’s no better place than the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg.

The vineyards

From Marlenheim to Molsheim, just few kilometers from the Alsatian capital, the vineyards of Strasbourg form the northern gateway to the Alsace wine route. Explore the wealth or architectural and historical medieval heritage and venture on one of the wine trails. Wines produced are mainly white and sparkling wines under the appellation crémant d’Alsace, as well as a few rosés and reds. The vineyard also produces an eau-de-vie called marc d’Alsace.

Marlenheim vineyards

Drink up the history

Did you know that Strasbourg is home to the oldest wine on earth? And it’s right in the center of town. The wine was reputedly made in 1472 and is lovingly stored in the cellars of a hospital. Yes, the Hospice of Strasbourg used to make wine because some of the patients paid for their medical expenses in wine parcels. Some of this wine somehow survived the centuries, war, political upheavals, and the ravages of time and you can pay a visit as part of a fascinating tour of the old hospice.

Oldest Wine in the Cellar of the Hospice in Strasbourg

Wine tasting tours

Take a wine tasting tour for half or a whole day from Strasbourg. You can drive or, even better, book a driver for your own private tour. It is surprisingly affordable, and has the added advantage if you wish to enjoy a few sips of wine –forget all that swirling and spitting – without worrying about having a designated driver missing out. Book ahead to make sure to save your spot, or inquire at the tourism office for the different options.

Wine bars

From the old-fashioned winstub, which were originally literally ‘wine rooms’, to the more contemporary and trendy wine bars, Strasbourg is peppered with great spots to enjoy the wines of Alsace, and find your own favourites. Once you find the one that suits your taste, why not make a note to visit the producer and become a lifetime customer? Every time you enjoy the wine at home it’ll bring back wonderful memories of your travels in Strasbourg.

Brasserie Les Haras in Strasbourg

Vin chaud

Purist may frown on the practice, but mulled wine or ‘vin chaud’ is consumed in massive quantities in Alsace and throughout France. It is particular popular in the holiday season, and Strasbourg being the Capital of Christmas, doesn’t disappoint. Head to a vin chaud chalet in one of the dozen or so Christmas markets around the city during the month of December for a taste of Christmas spirit.

Vin chaud in Strasbourg

Route des Vins d’Alsace

OK now you are well equipped with enough knowledge to hit the road. Starting from Obernai onwards, the wine route of Alsace will take you along a selection of wine producers that are geared up to greet visitors and showcase their methods and productions, culminating in a tasting. The landscape is stunning, the wines are delicious, the know-how is eye-opening, All the elements of a memorable trip for wine lovers.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.