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Alsace Route du Vin - Preferred travel mode

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Hello RS Community, we will be staying in Colmar for 3-4 nights at the Hotel Saint Martin. We want to travel the Route du Vin and see some of the pretty villages along the way, such Equisheim, and visit a few wineries. We've contacted a private car driver, recommended in Rick's France book as a reliable and knowledgeable driver in Alsace. We contacted the driver and his price, for an 8-hour day, is 600 euros. I know that this is pricey and a luxury but it's very convenient and we're considering this option. The price includes nothing but the transportation for 8 hours and knowledge of the area and villages. Winery visits, lunch, etc., are separate expenditures. A personal driver also means no worries about driving while tasting wines throughout the day. Have any of you used a private car in the area and, if so, whom? In the alternative, what other modes of transportation would you recommend? We're also considering taxis, but I don't know if they are hard to come by.

Finally, can anyone recommend a place to eat in Equisheim?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
1749 posts

Have you looked into the small group tours through L’Alsaciette?

Posted by
2622 posts

If you contact the tourist board they should be able to send you the pamphlet "Wine Routes of the Alsace", this will give you a lot of detail and maps. The Alsace is not like Napa Valley; there are few wineries in the country, and even fewer of those have tasting rooms. Most have tastings in town, either in their own place, or as part of a community location. If you just go town to town you'll hit the majority of the tasting places.

But to see the area, pack a picnic and plan to use one of the turnouts along the roads. they have tables for this purpose. Many are also located where the bike routes parallel the highway.

I drive myself around this area, and I rarely plan to hit a winery. I go to the town I want to visit and find plenty of opportunity to taste the local wines in that manner. If I'm just shopping for wine I head for the major markets and buy then, or to a specific place if i know exactly what i want. It's harder when you don't know, but look for the local "cave" and they will have wines, liquors, ciders, and tastings.

A good place to start, in Colmar, is the indoor market. They have multiple booths with local wines and offer tastings. Buy a bottle and some munchies and go the the park and enjoy. Also in Colmar the Carrefour Houssen and the LeClerc are the big markets. They are outside the city center but they have really good prices on French, German, and Italian wines. Those are places I shop.

For a really good historical place to visit, try this: https://www.mmpark.fr/

Posted by
17 posts

Hi KD,
Thanks for recommending L'Alsaciette, it looks like a terrific website and company. Have you been on their tours (Which do you recommend)? And, were the tours in English, French, or both?

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