Hi everyone,
We will be visiting Alsace in March, basing ourselves in Colmar to explore the towns, villages, and carnival.
Any recommendations one a must visit winery or two? We are red wine drinkers, but I do not want to miss out on the local Riesling and wine route.
Thanks,
Nate
Most wineries in Alsace do not offer drop-in wine tasting at the vineyard as they do in the Napa Valley. Instead, there are Wine Cooperatives such as the “Cave de Ribeauville” located in the village of Ribeauville. It is the oldest wine cooperative in Alsace, in operation since 1895.
The Cave de Ribeauville offers tastings of more than 70 wines of the local Alsace vintners all under one roof. Lots of Rieslings and reds as well. Bottles of wine are also for sale at very reasonable prices.
I found this to be a better way of tasting wine because instead of having to visit wineries one at a time, you can sample many vintners’ products in one location. Really knowledgeable staff pour whatever you’d like to taste and explain the differences in the wines. The Cooperatives are also great because they eliminate the need to drive a car between wineries which is both time-consuming and unsafe if you have been drinking wine.
Some wineries offer tours by appointment and that also can be arranged at the Cooperative.
By public transportation, Ribeauville is a 30-minute bus ride from Colmar and the bus stops right near the Cave de Ribeauville.
