Travel Tuesday

 

Starting the day beneath watchful gaze of a 13th-century convent church.

 

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Exploring villages on the Alsace Wine Route

 

Alsace, in northeastern France, is tightly nestled against the borders of Germany and Switzerland. The Alsace Wine Route covers about 170 kilometers from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, passing through more than 70 wine-producing villages
 

Most iconic / Famous:

Ribeauvillé (above): colorful medieval town nestled near the ruins of 3 historic castles
Eguisheim:  medieval village built in concentric circles around a central castle

Riquewihr: known as the "Pearl of the Vineyards," featuring remarkably preserved 13th-century ramparts and architecture

Kaysersberg: picturesque; dominated by an imperial castle ruin; the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer

Bergheim: medieval; completely walled; won recognition as a favorite French village

Charming / Historic:

Obernai: vibrant historical town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile

Turckheim: famous for its fortified city gates and the traditional rounds of its night watchman 

Mittelbergheim: elegant; known for its limestone terroir and lack of modern industry

Andlau: scenic wine village nestled in the Vosges foothills with a rich Romanesque abbey

Dambach-la-Ville: rare 14th-century walled village surrounded by granite vineyards

 

 

Grape Harvest Timeline

 As different grape varieties ripen at different speeds, the harvest is staggered into distinct phases:

 

1) Right now: late August to early September. Harvesting begins early for the grapes used to make Crémant d'Alsace (the region's famous sparkling wine), which require higher acidity
 

2) Mid-to-Late September: the main harvest kicks off for still white and red varieties, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

3) Late September to Early October: late-ripening varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer are carefully picked by hand
 

4) Mid-to-Late October: the final push takes place for the ultra-sweet, late-harvest dessert wines: Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Noble - BPJ

 

Alsace

3 hours (or less) from Paris