Where Fairytale Scenery Meets Cellars: 10 Wineries to Visit in Alsace
Alsace is where fairytales meet wine cellars. The region boasts rolling vineyards, medieval villages and half-timbered houses, so picturesque they might just lure a Smurf out of one of the nearby forests.
French, but with a German twist, the stunningly beautiful region is home to fiercely independent winemakers, who craft some of Europe’s most precise, age-worthy wines.
This includes Rieslings with the tension of a violin string, Gewürztraminers so aromatic they should come with a warning and Pinot Noir that’s no sidekick to the region’s more famous white wines. Organic and biodynamic farming here aren’t trends; they have been a way of life for decades.
So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile who wants to taste through the nuances of the region’s 14 different soil types or someone who just wants to enjoy a good glass while living out your storybook fantasy, we’re rounded up 10 wineries you can’t miss.
To make it easier to plan out an itinerary, we broke down the list according to subregions: Bas-Rhin (the lower Rhine) to the north and Haut-Rhin (the upper Rhine) to the south.
Bas-Rhin Wineries to Visit
Domaine Boeckel
Mittelbergheim
Founded in 1853 by Frédéric Boeckel, Domaine Boeckel began as a butcher’s shop before evolving into a vinicultural haven. Frédéric’s son, Emile, a visionary, was among the first to bottle Alsatian wines. His legacy continues today, with 26 hectares of organically farmed vines that produce classic wines reflective of the region’s rich terroirs.
Those bottlings are reason enough to visit, but the cellar, which is shown on tours, is a must-see monument to tradition. It houses more than 60 oak casks, some dating back to 1901. A vintage bottle conveyor, once used to transport bottles, still spans 250 meters across the space as a relic of its storied past. If you’re lucky, you may even taste wines from their impressive library of over 7,000 bottles.
Jean-Pierre Rietsch
Mittelbergheim
Jean-Pierre Rietsch is part of a quiet revolution in Alsace, a collective of winemakers—including Lucas Rieffel, Catherine Riss, André Kleinknecht, Ludo Rohrer and Antoine Kreydenweis—whose names are reshaping the region.
Rietsch’s wines are a masterclass in low-intervention winemaking, with Rieslings that are electric, vertical and built to last.
Located in the heart of Mittelbergheim, one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and deep winemaking heritage, the rustic tasting room is a prime spot to explore Rietsch’s expressive wines. It sits above the winery, which offers breathtaking views of the rolling vineyards of the Vallée de Barr. It’s an experience that blends history, landscape and cutting-edge winemaking into one unforgettable visit.
For reservations call: +33 6 79 05 25 08
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Haut-Rhin Wineries to Visit
Domaine Laurent Bannwarth
Obermorschwihr
Founded in 1955 by Laurent Bannwarth, Domaine Laurent Bannwarth is now helmed by son Stéphane and daughter Régine. It’s a hidden gem, where tradition and experimentation collide.
The winery embraces both a natural and a classic line, but nothing here feels conventional. The naturally climate-controlled, “bioclimatic” cellar encourages slow, steady evolution of the wine for optimal aging. It’s elliptical shape and zen vibe, however, make it feel more like a sanctuary than mere storage
And Stéphane’s deep dive into Georgian qvevri winemaking began with a chance encounter with a vineyard worker, leading to a visit, a long stay in the country. Then in 2011, he buried the first qvevri in Alsace.
Tasting at Bannwarth’s cozy rustic room next to the cellar is a step back in time, a freewheeling conversation rather than a scripted affair. The wines also stand their ground. They are unique, textural, utterly alive and wholly one of a kind.
Domaine Léon Boesch
Westhalten
Nestled in the Vallée Noble, Léon Boesch winery is another bioclimatic wonder. The cellar, built into the hillside with sandstone and reclaimed materials, reflects a commitment to sustainability. Above, the half-timbered house and winery are insulated with straw and clay, topped with a living green roof.
A visit here is a full-fledged immersion into biodynamics, guided by Matthieu or Marie Boesch. Their wines—razor-sharp Rieslings, precise Sylvaners and an elegant Pinot Noir—are pure and honest. The star is their flagship Gewürztraminer from the Zinnkoepflé grand cru vineyard, offering perfume of rose petals and geranium, finesse and depth with every glass.
Christian Binner
Ammerschwihr
Christian Binner is an icon in the natural wine world, crafting boundary-pushing wines that honor Alsace’s heritage and complete principles of biodynamic farming pioneer, architect and philosopher Rudolph Steiner.
The naturally temperature-regulated underground cellar, inspired by biodynamic principles, is built according to Steiner’s Goetheanum architectural style. Inspired by natural, organic forms, the structure, which is made of Vosges sandstone, fir and oak, took five years to perfect.
Visitors can explore the unique space before tasting wines that range from vibrant Rieslings to rich and textured macerations of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and more. Whether you’re drawn to philosophy or seeking something unexpected, a visit to Binner’s world is like a walk on the wild side.
Joseph Cattin
Voegtlinshoffen
For those who appreciate a great view with their wine, Joseph Cattin’s panoramic rooftop tasting room is an absolute must. Specializing in Crémant d’Alsace, the domaine’s sparkling wines are the perfect companion for a sunny day, especially when paired with a classic flàmmeküeche (a cheese-topped “pie baked in flames”).
The modern visitor center offers a laid-back yet informative introduction to Alsace’s bubblies, with friendly staff eager to guide you through their diverse lineup. Combining Old World craftsmanship with a contemporary twist, this is an ideal spot for both casual wine lovers and dedicated oenophiles. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, the winery also offers a Segway tour along the picturesque Alsace wine route, making for an unforgettably fun (albeit nerdy-looking) experience.
Domaine Trimbach
Ribeauvillé
One of Alsace’s most iconic producers, Trimbach is synonymous with structured, long-lived Rieslings, particularly their legendary Clos Sainte Hune, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Family-run since 1626, the winery offers visitors a rare glimpse into centuries of winemaking excellence. Tastings here are all about showcasing their dry, mineral-driven wines, which serve as benchmarks for the region.
The estate’s classic Alsatian architecture, with its pale yellow façade and traditional timber framing, perfectly complements the winery’s rich history and timeless appeal. For anyone seeking to understand why Alsace’s Rieslings are revered worldwide, this is the place to do it—where tradition meets exceptional craftsmanship in every glass.
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Terres d’Étoiles
Hunawihr
At the foot of Hunawihr’s fortified church, Terres d’Étoiles brings to life winemaker Christophe Mittnacht’s vision, with his wife Yuka adding her touch with the culinary program.
After decades at Domaine Mittnacht Frères, Christophe left the family business in 2019 to create a biodynamic estate that reflects their passion for expressive wines. Yuka, a former gastronomic expert from Japan, brings cultural flair to every meal shared at their peaceful gîte (cottage), from sashimi to umami-infused salads.
The cottage, available for rent, accommodates up to six people, offering modern comforts and a distinct Alsatian vineyard experience. Surrounded by hills, hiking trails and historic villages, it’s an ideal spot to relax and explore.
Reservations for the kitchen experience and accommodation are required.
Marcel Deiss
Bergheim
Few wineries in Alsace embody terroir as profoundly as Marcel Deiss. Jean-Michel Deiss, a true fouteur de merde (polite translation: troublemaker), redefined the region’s identity with field blends and self-declared “premier crus,” a legacy now carried forward by his son Matthieu.
Their labels, adorned with old artworks depicting saints, knights and medieval scenes, reflect the winery’s reverence for history—even if they don’t follow tradition themselves. Meanwhile, Matthieu’s separate brand Vignoble du Rêveur in Bennwihr offers a more experimental lens, with biodynamic, skin-contact and amphora-aged wines.
Visits to the Bergheim estate are a deep dive into Alsace’s mosaic of soils and the family’s full portfolio of wines, with guided tastings that challenge the region’s single-varietal convention, along with private vineyard walks that reveal their radical approach.
Pierre Frick
Pfaffenheim
Pierre Frick is a legend for purists and a must for anyone who believes in the power of nature over chemicals. He turned his estate organic in 1970, embracing minimal intervention to let the wines breathe, live and speak for themselves. His Rieslings and skin-contact Pinot Gris are bright and racy, each one a unique expression of the sites and varieties he works with, a deep dive into Alsace’s soul.
In the cellar, Frick keeps it simple: hand-harvested, pressed whole, fermented with native yeasts and aged in old oak casks. No sulfites before fermentation, no acidity tricks—just pure terroir.
Since 1999, he’s been crafting zero-sulfite wines sealed under crown caps, a move he’ll gladly tell you all about during the tour of his unadorned, timeworn cellar. The man makes wine that’s as real as it gets, and it’s clear as day when you visit.
Travel Like a Local
Alsace offers plenty of charming places to stay, but for lively evenings, Colmar and Strasbourg stand out.
In Colmar, where pastel facades line cobbled streets and canals, stay at La Maison des Têtes, a 17th-century mansion with a Michelin-starred restaurant, or the sleek Hôtel Quatorze. In the evening, sip regional wines at L’Un des Sens, a cozy bar with an extensive list and French-style small plates.
Further north, Ribeauvillé sits amid vineyards, with medieval towers guarding the land. Book a room at Hôtel Barrière Ribeauvillé, then enjoy rustic Alsatian fare at Winstub Zum Pfifferhus.
Strasbourg, the region’s vibrant capital, mixes Gothic grandeur with cosmopolitan flair. Sleep in the traditional timbered charm of Hôtel Cour du Corbeau, and dine at Restaurant Au Pont Corbeau for Alsatian classics, or La Rivière for French-Asian fusion.
In Barr, a hidden gem, stay at 5 Terres Hôtel & Spa, a blend of history and luxury, and enjoy seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes nearby at Michelin-starred Enfin.
Finally, Eguisheim, a storybook village, invites wandering and long meals. Stay at Les Chambres du Domaine, a guesthouse on a working winery, and enjoy traditional Alsatian flàmmeküeche at Caveau Heuhaus.
To get to Alsace, fly into Basel and take a train, taxi or drive, or fly to Paris and take the TGV to Strasbourg. Though you could take the train if you’re on a budget, the easiest way to get around is via taxi or designated driver.
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In the Shop
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