Complete Guide to the Alsace Wine Route with Private Chauffeur

The Legendary Itinerary: From Marlenheim to Thann

Created in 1953, the Alsace Wine Route stretches over 170 kilometers along the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains. From Marlenheim in the north, close to Strasbourg, down to Thann in the south, it crosses more than 70 wine-growing towns with half-timbered houses adorned with flowers and overlooked by prestigious medieval castles.

Must-See Vineyard Stops

Among the major stops, Obernai is located just thirty minutes south of Strasbourg and serves as the northern gateway to the vineyard. Further south, around Colmar, the heart of the vineyard houses gems like Riquewihr, enclosed within its 16th-century ramparts, Kaysersberg with its fortified bridge, as well as Ribeauvillé and Barr.

• Marlenheim & Obernai: The northern gateway starting from Strasbourg.
• Riquewihr & Kaysersberg: Iconic medieval towns and renowned vineyards.
• Ribeauvillé & Barr: Historic castles, traditional cellars, and towns of character.
• Thann: Southern stop housing the majestic Grand Cru Rangen.

Alsatian Grape Varieties, Grands Crus, and Cellar Tastings

Alsace stands apart from other French wine regions by featuring the grape variety name on its labels rather than just the estate. The region counts seven main grape varieties: dry and mineral Riesling, aromatic Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Pinot Noir, the sole regional red variety.

The Excellence of the 51 Alsatian Grands Crus

The region encompasses 51 strictly delimited terroirs classified as Grand Cru, representing the pinnacle of Alsatian production. Visiting family-owned cellars allows guests to interact with local winemakers and taste exceptional vintages combining freshness and aromatic richness.

Opting for an Elar Drive VTC private chauffeur service frees you from driving and parking constraints in narrow streets. You fully enjoy wine tastings in total safety aboard our comfortable black sedans and vans.

Itinerary Ideas and Practical Visiting Tips

For a two-day getaway, focus on the Colmar area and the heart of the vineyard (Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim). For a stay of four days or more, start in the north at Marlenheim and Obernai, then gradually head south incorporating castle visits and gourmet stops at traditional winstubs.

• Best time to visit: May to October for lush landscapes and grape harvest, or late November/December for the magic of Christmas Markets.
• Cellar bookings: Highly recommended for guided tours and group tastings at major estates.
• Custom transport: Elar Drive hourly disposal offers complete flexibility throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions