Riquewihr in Alsace, a pearl on the wine route.

The Alsace region is located in the North East corner of France. Situated on the Vosgian foothills, at an altitude of 200 to 400m the vineyards take maximum advantage of their exposure to the sun, particularly as the vines are trained along high wires.

The Alsace Wine Route has become famous the world over for its exceptional natural beauty, its simple course and for the instant connection its visitors feel with the region and its growers. The Alsace Wine Route winds its way from north to south, for more than 170 kilometres (106 miles) along the eastern foothills of the Vosges.
Riquewihr is in the very heart of the Alsace vineyards, a major milestone on the Alsace wine route.
Click here to contact us.

Larger groups:
If you are looking for good winemakers to have a unique Alsace wine tasting with your larger group or private party, do not hesitate to contact us. We will put you in touch with some excellent winemakers so that your wine tasting in Alsace will be an unforgettable experience. You will taste some of the best wines of Alsace, learn a bit more about how to enjoy fully the wine and also how to match wine and food.
Click here to contact us and send us your requests, needs or ideas.

 
Riquewihr on the Alsace wine route is located at the foot of the Vosges Mountain.
Early in the morning is a pleasant time to discover Riquewihr because the streets are still peaceful

Riquewihr on the Alsace wine route is located at the foot of the Vosges Mountain.

Early in the morning is a pleasant time to discover Riquewihr because the streets are still peaceful

 
Looking for accommodation? Stay in one of our beautiful gites in Riquewihr!

Our gites in one glimpse, sorted by size and level of comfort.

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 15 romantic gites in Alsace (14 in the historical city of Riquewihr) provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!

2 studios + 1 duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr: low rates, maxi charm
4 luxury gites for 2 people
4 larger apartments for 4 people + 1 apartment for up to 8 people
Charm and comfort at budget rates!
 
For 2 people
 
Romantic Studio, In the ramparts: our smallest place but quite comfortable. For 2 persons.
Sylvaner Studio, Larger Studio in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 persons.
 
3 up to 5 people
 
Klevner Duplex, Charming duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 + 1 persons.
Muscat family apartment, Ideal for 2 adults + up to 3 children.
 
In the mountain village of La Vancelle

The Mountain Hiker, in a residential village north of Riquewihr. Calm & nature in a strategic place to visit all of Alsace.

Certainly among the finest gites in Alsace!
 
Luxury for 2 people.

The Sentinel, Absolutely romantic. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Wolf, With a small balcony. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Bear, comfortable apartment for 2. Street level, ideal for people having problems to walk or with stairs.
The Fox and the Grapes, Stunning views on the famous Schoenenbourg vineyard. Aircon not necessary. For 2 persons.
The White Stork, Stunning views + sunny terrace. Airconditioned. Definitely the best of what we have to offer for 2 persons (couple).

Need space?
 
Comfort for 4-8 people

Riesling apartment, 2 beautiful bedrooms, 1 bathroom. For 4 people.
Marco Polo apartment, our largest place. 3 bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms. Sleeps up to 6 adults + 2 children.

Luxury for 4-6 people

Dove's Nest house, Absolutely romantic. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
Alsatian Hart apartment, Stunning views, balcony. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one with walk in shower, the other with jacuzzi). Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
The Lucky Dragon, spacious gite spreading over 3 levels. Independant entrance from the garden. Terrace. 4+2 people.

 
 
Wine seminar in the vineyards overlooking Riquewihr, under the direction of Laurent, the winemaker of Maison Zimmer.
Wine tasting commented by Régine Zimmer in the historical cellar of Maison Zimmer in the main street of Riquewihr

Wine seminar in the vineyards overlooking Riquewihr, under the direction of Laurent, the winemaker of Maison Zimmer.

Wine tasting commented by Régine Zimmer in the historical cellar of Maison Zimmer in the main street of Riquewihr

 
Walking and exploring the heart of the vineyards on the wine trails surrounding Riquewihr

Visitors can easily explore the heart of the vineyards of Riquewihr and the nearby villages like Hunawihr, Zellenberg, Beblenheim or Kientzheim. You will walk along numerous vineyard paths, or wine trails, leading to the crest of each slope, where signs explain the work of the winegrowers and the diversity of the grape varieties grown. There are no fewer than 46 of these wine trails in Alsace, winding their way through the heart of the vines and the picturesque towns.

For a two-hour walk, at most, each wine trail offers a view of the colours and flavours of Alsace, and a connection with the personalities of the growers that bring them to life. The tourist office in Riquewihr carries the detailed maps of the wine trails / paths around Riquewihr.

Click here to contact us.

 
View from the heigh of the Schoenenbourg... Riquewihr in the background, the Vosges and more vines!
View from the heigh of the Schoenenbourg... Riquewihr in the background, the Vosges and more vines!
 
Alsace and Riquewihr Wines

The Alsace region has an area of 8280 square kilometers. The region, famous for its production of aromatic white wines, boasts 4,930 small vineyards covering 15,535ha! Sheltered from oceanic influences by the Vosges mountains, Alsace enjoys some of the lowest rainfall in France (just 400-500mm or 16-20 inches per year) and Riquewihr is right in the middle of the driest area. It is blessed with a semi-continental climate - sunny, warm and dry, which while offering a fantastic advantage to tourists, also provides the perfect conditions for winemaking as it encourages the slow, extended ripening of the grapes, resulting in elegant, complex aromas and flavours.

Riquewihr wine is famous since the Middle Ages. Alsace famous grape varieties are Riesling, Pinot Gris (called Tokay in the past), Muscat, Gewurztraminer. All these varieties are grown in Riquewihr. You will find these wines on the labels of the bottles. There are also some other, usually cheaper, varieties like Sylvaner, Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc (all white wines). Edelzwicker is not a grape variety but a blend of several noble varieties like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat or Gewurztraminer. Each winegrower has its own recipe which may change from year to year according to the production of the moment. Also more and more excellent Pinot Noir red wines are produced in Alsace. Klevner - actually the Alsatian name for Savagnin rose - is growing more north, not in Riquewihr.

 
Alsace enjoys some of the lowest rainfall in France and Riquewihr is right in the middle of the driest area. Therefore the wines produced in Riquewihr count among the best in Alsace.
The best vineyards of Alsace are located on hills carrying a Grand Cru appellation. Riquewihr has 2 grands crus: Sporen and Schoenenbourg.

Alsace enjoys some of the lowest rainfall in France and Riquewihr is right in the middle of the driest area. Therefore the wines produced in Riquewihr count among the best in Alsace.

The best vineyards of Alsace are located on hills carrying a Grand Cru appellation. Riquewihr has 2 grands crus: Sporen and Schoenenbourg.

 
In the vineyards surrounding Riquewihr, with the wine grower himself!

Visitors can easily explore the heart of the vineyards in Riquewihr and neighbour villages as Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Kientzheim, Kaysersberg..., along one of the many wine trails. Lined with countless signs posting maps and information, each trail reveals the work of the winegrower, the art of Alsace wine and the specific characteristics of each grape variety. Sometimes we can arrange wine tours with the winemaker. It starts in the vineyard where the wine lover gets to know the grape varieties and even, at the end of the summer, taste the grapes. Later in the cellar, one will discover some of the same aromatic flavors in the glass.

Click here to contact us.

Larger groups:
If you are looking for good winemakers to have a unique Alsace wine tasting with your larger group or private party, do not hesitate to contact us. We will put you in touch with some excellent winemakers so that your wine tasting in Alsace will be an unforgettable experience. You will taste some of the best wines of Alsace, learn a bit more about how to enjoy fully the wine and also how to match wine and food.
Click here to contact us and send us your requests, needs or ideas.

 
With Pierre Sparr, a famous alsatian winegrower, in his Schoenenbourg vineyard in Riquewihr
Wine tasting commented by Pierre Sparr in the cellars of Domaine Charles Sparr in Riquewihr

With Pierre Sparr, a famous alsatian winegrower, in his Schoenenbourg vineyard in Riquewihr

Wine tasting commented by Pierre Sparr in the cellars of Domaine Charles Sparr in Riquewihr

 
Alsace is one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of France and is famous for its wine, gastronomy and wine tourism facilities

The Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010 has picked Alsace as one of the hot regions in the world to visit. Alsace is one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of France and is famous for its wine, gastronomy and wine tourism facilities.

Alsace has been a pioneer in wine tourism in France with the development of the Wine Route which has, over the past 50 years, contributed to the success of Alsace wines. Famous for its exceptional natural beauty, the Wine Route leads visitors across rows of undulating, vine-covered hills, and through delightful quaint villages with narrow streets and charming flower-decked houses.

The Lonely Planet tourist guide recommends the Fêtes du Vin (wine festivals) taking place in villages all over Alsace during the summer,and the Winstubs (literally “wine rooms”, local wine bars also serving food) offering local gastronomic specialities.

From April to October, a succession of wine festivals and wine fairs will highlight your trip. In August there is the traditional Colmar wine festival, Foire aux Vins d'Alsace: usually more than 10 days of celebrations for what became the major summertime event in Alsace (more than 250 000 visitors every year!).
While staying with us in Riquewihr, we will inform you about the major events occuring during your stay.
For more events and places to visit in Alsace and nearby Germany and Switzerland, read and follow our blog.

 
Each 'terroir' (the type of soil the vines are growing in) of Alsace determines the precise aromas and flavors of each Alsace grape variety and so of the wine it will produce. Situated on the Schoenenbourg hill in Riquewihr, facing South, these vineyards take maximum advantage of their exposure to the sun, particularly as the vines are trained along high wires.
Each 'terroir' (the type of soil the vines are growing in) of Alsace determines the precise aromas and flavors of each Alsace grape variety and so of the wine it will produce. Situated on the Schoenenbourg hill in Riquewihr, facing South, these vineyards take maximum advantage of their exposure to the sun, particularly as the vines are trained along high wires.
 
Alsace wines on your table and how to match food with Alsace wines

An Alsace wine can match every occasion. Delicious as a drink before the meal, the wines made in Alsace are also perfect partners for fish and seafood (this is the reason why so many Alsatian villages have a partnership with villages in Brittany, on the West coast of France!). But Alsace wines are also matching poultry, white meat, game, the famous duck or goose 'foie gras', exotic recipes (thai, indian, chinese or creole cooking deserve a Gewurztraminer!), dessert and what could be a surprise for many: cheese! Contrary to popular belief, in most cases white wines are better adapted to cheese than red wines. This is particularly true with strong cheeses like Munster or Roquefort and all the blue cheeses.

Alsace wines make ideal partners for all the produce of the sea. Sylvaner with shellfish, Riesling with salmon, or Gewurztraminer with Chinese-style shrimps, these are just a few examples of the numerous matchings of Alsace wines and fish recipes.

White meats naturally call for white wines often better than red wines. Serve a Riesling with your roast chicken, Pinot Gris with roast veal. Choose a Gewurztraminer for pork with pineapple... Many rich combinations are possible between Alsace wines and white meats.

Alsace wines love to explore exotic new territory. For Alsace wines, gastronomy knows no frontiers : thanks to the distinct personality of each Alsace wine, they match all types of recipes, from Asian to Mediterranean, from Indian to Mexican. Sylvaner and sushi, Riesling and Chinese fondue, Gewurztraminer and tacos, these are the first steps along a gastronomic tour of the world.

Contrary to popular belief, in most cases white wines are better adapted to cheese than red wines ; Alsace wines are particularly well suited to accompany all types of cheese : from soft and mild cheeses (serve Sylvaner or Pinot Blanc), to goat cheese (perfect with a Riesling), to strong cheeses (Gewurztraminer), to hard cheeses like Cheddar (Pinot Gris). Try them, you will be captivated !

Alsace is best known for its dry wines, but it also produces more and more powerful and even sometimes sweet wines, like Gewurztraminer that goes wonderfully with slightly sweet desserts, as does Crémant d'Alsace.
With sweeter desserts, nothing can be better than a late-harvest 'Vendanges Tardives' or 'Sélection de Grains Nobles' wine. Both types of wine, rare, sweet or liqueur-like, will give a special cachet to all fine desserts.

 
4 seasons in the vineyards around Riquewihr
 
Winter work in the Alsatian vineyards. From December to March, the Winegrower is busy preparing the vines for the new season to come.
Church of Riquewihr in the fog. Seen from the famous Schoenenbourg grand cru vineyard.

Winter work in the Alsatian vineyards. From December to March, the Winegrower is busy preparing the vines for the new season to come.

Church of Riquewihr in the fog. Seen from the famous Schoenenbourg grand cru vineyard.

 
 
Winter is the quitest period for the visit... Time for connoisseurs!
In Riquewihr, you will discover a lot of small wineries offering great Alsace wine!

Winter is the quitest period for the visit... Time for connoisseurs!

In Riquewihr, you will discover a lot of small wineries offering great Alsace wine!

 
Stay in one of our beautiful vacation apartments in Riquewihr, Alsace

Our gites in one glimpse, sorted by size and level of comfort.

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 15 romantic gites in Alsace (14 in the historical city of Riquewihr) provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!

2 studios + 1 duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr: low rates, maxi charm
4 luxury gites for 2 people
4 larger apartments for 4 people + 1 apartment for up to 8 people
Charm and comfort at budget rates!
 
For 2 people
 
Romantic Studio, In the ramparts: our smallest place but quite comfortable. For 2 persons.
Sylvaner Studio, Larger Studio in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 persons.
 
3 up to 5 people
 
Klevner Duplex, Charming duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 + 1 persons.
Muscat family apartment, Ideal for 2 adults + up to 3 children.
 
In the mountain village of La Vancelle

The Mountain Hiker, in a residential village north of Riquewihr. Calm & nature in a strategic place to visit all of Alsace.

Certainly among the finest gites in Alsace!
 
Luxury for 2 people.

The Sentinel, Absolutely romantic. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Wolf, With a small balcony. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Bear, comfortable apartment for 2. Street level, ideal for people having problems to walk or with stairs.
The Fox and the Grapes, Stunning views on the famous Schoenenbourg vineyard. Aircon not necessary. For 2 persons.
The White Stork, Stunning views + sunny terrace. Airconditioned. Definitely the best of what we have to offer for 2 persons (couple).

Need space?
 
Comfort for 4-8 people

Riesling apartment, 2 beautiful bedrooms, 1 bathroom. For 4 people.
Marco Polo apartment, our largest place. 3 bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms. Sleeps up to 6 adults + 2 children.

Luxury for 4-6 people

Dove's Nest house, Absolutely romantic. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
Alsatian Hart apartment, Stunning views, balcony. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one with walk in shower, the other with jacuzzi). Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
The Lucky Dragon, spacious gite spreading over 3 levels. Independant entrance from the garden. Terrace. 4+2 people.

 
Les Remparts de Riquewihr****
15 Gîtes d'exception en Alsace - 15 Elegant vacation rentals in Alsace - 15 Traum Ferienwohnungen im Elsass

9 Rue des Cordiers 68340 RIQUEWIHR, Alsace - France
Tel : +33 608033752 - Fax : - - -