Alsace Wine Route – 70 years of history

1953

Creation of the Alsace Wine Route

On 30 May 1953, the Alsace Wine Route was inaugurated with pomp and circumstance. Two parades with flowery floats set off from the north and south of Alsace to meet in Ribeauvillé. Traditional music, folk groups, village locals, and winegrowers welcomed the parades in each village in a festive and friendly atmosphere. The Alsace Wine Route was born, and with it, a timeless image of Alsace’s wine villages and countryside.

1973

The Saint-Etienne Brotherhood takes up residence in Kientzheim Castle

Alsace has several wine brotherhoods that work to promote the notoriety of the wines of Alsace. The Saint-Étienne Brotherhood is considered the oldest in France: the members have been proudly wearing the colours of Alsace throughout the world since 1561. An original visit to discover the brotherhood, its famous wine library, and different activities on offer.

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1975

Recognition of AOC Alsace Grand Cru

Alsace Grand Cru earned the prestigious AOC label in 1975 when Alsatian winegrowers decided to put strict rules in place to guarantee the superior quality of their wine. Today, only 51 Alsatian terroirs can produce wines under this appellation. These high standards have made AOC Alsace Grand Cru a world-renowned reference for wine lovers.

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1976

Recognition of AOC Crémant d'Alsace

This official distinction is the result of a long tradition of wine in Alsace, dating back several centuries. In the early 20th century, winegrowers in Alsace began producing sparkling wines using traditional methods, in particular with Alsatian grape varieties like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The recognition of AOC Crémant d'Alsace is a testament to this tradition and guarantees quality sparkling wines that adhere to high standards.

1993

Creation of wine trails

Combining nature and wine, more than 50 hiking trails cross the vineyards of Alsace, dotted with information panels to learn about the work of winegrowers, the art of winemaking, geology, and the terroirs.
There are plenty of paths all along the Alsace Wine Route for a stroll through the vineyards admiring exceptional panoramas.

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1995

Beginning of winery picnics

Started in Alsace by the Independent Winegrowers' Union, winery picnics are special encounters with winegrowers to learn about their profession, their wine, and their history. The idea is simple: every Whitsun weekend, pack a picnic as a family or with friends and meet the host winegrower in the heart of their winery for a tasting.

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2004

First edition of the Marathon du Vignoble

Every year in June, this race features atypical routes through vineyards and villages open to all runners, with gourmet-wine stations featuring Alsatian specialties, as well as plenty of entertainment!

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2013

First edition of slowUp Alsace

Created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Alsace Wine Route and the inauguration of its cycle route, slowUp Alsace is a festive, active, and gourmet day! An outing to explore the Wine Route on foot, by bike, or on roller skates at your own pace in a safe setting. With plenty of entertainment in the different villages along the route, slowUp Alsace has become a not-to-be-missed event every first Sunday of June with more than 40,000 visitors.

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2014

Launch of harvester for a day

Started in Alsace by the Independent Winegrowers, this experience gives guests the chance to spend a day in the shoes of a grape harvester, a unique outing to discover the winegrowing trade and share a special encounter. You'll be welcomed at the winery to learn about the harvest, understand the winemaking process, and taste the wines of a passionate winegrower. To finish the day off right, sit down for a traditional grape harvester's meal. From September to October, a unique harvest experience in the heart of the vineyards of Alsace.

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2019

The Alsace Wine Route awarded the Vignobles & Découvertes label

The national Vignobles & Découvertes distinction is given to destinations offering a comprehensive, high-quality offer of wine tourism products. The Alsace Wine Route is the only vineyard recognised in its entirety. The distinction is the result of hard work by tourism and wine professionals in Alsace committed to excellence.

2020

First edition of the Fascinant Weekend in Alsace

A “fascinating" national event from the Vignobles & Découvertes label, the Fascinant Weekend takes place every year on the third weekend of October. With tastings, magnificent sites, unique activities, fun discoveries, and encounters with passionate winegrowers, this is a not-to-be-missed wine tourism event.

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2023

The Wine Route celebrates its 70th anniversary

Whether you are a passionate wine lover or simply looking for a cultural and gourmet getaway, the Alsace Wine Route promises a unique experience. So, get ready to raise your glass and toast to the health of the Alsace Wine Route, and join us to celebrate this memorable anniversary!

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