From Marlenheim to Thann, the Wine Route crosses 119 towns and some of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Elsass VTC accompanies you on this journey — tastings of Riesling and Gewurztraminer, classified villages, custom tours, without the hassle of driving or parking.
Inaugurated in 1953, one of the oldest tourist routes in Europe connects Marlenheim (Bas-Rhin) to Thann (Haut-Rhin) over 170 kilometers, crossing 119 towns along the Vosges foothills covered with vineyards. It concentrates 51 of the 53 Alsace Grands Crus and more than 300 wine estates offering tastings and visits.
The route is split into two areas: the Bas-Rhin part (from Marlenheim to Barr and Sélestat) and the Haut-Rhin part (from Ribeauvillé to Thann via Colmar). Elsass VTC operates across the entire region, with pickup at home or hotel from Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel or Alsace airports.
Alsace is the only French wine region that vinifies its grape varieties as mono-varietals — each bottle bears the name of the grape it contains. Riesling, king of the Grands Crus, produces mineral wines with great aging potential on the granitic and sandstone soils of the Vosges. Gewurztraminer, with its aromas of rose and lychee, is the most identifiable grape in the world. Pinot Gris, sometimes called Tokay d'Alsace, offers powerful, smoky wines on the clay-limestone soils of Haut-Rhin.
The chauffeur-driven service is the best formula to explore the Wine Route — your driver remains available for the entire agreed duration, you compose the itinerary. A few suggestions:
In December, the Wine Route transforms into a succession of medieval Christmas markets — Kaysersberg (voted best Christmas market in France), Riquewihr (in 16th-century alleyways), Eguisheim (circular illuminated village) and Colmar (5 themed markets in the old town). Elsass VTC offers discovery tours with special packages for this period.
Book your private driver from Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel or your Alsace hotel.
Full-day package — Available 7/7 — Fixed guaranteed fare — Quick response
Get my fareA private chauffeur lets you enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving. Since the most beautiful villages are pedestrian-only or packed in high season, your chauffeur drops you off at the entrance and picks you up at the agreed time. You are free to plan your itinerary.
The Alsace Wine Route offers 7 grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Alsace is the only French wine-growing region to make single-varietal wines from its grape varieties. Your chauffeur drives while you focus on the aromas and vintages.
The must-see villages are Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Obernai. Riquewihr is the most visited village, with its intact 16th-century ramparts. Kaysersberg was named the most beautiful village in France in 2017. Your chauffeur can adapt the itinerary to your wishes.
In December, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim each hold their Christmas market and attract several million visitors. Your chauffeur handles access and parking during this peak period. You enjoy the illuminated medieval atmosphere without stress.
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse is about 35 minutes from Colmar, the southern gateway to the Alsace Wine Route. Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport is about 30 minutes from Barr, the northern gateway to the wine region. Elsass VTC provides the transfer and can start the tour as soon as you leave the plane.