If you’re heading to the charming region of Alsace in northeastern France, chances are you’ll want to indulge in its famed wines and hearty cuisine. This Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch offers a well-balanced mix of tradition, flavor, and storytelling — perfect for those curious about regional specialties and authentic winery experiences. While I haven’t done this tour myself, based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like a fantastic way to combine wine education with regional gastronomy.
What really stands out are the knowledgeable guides who bring the region’s history and winemaking process to life, and the opportunity to taste top-quality Alsace wines in a beautifully renovated cellar. The delicious, regional lunch served in a state-of-the-art, fully immersive space adds a memorable touch. One possible consideration is that this experience is primarily geared toward adults, as participants must be 18+ for the wine tastings. Still, it’s a great fit for travelers who love good food, fine wine, and genuine, family-run businesses. If these ingredients sound appealing, this tour is likely to hit the spot.
Key Points
- Authentic winery visit with a cellar dating back to 1850 and a family-owned operation since 1778
- Educational tasting of Alsatian wines, including organic production practices
- Regional lunch featuring Alsatian specialties like soup, meat pie, cheeses, kougelhopf, and Bibeleskaes
- Immersive dining experience with visual projections and lounge music
- Flexible options for vegetarians and children
- Convenient meeting points in Gertwiller with clear instructions
- Full value with brochures, regional info, and a souvenir wine purchase opportunity
- Highly rated experience with a 4.9 out of 5 from 46 reviews
Discovering the Heart of Alsace: Wine and Food in Gertwiller
This tour offers a window into the long-standing traditions of Alsace winemaking, combined with a taste of the region’s best-loved dishes. Starting in the quaint village of Gertwiller, known for its local wineries, you’ll meet your guides at the “Au Péché Vigneron” winery — a modestly sized but modern building that fits perfectly into the village’s landscape. The location is easy to find: stay on the main road, park in the large lot, and look for the wooden cube-shaped building flanked by colorful houses.
The first part of your experience involves a guided tour of the winery, which is still in organic production. You’ll learn about the traditional winemaking process used in Alsace, from grape harvesting to bottling, and see the massive oak barrels dating back to around 1850. The guides here are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making complex processes accessible and engaging. One reviewer noted, “The wines, the food, the guide – would highly recommend it,” highlighting how informative and enjoyable this part of the tour can be.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Alsace.
The Cellar and Tasting Experience
The cellar itself offers a visual feast — with old oak barrels, some from the 19th century, and walls lined with the tools and artifacts that tell the story of local winemakers. You’ll taste a selection of Alsatian wines, each paired with the stories of the grape varieties and the traditions behind them. Since the winery has a long family history, some wines are likely to be the result of generations of care and expertise, adding a layer of authenticity to your tasting.
The reviews underscore the quality of the wine: “Great! Good food and a nice tour,” says Antoine, confirming the positive impression of the wine selection. Expect to sample wines that reflect the region’s characteristic dry, aromatic whites, perfect for pairing with the hearty regional dishes that follow.
The Alsatian Lunch in a Modern, Immersive Setting
After the cellar visit, you’ll move into the new, 100% immersive restaurant space. This isn’t your typical winery dining room. As you settle in, you’ll be surrounded by projected images and lounge music that evoke the spirit of Alsace — making the meal a multisensory experience. The menu features Alsatian specialties like a flavorful soup, a savory meat pie, and a cheese platter — all expertly paired with local wines.
The highlight can be the plate of cheeses and the iconic kougelhopf, a sweet or savory yeast-based cake, along with Bibeleskaes, a creamy fromage blanc typical of the region. The meal ends with a cup of coffee or tea, and a glass of wine accompanies each dish, enhancing the flavors and creating a true tasting experience. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, ensuring that guests with different dietary preferences feel well cared for.
One reviewer appreciated the “delicious food” and the “visuals on the walls,” emphasizing how the setup enhances the overall enjoyment. Children are also welcome; there’s a special menu with kid-friendly options, making it suitable for family outings.
Practical Details: What to Expect and How It Works
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable yet enriching experience. There are two main starting points in Gertwiller, with clear instructions on where to meet and where to park, so logistics shouldn’t be a headache. The activity includes:
- A guided cellar tour explaining the traditional Alsatian winemaking methods
- Tasting several organic wines from the winery’s current offerings
- Brochures and regional info to deepen your understanding of Alsace
- An Alsatian lunch with multiple courses, including dessert and coffee/tea
The experience is guided in both French and English, accommodating international visitors. Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The cost includes wine, food, the guided tour, and the immersive dining experience, offering good value considering the depth of information and quality of the offerings. Bottles are available for purchase if you’d like a souvenir to take home, and the tour is designed to be relaxed enough for a leisurely afternoon.
More Great Tours NearbyWhy This Tour Works Well
What makes this experience stand out are the authenticity and warmth of the family-run winery, alongside the educational component that helps you truly understand Alsace wines. The stunning cellar and well-curated lunch elevate the experience beyond just tasting. The immersive setting, with visuals and music, adds a modern touch that makes the entire afternoon memorable.
Several reviewers have highlighted the knowledge and friendliness of guides, along with the quality of wines and food. One said, “Great! Good food and a nice tour,” encapsulating how straightforward but enjoyable this experience really is. The focus on organic practices also adds an eco-conscious appeal for those interested in sustainable wine production.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to learn about Alsace wines in a relaxed, friendly setting. Food lovers will appreciate the regional specialties, and those interested in family-run businesses will find the history and personal touch compelling. It’s suitable for adults who enjoy wine and good food, with vegetarian and children’s options available.
It’s a great choice for small groups or couples looking for an authentic, educational excursion. The immersive, multimedia lunch can be particularly charming for visitors seeking a modern yet genuine taste of Alsace. If your goal is to enjoy local wines paired with regional flavors in a scenic setting, this tour checks all those boxes.
This Alsace wine and lunch experience offers a well-rounded look into the region’s traditions, from historic cellars to vibrant regional cuisine. The combination of guided cellar tours, tastings of high-quality organic wines, and a delicious, visually engaging lunch makes it more than just a tasting — it’s an educational journey paired with authentic flavors.
The friendly guides and immersive environment foster a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for travelers eager to connect with local culture. The experience’s flexibility and inclusive options also make it accessible for families and vegetarians, broadening its appeal.
If you’re seeking a charming, educational, and tasty way to spend an afternoon in Alsace, this tour is a smart choice. It balances tradition and modernity, offering good value for anyone interested in wine, food, and regional history in a relaxed setting.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and can enjoy a special menu with knacks, vegetable chips, a drink, and dessert. You can also choose not to register children and have them order on the spot.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you specify this when booking in advance.
What are the starting locations?
There are two options in Gertwiller: 156 Rte de Strasbourg or the main meeting point at the winery called “Au Péché Vigneron.” Parking is straightforward, with a large lot nearby.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable afternoon activity.
Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.
Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, guides speak both French and English, ensuring clarity for international visitors.
Can I buy the wines I taste?
Absolutely, bottles are available for purchase, making a nice souvenir of your visit.
What does the experience include?
It covers the guided cellar tour, wine tasting, brochures, regional info, and a full Alsatian lunch with coffee/tea and dessert.
Are there any restrictions for participants?
Participants must be 18+ to participate in the wine tasting.