Wines of Alsace

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

A fascinating cultural blend of French and Germanic influences, Alsace is a region of half-timbered mediaeval towns, delicious cuisine which combines French refinement with hearty Germanic ingredients such as Choucroute, the ‘national dish’. The sunny slopes of the Vosges mountains here offer a rich mosaic of limestone, sandstone, marl and clay soils which provide perfect conditions for aromatic grape varieties such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, a pink-red grape which produces the distinctive white wines with aromas of lychees and rose. In fact, this is the only region in France to produce mostly varietal wines identified by the names of the grapes. Join wine writer and drinks editor of The Spectator Jonathan Ray for a tour behind the scenes of some of the region’s best vineyards, as well as visits to historic towns and villages and opportunities to sample the delicious Alsatian cuisine.

the itinerary

1

Departing from London this morning, we will fly to Basel, on the border between France, Germany and Switzerland, where our driver will meet us for the journey north along the Upper Rhine Valley into Alsace. We will stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* Hotel Le Colombier in the centre of the picturesque town of Colmar. This evening Jonathan will host an introductory tasting of some of the region’s varied wines before dinner in the hotel.

2

Travelling up the Rhine valley this morning we will drive through vineyards with views across the Rhine plain to the Black Forest mountains, arriving in the small town of Ribeauvillé, with its half-timbered buildings and ruined castles. Here we will visit the 13th century Butcher’s Tower before arriving at the Maison Trimbach, where twelve generations of the family have been making wines since 1626. Today, the family vineyard is run by Hubert Trimbach, his nephews Jean and Pierre, and Pierre’s daughter Anne, who will give us a tour of the cellars and a tasting followed by lunch. In the afternoon we visit Domaine Allimant-Laugner, where two families have been cultivating vines since the 17th century. They grow all seven varieties of grapes from Alsace on their 12 hectares of vines, and we’ll taste their fresh and well-balanced Pinot Blanc & their Gewürztraminer.

3

This morning we will travel south to visit the town of Eguisheim, one of the most wonderfully-preserved fortified towns in Alsace. The half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings are constructed in concentric circles following the lines of ancient ramparts. After exploring the town on foot we will have a lunch, which might feature the local speciality tarte flambée. In the afternoon we will visit the Maison de Vin d’Alsace, currently run by Léon Beyer, whose family have been wine-growers in Eguisheim, since 1580.

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TOUR LEADER

JONATHAN RAY

Jonathan Ray is drinks editor of The Spectator, drinks columnist of The Field and Spear’s Magazine, and former wine editor of both the Daily Telegraph and GQ Magazine. He has a PhD in history and is the author of several best-selling books on wine and spirits including All About Wine, Bloodlines & Grapevines, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit!

DAY 4

This morning we will begin with a walking tour of the historic centre of Colmar, a picturesque mediaeval town famous for its canals, half-timbered houses and the 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin. In the afternoon we continue to the walled village of Riquewihr, passing through the 13th century ‘Dolder’ or defensive gate, to visit the cellars of Hugel & Fils followed by a tasting of some of their excellent wines. The Hugel family has been making wine here since 1639, and has established an enviable reputation for some of Alsace’s finest wines, which pair perfectly with food.

We will depart from the hotel after breakfast and return to Basel airport for our flight back to London.

DAY 5

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 1 September £1,987 £398

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 08.15, arrive Basel 10.50 Depart Basel 18.40, arrive Heathrow 19.20 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Two lunches • Two dinners • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities • The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer