Route des Vin D'Alsace

Each day we've been in Alsace, we've driven through wine country.  Specifically, we've driven the Route des Vin D'Alsace -- Alsatian Wine Route.  This has taken us through many small towns, past vineyards and wineries too numerous to count, and allowed us to dine on wonderful Alsatian cuisine.

While we stopped multiple times in many of the towns, we spent the most time in Riquewihr and Kayserberg.  In some ways, both towns look like something straight out of a fairy tale with cobblestone streets and half-timbered architecture.  The height of wine season is August and September, when the grapes are harvested and all of the towns have their own wine festival.  Because we're here in April, the leaves are just beginning to sprout on the vines.  While the vineyards may not be as picturesque as when the grapes are ready to harvest, we've loved not having large crowds.  We've been able to move around with ease and have more specialized attention in the shops, restaurants, and wine rooms.

Kayserberg

Kayserberg appears to be the largest of the towns where we stopped.  It's also the home of Albert Schweitzer who would later receive the Nobel Peace Prize.  It's also where we were awed by the giant crucifix hanging in the local parish church.  Riquewihr has a clock tower at one end of its central core and like some of the other towns along the wine route, cars drive through the arch underneath.

Riquewihr

The wines here have been drier than those from the Mosel Valley.  After multiple tastings during our stay we've declared the Mosel wines to be our favorite.  The French wines are good, but the Mosel wines hit our taste buds better.  Given the charm and character of the Route des Vin D'Alsace, one could easily spend a week here just visiting each of the towns.

Riquewihr