Article Tour of Riquewihr

Riquewihr and other villages are surrounded by vineyards. Alsatian wines deviate from the common perception of French wines. The region has long belonged to Germany and the French is Alsace since 1945. There are 15,200 hectares of vineyards, annually producing about 1.2 million hectoliters of wine, that is 160 million bottles. Only about 10% of it is red wine.

Almost all Alsatian wines come from seven varieties: Riesling, Tramin (Gewürztraminer – flagship), Nutmeg, Pinot gris, Sylvanian, Pinot blanc and the only blue Pinot noir. Right on the way from the parking lot on the eastern edge of the city, we come across a winery and a tasting room.

The fortified city is protected by a double wall. On the west side, at the entrance to the historic center, is the Upper Gate (La Porte Haute), built at the end of the 13th century and enlarged around 1500 to strengthen the fortification system.

Today, the city looks essentially the same as it did in the 16th century. A fountain, narrow streets, decorated houses, the present are reminiscent of tourists and souvenir shops. You will definitely not find abandoned places here in the season.

Most of the houses were built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Above the stone foundation of the ground floor (cellar), where there is often a wine press and wine barrels, there are another one to two floors, depending on the needs and possibilities of the owner.

After an interesting walk through this historical gem, you can't resist a visit to one of the cellars, which offers wine treasures from the local vineyards. The offer is large and the prices are varied. Just be careful, you go up the stairs and it is warm outside in summer.