Wine Tour to Alsace 14th - 17th October

Bordered by the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River and Germany to the east, the Alsace wine region is undoubtedly one of the most charming and uniquely distinct regions of France. Famed for wine, culture, landscape, history, gourmet food and ‘chocolate-box’ villages, Alsace offers something for everyone. We’ll be based in Colmar, one of the prettiest towns in the whole of France and there will be time to explore the town.

The wines are predominantly white and the 4 main grapes are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat, but there are also reds made from Pinot Noir and plenty of Cremant (sparkling wine). We’ll visit several wine producers and taste lots of their lovely wines, enjoy gourmet food and we’ll also visit a famous local castle.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Thursday 14th October
Meet at Zurich airport at 12.20. A coach will meet us and transfer us straight to our first winery appointment for a tasting. Late afternoon check-in to 4-star Novotel Suites (3 nights). This evening a group dinner at a (very smart!) local restaurant.

Day 2: Friday 15th October
After breakfast we board our coach and today we will visit two more producers, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will be free time for lunch when we will be in one of the beautiful villages of the region. Late afternoon return to hotel and this evening there will be a group dinner.

Day 3: Saturday 16th October
After breakfast we board our coach and head back to the villages of the region to visit two more producers with lunch at one of them. This afternoon we will also visit the medieval Haut Koenigsbourg Castle which is situated high in the village of Orschwiller with stunning views over the surrounding area. Here we will have a tour with a private guide. Late afternoon return to Colmar. Free evening.

Day 4: Sunday 17th October
This morning is free to explore the beautiful town of Colmar. You may like to visit the Unterlinden Museum, the Food Market, or wander along the canals soaking up the atmosphere. Departing the hotel before midday we re-board our coach for our final group visit which will be a tasting and lunch at a winery.

Late afternoon transfer to Zurich Airport (2 hours) to arrive by 16.45

WINERIES: We have along list of favourite wineries which are on our shortlist for visits. These include Joseph Cattin, Zeyssolf, Paul Blanck, Rolly Gassman, Domaine Gresser, Jean Becker, Paul Ginglinger, Sylvie Spielman, Louis Sipp, Leon Beyer, Meyer-Fonne, Bott-Geyl…all independent family producers who offer quality wines and a warm welcome. The final list is available on request.

END OF TOUR

ACCOMMODATION: Novotel Suites in Colmar. Newly opened in 2018, the rooms are spacious and modern. There are indoor and outdoor reception/ seating areas with a bar. The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the canals and historic centre of Colmar and its many restaurants https://novotel-suites-centre.colmar-hotels.com/en/

TRAVEL: flights are NOT included so you will need to book your own travel to/from Basel airport. The recommended group flights are with British Airways:

Thursday 14th October BA712 departs London Heathrow 09.25 arrives Zurich 12.20
Sunday 17th October BA717 departs Zurich 18.40 arrives London Heathrow 19.30

Price £860 per person sharing a double or twin room (+ £40 supplement for tour bus - see tour copy). £160 Single Supplement
INCLUDES
Ground transport throughout in a spacious, air-conditioned coach
3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the 4-star Novotel Suites
4 lunches or dinners with wine
Tours and tastings at 6 wineries
Entrance ticket and private guide at Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
Services of Tour/Wine Guide from Criterion Wine Tours

HOW TO BOOK: go to https://criterionwinetours.com/product/alsace-wine-tour/ to complete the booking form and pay the non-refundable deposit of £215 per person. The balance is due 8 weeks before the tour. Your money will be held in a secure Client Deposit Account and is fully protected.