Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Route du Vin Wines
Romans planted the first grapevines in Alsace over 2,000 years ago. Wine and Rhine
worked together to form the backbone of the region's medieval economy. Barrels of wine
were shipped along the nearby Rhine to international destinations (Scandinavia, the Low
Countries, and Britain were big buyers). This created enormous wealth for Alsatians; their
investments financed many of the beautiful buildings and villages we see today. Until the
17th century, Alsace produced more (and better) wine than any other region in the Holy
Roman Empire. The Thirty Years' War, French Revolution, and Franco-Prussian War bur-
ied Alsace's wine dominance. Two world wars didn't help. Today Alsace is struggling to
get its foot back in the wine door of international markets—where the big money is.
To help earn this recognition, they eagerly welcome visitors. Most Route du Vin
towns have wineries that give tours (some charge a fee), and scores of small producers
open their courtyards with free and fun tastings (remember, it's polite to buy a bottle or
two if you like the wines). The cooperatives at Eguisheim, Bennwihr, Hunawihr, and Ri-
beauvillé,createdafterthedestructionofWorldWarII,provideagoodlookatmodernand
efficient methods of production. Before you set off, review “French Wine-Tasting 101”
( here ) .
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