Celebrate the Alsace Grape Harvest: Festivals, Wine & Traditions

During the 2013 harvest season, visitors to the vineyards of Alsace can join in the celebrations for the Alsatian Wine Route’s 60th anniversary and experience traditional winemaking up close. Activities include cellar tours, a grape-picker’s lunch, estate wine tastings, and demonstrations of grape pressing. For a more active day, explore the vineyards by bicycle and meet local wine producers over a glass as they share stories about their craft.

After a day in the vines, relax in the historic charm of a cozy château in Wissembourg. Two-night, three-day stays at the Hotel Au Cygne offer a traditional tavern atmosphere and a carefully arranged program: accommodation in a standard room, daily breakfast, two dinners featuring regional specialties, and a tour with wine tasting at the Cleebourg wine cellars. Each couple receives one bottle of wine, guests can follow the Cleebourg wine-making trail for a self-guided stroll, and the package also includes admission to Fleckenstein Castle and a self-guided tour of Wissembourg. Prices per person, based on double occupancy, start at €174.50 (approximately $236).

This seasonal experience combines hands-on activities, local gastronomy and historic accommodation, making it an appealing option for wine lovers and travelers who want to connect with Alsace’s winemaking heritage.

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