Wine tourism: The Alsace vineyards—a destination on the rise!

More than 60 years ago, in 1953, the Alsace Wine Route was inaugurated. Stretching over 170 km, it passes through 67 towns in the Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin departments, some of which boast superb, well-preserved architectural heritage. Along the route, there are numerous hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, campgrounds, and wine cellars. As a result, wine tourism enthusiasts can easily find places to stay and eat during their visit. And year after year, their numbers are growing, making Alsace the third most visited wine region in France! For tourism professionals and wineries, this represents a significant economic opportunity. It also helps raise the profile of Alsatian wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Crémant, and Sylvaner.

The Alsace Wine Route, attracting more than 3 million visitors each year

In France, wine tourism has grown by 33% over the past 10 years! Ten million visitors come each year to explore our vineyards, including more than 3 million in Alsace (up 4% over 10 years)! Most tourists are French (55%). Next are mainly European travelers from Germany and Belgium. And since 2010, overnight stays in the Alsatian vineyards have been increasing year after year. In 2017, they reached nearly 6 million. Several factors explain the success of this Wine Route. First, its route, stretching from Thann to Marlenheim, home to nearly 300 vineyards, about 50 of which are classified as grands crus. Then there are the varied, lush landscapes, alternating between plains and mountains, and the picturesque villages with their half-timbered houses. And, of course, the rich soil beneath, which contributes to the reputation of Alsatian wines and their distinctive character.

Significant economic benefits for the region

Thanks to its route, The Alsace Wine Route offers visitors a wide variety of activities. There are, of course, vineyards and wineries to visit, but also wildlife attractions like the Montagne des Singes and the Volerie des Aigles, castles (such as Haut-Koenigsbourg), and landmarks like Mont Sainte-Odile. Several major cities are also nearby, notably Colmar and Strasbourg. Similarly, this route through the Alsatian vineyards can be explored by bike, as there are numerous bike paths. And in the region, the economic benefits of wine tourism are significant. For example, in 2018, wine sales brought in 540 million euros! Tourist sites, restaurants, accommodations, and monuments also benefit, and some professionals would like to further strengthen cooperation among all stakeholders (restaurateurs, winemakers, and hoteliers). This issue was, in fact, raised during the Alsace Wine Tourism Conference on April 1, 2019.