A Journey Through Time and Taste

The morning air was crisp as my wife and I embarked on our Alsace adventure, chauffeured by the ever-charming Stephania in a sleek Tesla. Our first destination was the quaint village of Ebermunster, where the Church of Saint Maurice stood as a testament to the region’s rich history. The church’s intricate architecture and serene ambiance were a delightful surprise, nestled within such a small village. As we wandered through its hallowed halls, I couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpected beauty that lay hidden in this corner of Alsace.

Our journey continued to the majestic Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg. Though the fog enveloped the castle, it added an air of mystery to our exploration. The 19th-century reconstruction of this 12th-century fortress was a fascinating blend of history and imagination. Despite the weather, the castle’s allure was undeniable, and the lack of crowds allowed us to savor its grandeur in relative solitude. The experience was a reminder of the timeless allure of Alsace, where history and legend intertwine seamlessly.

Culinary Delights and Village Charms

As we ventured to Bergheim, a village once notorious for its criminal past, we found ourselves enchanted by its medieval charm. Walking along the ancient town walls, we indulged in a delightful quiche and a salami sandwich from a local boulangerie. The flavors were simple yet exquisite, a testament to the region’s culinary prowess. The village, adorned with Easter decorations, was a picturesque setting for our leisurely stroll.

In Hunawihr, Stephania surprised us with a bottle of crémant, a sparkling wine that perfectly complemented the village’s enchanting atmosphere. As we sipped the effervescent delight, Stephania regaled us with tales of the “mixed” church and the crémant appellation’s storied history. It was a moment of pure indulgence, a celebration of Alsace’s rich viticultural heritage.

Our journey led us to Riquewihr, a village that seemed to have leapt from the pages of a fairy tale. The cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses were a feast for the eyes, while the macarons we sampled were a feast for the palate. At the Dopff winery, we savored a selection of crémant and still wines, each sip a testament to the region’s winemaking excellence. The Pinot Gris we purchased was a delightful souvenir, a liquid memory of our Alsace adventure.

A Toast to Alsace

The Route des Vins d’Alsace guided us to Ammerschwihr, where another wine tasting awaited at Maurice Shoech. The wines were a symphony of flavors, each note resonating with the terroir’s unique character. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to Kayserberg, where a church with a towering crucifix statue stood as a solemn reminder of the region’s spiritual heritage.

In Kayserberg, we indulged in two exquisite cheeses, their names escaping me but their flavors forever etched in my memory. A baguette from a nearby boulangerie completed our impromptu picnic, a fitting end to our culinary journey. As we returned to Strasbourg, we took a detour to glimpse the Statue of Liberty replica in Colmar, a whimsical nod to the region’s cultural connections.

Our Alsace tour was a tapestry of history, culture, and gastronomy, woven together by the expert guidance of Stephania. Each village, each taste, and each story was a thread in the rich fabric of this enchanting region. For those seeking a journey through time and taste, the Alsace Tour is an experience not to be missed.