Alsace is a treasure trove for food and wine lovers. This region in northeastern France offers a unique blend of German influence and French savoir-faire, making its lunch experiences especially appealing. We particularly like the Alsace: Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Alsatian Lunch for its authentic cellar visit combined with a hearty regional meal in a modern setting. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Alsace’s wine culture while enjoying authentic Alsatian specialties. The atmosphere in the renovated cellar, surrounded by barrels dating back to 1850, makes for a memorable tasting. Plus, the tour includes a family-run winery with roots going back to 1778, adding a personal touch.
For a festive spin, the Alsace: Wine Tasting and Gourmet Christmas Lunch offers a seasonal experience that combines wine, history, and holiday cheer. This tour highlights five distinct Alsatian wines and wraps up with a Christmas feast in a state-of-the-art restaurant, perfect for seasonal travelers. Both experiences emphasize learning about the winemaking process and regional culinary traditions, giving you a taste of Alsace’s rich culture.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of these top lunch excursions, helping you choose the one that suits your style and interests best.
1. Alsace: Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Alsatian Lunch
At number one, this tour combines a guided wine tasting, a visit to a historic cellar, and a regional lunch in a fresh, immersive restaurant environment. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 50 reviews, making it a standout choice for quality and authenticity. The experience begins at one of two starting locations and includes a guided tour of a cellar with barrels dating back to 1850, providing a fascinating glimpse into Alsace’s winemaking heritage. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a traditional Alsatian meal featuring local specialties, paired expertly with wines from the family-owned winery that has been producing since 1778. The tour’s highlight is the personal storytelling of family winemakers, which adds warmth and depth to the tasting.
What makes this tour especially appealing is its focus on local wine culture combined with a regional lunch in a newly designed restaurant that immerses you in Alsace’s flavors. The price of $76 per person is reasonable given the depth of the experience, and the small-group format ensures a personal experience. It’s ideal for those who want a good balance of education, tasting, and hearty regional cuisine.
Bottom line: This tour offers a comprehensive, authentic taste of Alsace’s wine and food traditions, making it perfect for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded experience.
2. Alsace: Wine Tasting and Gourmet Christmas Lunch
At number two, this experience elevates the holiday spirit with a festive wine tasting and Christmas lunch. For around $81 per person, you get to sample five distinctive Alsatian wines in a historic cellar with barrels dating back to 1850, similar to the first tour but with a seasonal twist. The tour culminates in a gourmet Christmas meal served in a newly opened, fully immersive restaurant environment, making it especially attractive during the winter months.
This experience is unique because it combines regional wine education with a holiday-themed feast, perfect if you’re visiting Alsace during the Christmas season. The winery itself dates back to 1778, offering a sense of continuity and tradition. While reviews are limited (3 reviews), the perfect 5-star rating indicates high satisfaction among those who have done it. The focus on festive wines and culinary delights makes this a memorable outing for lovers of seasonal celebrations and Alsatian cuisine.
Bottom line: If you’re visiting during the holidays and want a festive yet educational experience, this tour combines wine, history, and a seasonal meal beautifully.
How to Choose
Choosing between these two excellent options depends on your interests and timing. If you’re keen on exploring Alsace’s wine culture with a focus on local specialties and authentic cellar visits, the Alsace: Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Alsatian Lunch is a solid choice. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, in-depth experience with plenty of tasting and regional stories.
On the other hand, if your trip aligns with the Christmas season or you want a more festive, celebratory experience, the Gourmet Christmas Lunch and Wine Tasting offers a delightful seasonal twist that makes the tasting even more memorable. Remember, booking early is advisable for seasonal tours, as they can fill quickly.
For those with limited time, both tours pack a lot into 2.5 hours, so consider your preference for seasonal cheer versus a deep dive into Alsace’s wine heritage. Budget-wise, both are comparable, but the Christmas experience offers a slightly more indulgent, festive atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a classic wine-tasting and regional lunch or a festive holiday meal, Alsace offers authentic and enjoyable lunch experiences that highlight its rich culinary traditions. For an immersive taste of local wines, the first tour is hard to beat, especially if you’re interested in the winemaking process and family stories. During the holiday season, the Christmas-themed experience adds a joyful, celebratory touch that makes for a memorable outing. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, and enjoy your culinary journey in this delightful region of France.
