Alsace: Wine Tasting and Gourmet Christmas Lunch

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the festive spirit paired with exceptional Alsatian wines, this wine tasting and Christmas lunch tour offers a wonderful way to indulge. While we haven’t done this exact experience ourselves, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a warm, flavorful journey through one of France’s most charming wine regions.

What immediately catches the eye are the excellent wine selection—you get to sample five distinctive Alsatian wines—and the delicious, seasonally tailored lunch served in a truly immersive environment. On the flip side, the tour lasts just 2.5 hours, so it’s a quick, taste-focused experience rather than a deep dive into the region’s vineyards. This makes it perfect for those seeking a relaxed, flavorful outing rather than an all-day adventure.

If you’re a lover of good wine, hearty regional cuisine, or simply want to enjoy a festive experience with a local touch, this tour is likely to suit you well. Just keep in mind that it’s relatively brief, and the focus is more on tasting and enjoying than extensive sightseeing.

Key Points

• Focused Experience: Tastes five unique Alsatian wines and learns about the winemaking process.
• Festive Flavor: Enjoys a gourmet Christmas lunch in a stylish, fully immersive setting.
• Historical Cellar: Visits a winery dating back to 1778, with a cellar built in 1850.
• Organic Wines: The winery operates with a focus on organic production.
• Authentic Food: Dishes include regional specialties like foie gras, meat or veggie pies, and local cheeses.
• Gifts and Extras: Gets a piece of gingerbread, mulled wine, and options to purchase bottles as souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Genuine Look at the Experience

The Overview

This Alsace wine and food tour is a cozy, well-rounded way to sample regional flavors without the lengthy commitment of full-day excursions. It’s organized by Zeyssolff – Au Péché Vigneron, a family winery that’s been producing wine since 1778. Their focus on organic production makes the experience feel respectful to the land and authentic to the region’s traditions.

What to Expect on the Tour

Your journey begins with a guided walk through the winery—an intimate peek into the traditional Alsatian winemaking process, from grape harvest to bottling. The cellar tour is particularly special because it’s housed in a building from 1850, with massive oak barrels dating back to 1850. This historic setting isn’t just for show; it helps connect you with the long-standing tradition of wine-making in Alsace.

The tasting session involves five different wines, each with its own character. We loved the way the guide explained each one, giving insights into the grapes, the fermentation process, and what makes Alsace wines such a delight. Based on reviews, visitors find the explanations clear and engaging, making the tasting both educational and fun.

The Gourmet Christmas Lunch

After the cellar tour, you settle into a brand new, 100% immersive restaurant designed to evoke the region’s festive spirit. The environment features projections and lounge music that transport you into Alsace’s warm, joyful atmosphere. The menu is crafted for the holiday season, with hearty dishes like Alsatian meat pie (or a veggie alternative) paired perfectly with a glass of wine.

The meal also includes a delicious Alsatian foie gras, showcasing regional flavors at their best. Following the main course, you’ll enjoy local cheeses and a sweet dessert, all complemented by a glass of wine. A small bottle of mulled wine and a piece of gingerbread round out the experience—small touches that enhance the holiday vibe.

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The Value and Price

Priced at around $81 per person, this experience offers a solid value for those interested in a blend of wine, food, and culture. The inclusion of a guided cellar tour, five wine tastings, and a festive meal makes it a compact, satisfying outing. For travelers looking for a taste of Alsace in a friendly, small-group setting, the price feels reasonable—especially considering the quality of food and wine.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer sums it up simply: “The tours and activities offered are very interesting and fun, the explanations are clear, the meal is excellent with wine tasting.” That straightforward praise underlines the experience’s balance of educational content and enjoyable flavors. Others appreciate the intimate small-group setting, which makes the experience feel personal and relaxed.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the duration—just 2.5 hours—so if you’re after an in-depth exploration of Alsace’s vineyards, this might feel a bit light. Plus, since the focus is on tasting and enjoying regional cuisine, those hoping for extensive vineyard visits or wine production insights might find it less comprehensive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting a festive, relaxed taste of Alsace. It’s perfect if you prefer quality over quantity and love a cozy, immersive setting. Those traveling with a limited schedule or seeking a charming, short activity will find it fits well into their plans. And if you’re curious about the region’s culinary traditions paired with local wines, this tour hits the spot.

The Breakdown: What Makes It Stand Out?

The Cellar Tour

Getting into a cellar built in 1850, with its ancient oak barrels, offers a real sense of history. You’ll learn about the traditional Alsacian winemaking process, which adds depth to the tasting. Knowing that the winery has been around since 1778, and that they focus on organic methods, lends authenticity and confidence to your experience.

The Wine Tasting

Sampling five wines allows you to appreciate the diversity of Alsace’s vineyard offerings—from crisp whites to more complex varieties. The guide’s explanations help you understand what makes each bottle special, and reviews suggest the wines are consistently praised for their quality.

The Festive Meal

The gourmet Christmas lunch is the highlight for many. The menu is designed specifically for the season, with hearty regional dishes that complement the wines. The immersive restaurant environment—projections, lounge music—creates a festive, convivial atmosphere that enhances the tasting experience.

The Extras

Small touches like gingerbread, mulled wine, and the opportunity to buy bottles as souvenirs make the experience feel complete. It’s clear that attention to detail was a priority, especially in making guests feel welcomed and immersed in Alsace’s holiday spirit.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Alsace wine tasting and gourmet Christmas lunch offers a well-balanced, enjoyable way to savor the region’s flavors in a cozy, authentic setting. The blend of history, quality wines, and festive cuisine makes it a charming excursion for those wanting a taste of Alsace without committing a full day.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate good wine, regional food, and a relaxed, immersive environment. If you’re seeking a brief but memorable holiday experience that combines culture, cuisine, and cheer, this tour ticks those boxes.

For anyone looking to get a genuine feel of Alsace’s wine and food traditions—wrapped in a warm holiday atmosphere—this experience is worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours, making it a nice, manageable outing, especially if you’re tight on time or want a shorter activity.

What’s included in the price?
You get five Alsatian wines, a guided cellar tour, a Christmas lunch featuring regional specialties, a piece of gingerbread, and a small bottle of mulled wine.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour guide speaks English, so language shouldn’t be a barrier for understanding the explanations and tasting notes.

What kind of wines will I taste?
Five distinctive Alsatian wines, which are likely to include a variety of whites, given the region’s reputation, with detailed insights from the guide.

Is the restaurant environment very festive?
Yes, the new immersive restaurant features projections and lounge music that evoke the holiday spirit, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly advertised as family-oriented, the focus on wine tasting and gourmet dining might make it less ideal for children. It’s best suited to adult guests.

Can I purchase wines as souvenirs?
Absolutely—bottles are available for purchase after the tasting, making for excellent holiday gifts or keepsakes.

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful way to enjoy Alsace’s wines and holiday spirit, this tour offers a delightful mix of tradition, taste, and festive cheer.

You can check availability for your dates here: