Grape Harvest in Alsace: Where to Experience It Around Ribeauvillé?

Every year, at the end of summer, the Alsatian vineyard changes pace. The villages come to life, the vines welcome the grape pickers, and the cellars open their doors to reveal the secrets of Alsace wines. The grape harvest season is one of the finest times to discover the vineyards around Ribeauvillé, amid tradition, encounters, and conviviality.

Are you staying in Ribeauvillé in September or in early autumn? This is the perfect opportunity to experience the grape harvest in a different way. Whether you wish to take part directly in the harvest, discover the work of the winegrowers, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere of the wine villages, here are three experiences not to be missed.

Becoming a “grape picker for a day” around Ribeauvillé

Some wine estates occasionally offer experiences allowing visitors to discover the grape harvest from the inside. By becoming a grape picker for a day, you can take part in harvesting the grapes, talk with the winegrowers, and understand the various stages of winemaking. And of course, the experience includes a wine tasting (and sometimes a meal, depending on the package chosen)!

Terms vary from one estate to another: participation, duration, dates, and reception conditions. We therefore recommend contacting the winegrowers or a tourist office directly before your stay. For further information, we also invite you to visit the website of the Vignerons Indépendants d'Alsace.

Stepping into the cellars and enjoying wine-related events

Would you rather observe, taste, and converse than work in the vines? The grape harvest season is also an ideal time to visit the cellars and meet the winegrowers.

A cellar visit is an opportunity to learn more about the grape varieties, winemaking methods, and the history of the estate.

You will notably discover the region's leading grape varieties, such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Muscat, and understand how each contributes to the diversity of Alsace wines.

Some estates also offer special events: tastings, guided tours, meetings with winegrowers, or a look at the equipment used to process freshly harvested grapes. In Zellenberg, the Maison Jean Huttard even offers a combination of yoga and wine tasting!

Experiencing the atmosphere of village festivals

The grape harvest is not solely a matter of work in the vines. In Alsace, it is also synonymous with conviviality and local traditions.

During this period, some wine villages organise festivals and events centred on wine and the harvest. These events offer a chance to discover another facet of the Alsatian vineyard. For example: the Riesling festival in Riquewihr and the new wine festival in Saint-Hippolyte.

During your next stay in Ribeauvillé, do not simply drive along the Wine Route: take the time to stop, meet the producers, and savour the unique atmosphere of the grape harvest.

Do not hesitate to book a room in one of our establishments in Ribeauvillé: the Hôtel de la Tour in the town centre, or the Hôtel le Ménestrel, right next to the historic centre!