Updated on 23 April 2026
How to organise an Alsace Wine Route tour from Strasbourg?
In brief
From Strasbourg, the Wine Route starts 15 minutes away via the A35 motorway, at Marlenheim. Common tours target Obernai and the central sector (Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg) over 1 to 3 days. Pickup from Strasbourg-Entzheim airport or any city hotel with no surcharge when booking a private chauffeur.
Strasbourg is the natural starting point for the Alsace Wine Route, whether extending a business trip, enjoying a cultural getaway or dedicating the stay to the vineyards. Strasbourg-Entzheim airport, 15 minutes from the northern entry of the route, handles international travellers. The city centre hosts over 5 000 hotel rooms and the TGV station is directly connected to Paris in 1 h 45.
Distances from Strasbourg
Drive times from the city centre or the airport, off peak:
- Marlenheim: 15 minutes via A35 then D1004 (15 km).
- Obernai: 25 minutes (30 km).
- Barr: 35 minutes (38 km).
- Dambach-la-Ville: 40 minutes (45 km).
- Ribeauville: 50 minutes (65 km).
- Riquewihr: 55 minutes (70 km).
- Kaysersberg: 1 hour (75 km).
- Colmar: 1 hour (70 km).
- Eguisheim: 1 hour 10 (75 km).
- Thann: 1 hour 30 (100 km).
Half-day: northern sector discovery
A format suited to business travellers and extended airport layovers. Departure 1:30 pm, return 6 pm. Typical itinerary: Marlenheim (route entry), Obernai (1 h 30 visit with tasting), optional return via Mont Sainte-Odile for panoramic views. Good for a first quick contact or complement to a Strasbourg city tour.
Full day: flagship villages
The most requested format. Departure 9 am, return 6:30 pm. Typical itinerary: Obernai (1 h), Ribeauville (1 h 30 with tasting), lunch in Ribeauville or Riquewihr, Riquewihr (1 h 30), Kaysersberg (1 h 30). Three tastings possible, gastronomic lunch in a winstub. Based on 9 hours with private chauffeur sedan or van.
Two days: cover north and centre
Day one: departure Strasbourg, northern sector (Marlenheim, Obernai, Mont Sainte-Odile, Barr, Dambach-la-Ville), overnight in Ribeauville or Colmar. Day two: Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, extension to Colmar or Eguisheim, return to Strasbourg in late afternoon. Four to six tastings spread out, relaxed pace.
Three days: full north-to-south exploration
Day one: northern sector, overnight in Obernai or Barr. Day two: central sector (Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg), overnight in Ribeauville. Day three: Colmar, Eguisheim, extension Rouffach/Thann, return to Strasbourg. Covers about two thirds of the route with proper time. Recommended for a genuine wine stay.
Departure from Strasbourg-Entzheim airport
Strasbourg-Entzheim airport sits 15 minutes from the Wine Route starting point. Efficient format: airport pickup, direct entry into the tour (half-day or full day), return to airport or drop-off at the chosen hotel. No airport surcharge. Regular flights from Paris, Lyon, Nice, Amsterdam, Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine Strasbourg city and Wine Route on one day?
Yes. Classic format: Strasbourg morning (Cathedral, Petite France, 3 h), transfer to the vineyard (30 min), Obernai or Barr afternoon with a tasting. Return to Strasbourg in late afternoon. Plan 9 full hours with a private chauffeur. More relaxed over 2 days.
Where to sleep: Strasbourg or the vineyard?
Strasbourg if your stay combines multiple interests (history, European Parliament, cathedral) with day-trips to the vineyard. Vineyard (Obernai, Ribeauville, Colmar) if oenotourism is the core of the trip: you save 45 minutes each morning and evening.
Is the TER train from Strasbourg practical?
It serves Obernai (30 min), Barr (35 min), Dambach-la-Ville (40 min), Selestat (25 min) and Colmar (30 min). From the station, not all villages are within walking distance: some require a local bus or taxi. Practical for a day trip to Obernai, less so for visiting multiple villages or bringing back wine.
Can I leave in the evening for a starred dinner?
Yes. Many starred restaurants within an hour: Chambard in Kaysersberg (2 stars), La Table du Gourmet in Riquewihr (1 star), JY'S in Colmar (2 stars), Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern (3 stars). Typical format: departure 6 pm, dinner, return around midnight. Chauffeur rate: 4 to 5 hour booking in sedan.
Does A35 congestion slow the trip significantly?
A35 can slow between 7:30-9:30 am (Strasbourg inbound) and 4:30-6:30 pm (outbound). Off-peak traffic is smooth. The private chauffeur adjusts the departure time and knows alternative routes (notably D1083).