Fête du Riesling de Riquewihr

The Fête du Riesling: a tribute to the king of grape varieties in the pearl of the vineyard

Every year in September, the Chœur d'Hommes de Riquewihr organizes the Fête du Riesling, a gourmet and musical event dedicated to the noblest grape variety in Alsace. On Place Fernand Zeyer, at the foot of the half-timbered houses and medieval ramparts of Riquewihr, wine lovers gather for a weekend of tastings and conviviality.

Riquewihr, historical cradle of Riesling

It is no coincidence that the Fête du Riesling is held in Riquewihr. Nicknamed the "pearl of the Alsatian vineyard", this medieval town has owed its prosperity to Riesling since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The village is surrounded by prestigious vineyards classified as Grands Crus: Schoenenbourg, one of the most famous Riesling terroirs in Alsace, and Sporen, renowned for its aromatic complexity. Riquewihr is also the birthplace of Crémant d'Alsace, created here in the 19th century.

Tastings and wine discoveries

Throughout the weekend, visitors can taste a selection of Rieslings and other Alsatian wines offered by the winegrowers of Riquewihr. From dry and mineral Riesling to Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles, including Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Crémant, the range is wide and allows visitors to discover the richness of the local terroir. Light refreshments accompany the tastings: tarte flambée, Alsatian specialties, and local delicacies.

Music and conviviality

The Chœur d'Hommes de Riquewihr, organizer of the event, is a well-known choir in the Alsatian music scene. The festival is punctuated by musical entertainment that creates a joyful and relaxed atmosphere in the square. Choirs, instrumental ensembles, and local musicians perform throughout the weekend, adding a cultural dimension to this wine event. The event is open to all and admission is free.

A fairy-tale village

Riquewihr, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, offers an exceptional setting for this wine festival. The fortified town, miraculously preserved from destruction, is a living testament to 16th-century Alsatian architecture. The Dolder, an imposing 13th-century fortified gate, the Tour des Voleurs (Thieves' Tower), noble houses with sculpted oriels, and flowery inner courtyards create an enchanting decor. At the Fête du Riesling, this heritage comes alive to the rhythm of clinking glasses and songs echoing between the ancient walls.

An end-of-summer event on the Wine Route

Located in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, the Fête du Riesling is part of the rich calendar of wine festivals that punctuate the Alsatian autumn. From village to village, from Riquewihr to Eguisheim, from Turckheim to Ammerschwihr, wine festivals celebrate terroirs and know-how in an authentic and warm atmosphere. The Fête du Riesling de Riquewihr stands out for its specific tribute to the king grape variety, in the incomparable setting of the most beautiful wine town in Alsace.