Fête du Riesling de Riquewihr

Two days of tasting at Place Fernand Zeyer

Every September, the Chœur d'Hommes de Riquewihr hosts the Riesling Festival, two days of wine tasting and music held at Place Fernand Zeyer, nestled beneath the town's timber-framed houses and historic ramparts. The event is simple and inviting: a selection of Alsatian wines and light snacks served to a musical backdrop. Specific participating winemakers and musical acts are not announced in advance.

Riquewihr and Riesling

Riquewihr, known as the "pearl of the Alsatian vineyards," is bordered by two Grand Cru terroirs. The Schoenenbourg, located north of the village, is a Riesling site documented since the early Middle Ages; its wines were highly prized in Northern Europe as early as the 16th century, and even Voltaire owned land there. The Sporen, to the southeast, is primarily planted with Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Riquewihr is also the birthplace of Alsatian sparkling wine: in the early 20th century, the Dopff estate was the first to produce "champagne" in Alsace, long before it became known as Crémant d'Alsace.

The Chœur d'Hommes de Riquewihr

The festival is organized by the Chœur d'Hommes de Riquewihr, a local choir founded in 1862. They remain active in the village throughout the year, performing a concert at the Protestant church on December 4th and a Christmas concert in the streets on December 24th.

A classified village

Riquewihr is officially recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The fortified town survived the wars almost entirely unscathed: the Dolder (a 13th-century fortified gate), the Thieves' Tower, noble houses with carved oriels, and flower-filled courtyards provide the perfect backdrop for the festivities.