Fête du Vin Nouveau d'Eguisheim

The taste of the first harvest

The Fête du Vin Nouveau d'Eguisheim is one of the most anticipated autumn events on the Alsace Wine Route. Every year, in early October, this village, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France and voted "Favorite Village of the French" in 2013, invites wine and tradition lovers to discover the first wines of the harvest in an exceptional heritage setting. Distinct from the Fête des Vignerons in August, this autumn event is entirely dedicated to the celebration of new wine, this ephemeral nectar that announces the coming vintage.

Tastings under the marquees

The heart of the festival beats in the Place du Château Saint-Léon and the Place du Marché aux Saules, where large marquees are set up to welcome visitors. The winemakers of Eguisheim offer their new wines for tasting – the first, barely fermented grape juices, both fruity and expressive. These primeur wines, from Alsatian grape varieties – Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat – offer a promising glimpse of the current vintage and allow you to taste the pure emotion of the fresh harvest.

Seasonal gastronomy and traditions

The tasting of new wine is accompanied by seasonal dishes prepared according to Alsatian tradition. Plates of kassler (smoked pork) and potatoes, slices of lard, freshly harvested walnuts, and crispy pretzels make up a rustic and flavorful meal, perfectly paired with the aromas of new wine. This simple and authentic cuisine reflects the spirit of the Alsatian harvest, a time for sharing and conviviality in the vineyard.

The local produce market

The Association des Partenaires Économiques d'Eguisheim organizes a local produce market that takes over the village streets for the duration of the festival. Visitors can discover seasonal fruits, mushrooms picked in the Vosges forests, artisanal jams, spices, sourdough bread, sausages, aged cheeses, and numerous artisanal products from all over Alsace. This authentic market extends the tasting experience and allows you to leave with a basket full of autumn flavors.

Eguisheim, cradle of the Alsatian vineyard

Eguisheim holds a unique place in the history of Alsatian wine. Birthplace of the Alsatian vineyard and the native village of Pope Leo IX, the town is distinguished by its exceptional concentric layout inherited from the medieval fortress of the counts of Eguisheim. Its colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and Renaissance fountains form a magical setting for this autumn festival. The terroirs of Eguisheim, with its Grands Crus Eichberg and Pfersigberg, are among the most prestigious in Alsace, adding a special sparkle to the tasting of new wine.