Foire aux Vins d'Ammerschwihr

The Dean of Alsatian Wine Fairs

Founded in 1928 by the Syndicat Viticole d'Ammerschwihr, the Foire aux Vins d'Ammerschwihr is recognized as the oldest wine fair in Alsace. For nearly a century, it has marked the village's wine-growing spring, bringing together winegrowers, wine lovers, and families every last weekend of April in a friendly and festive atmosphere. The fair was interrupted after its 91st edition in 2019 but remains a pillar of Ammerschwihr's wine identity.

The Winegrowers of Kaefferkopf in the Spotlight

Under a large marquee set up in the heart of the village, a dozen Ammerschwihr wine estates present the year's vintage and their reserve wines. Among the historic winegrowers are the Sick-Dreyer, Simonis, Kuehn, Kappler, Heitzmann, Schneider, and Schielé estates, guardians of the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf terroir. Over 200 wines are offered for free tasting, providing a comprehensive overview of the village's wine production.

Cellar Tours and Distillation Discovery

One of the fair's major attractions is the opportunity to participate in guided cellar tours led by the winegrowers themselves. These tours through Ammerschwihr's historic cellars allow visitors to understand the winemaking process and taste the wines in their birthplace. The discovery of distillation using a traditional alembic completes the experience, revealing the secrets of making Alsatian eaux-de-vie.

Gastronomy and the Kaefferkopf Menu

The food offering is a highlight of the fair. The Kaefferkopf menu, created by Christelle Richert (winner of MasterChef 2012), pairs foie gras and Alsatian specialties in a food and wine pairing that showcases the Grand Cru wines. Tarte flambée (Flammekuchen), Schiffala cooked in an alembic, and grilled knacks delight visitors throughout the weekend.

Activities for the Whole Family

The Foire aux Vins d'Ammerschwihr is not just for wine lovers. Musical entertainment punctuates the three days, with local orchestras and bands. Children can enjoy inflatable games and rides, while heritage enthusiasts can admire an exhibition of old wine-making equipment and vintage tractors. On Sundays, a farmers' market brings together local producers from 10 am to 6 pm.

Ammerschwihr and the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf

Ammerschwihr, a fortified village on the Alsace Wine Route, is home to the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf, classified in 2007, covering 71 hectares of south- and east-facing slopes. This granitic-calcareous terroir, cultivated by about a hundred winegrowers, produces wines of remarkable complexity, dominated by Gewurztraminer and Riesling. The Confrérie des Amis d'Ammerschwihr et du Kaefferkopf (Brotherhood of Friends of Ammerschwihr and Kaefferkopf) works to promote this wine heritage, described as "a pearl among the world's best wines.".