Special Day in Eguisheim in Alsace

Fog was so thick when we were on tops of the Vosges mountains that, after a short walk, we took our map and decided to go down to the plain. Which way ? Alsace or Lorraine ? Alsace !

We chose to go to Eguisheim, the favourite village of French people in 2013. When we arrived there, we were invited to park in a big meadow. Well, Saturdays must be busy in Eguisheim. Then we walked up towards the old town admiring houses, gates and yards on our way. And suddenly we saw a ticket office in front of us ! We have to pay to enter the old town ? I asked the woman working there what was going on and we discovered it was the beginning of the Fête des Vignerons (Wine Growers' Day).

When you pay your ticket, you are given a map of the old town with the places of all the activities and stalls, a booklet with the list of all the people taking part and... one small glass per person to be able to taste wine.

And you have plenty of opportunities to have a glass of wine (which you pay), with a choice between Pinot, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat or even some Vendanges Tardives.

Music is everywhere, food too (bretzel, kougelhopf, sausages). People wander around and chat a lot. Tourists like us try to enjoy the celebration and to buy local specialities (cheese, jam, cakes and biscuits, and of course wine). We had a good laugh with people of Moselle (Lorraine people like being together). We enjoyed looking at all the preparations. It was only the beginning of the Fête des Vignerons ! We left Eguisheim at 7 pm and it was starting, two days of wine, music, parade...

The following day we watched a video showing the celebration. This time, during the parade, men were filling glasses free. People came from everywhere, a very big crowd, to enjoy it. Wine was the king of the day.

I've told my husband nobody will believe us when we say we arrived there by accident...

Comments

[Kay Lamb]

What a beautiful tour you had, now I want a gate and doors!! Very good pictures!

[Maryse]

It is typical of this wine region, isn't it ? And inside their stairs are absolutely beautiful, maybe one day I'll take a photo if I am allowed.

[bob]

what a pleasant surprise!!! beautiful looking place, like the blue gate and the wine barrels under the porch. how was the wine?

[Maryse]

The blue gate was the first thing I noticed, I like it too. The wine was good, we tried a Pinot Blanc first, and decided to have another try before leaving, a Muscat of Alsace. I didn't remember this wine at all, it is really good, so fruity.