Gertwiller: Alsace Cellar Tour, Wine Tasting & Picnic Basket is an experience that combines history, storytelling, and wine in a way that feels both personal and authentic. For just $57 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and a half exploring a family-run 1850 cellar, sampling five different wines, and ending with a delightful picnic that can be enjoyed among the vines or back home. The tour is based in the picturesque village of Gertwiller, in the Grand Est region of France, renowned for its charming wine traditions.
What we love most about this experience is how it balances education with entertainment. The 180° immersive video, projected onto century-old oak barrels, offers a striking visual storytelling element that’s genuinely unique—something you won’t find anywhere else in France. Plus, the personal touch of a guided visit makes it feel like exploring wine with a knowledgeable friend rather than a scripted tour.
One potential consideration is the group size, which might be large at times, but the guide’s friendliness and attentiveness help make it feel intimate. Also, for those with specific dietary needs, the picnic baskets are customizable—vegetarian options are available if ordered in advance.
This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, families, or anyone interested in local culture and history. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational, and visually engaging experience rather than a purely commercial tasting.
Key Points
- Historic Cellar: Explore a family cellar dating back to 1850 with century-old oak barrels.
- Unique Visuals: Experience France’s only 180° immersive video projected directly onto the barrels.
- Quality Wines: Taste five carefully selected Alsace wines, including some of the estate’s best.
- Authentic Setting: Enjoy scenic vineyard views and a genuine taste of local traditions.
- Value for Money: At $57, the combination of storytelling, tasting, and scenery offers strong value.
- Flexible Picnic: Take away a complete picnic basket to enjoy in the vineyards or at home.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
The Location and Setting
The tour begins in Gertwiller, a lovely Alsace village known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and traditional architecture. The visit is centered at the family-owned Zeyssolff winery, a place that exudes history and charm. The cellar, built in 1850, is a true highlight—its ancient oak barrels tell silent stories of generations past. The setting feels like stepping back in time, yet it’s also comfortably modern thanks to recent renovations.
The Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
Your guide will welcome you with a glass of wine, setting a relaxed tone. The tasting includes five Alsace wines, which may include whites like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, both of which Alsace is famous for. The careful selection ensures that both casual drinkers and connoisseurs find something to enjoy. The comments are clear and friendly, making this accessible for all levels of wine knowledge.
The educational video is a standout feature. Unlike typical wine talks, this one is adapted for all ages and explains the wine-making process with visual aids. It sets the scene for understanding what goes into each glass, making the tasting more meaningful.
The 180° Immersive Video
In 2020, the winery took a bold step by adding a scenographic experience—a 180° movie projected onto the barrels. This isn’t just a documentary; it’s a personal story that reflects the work philosophy and history of the family. The effect is captivating, with sound and visuals that make you feel like you’re inside their story. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience in France, creating a memorable link between the winery’s past and present.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Cellar Visit
Walking through the 1850 cellar allows you to see the century-old oak barrels firsthand. Our guide emphasized that these barrels are still used to produce wine today, adding to the feeling of tradition and craftsmanship that defines Alsace wine-making.
The Final Tasting and Shop
After the immersive experience, you’ll end up in the wine shop, where you can purchase bottles directly from the source. The guided commentary continues here, offering additional insights about the wines.
The Picnic Basket
The tour wraps up with a delicious picnic basket—a real highlight. It includes pretzels, bread, cheeses, and local delicacies, plus a small bottle of water and half a bottle of wine—perfect for sharing or taking home. The basket is thoughtfully packed, with cutlery, napkins, and even hiking tips for exploring the vineyards. Vegetarian options are available if you reserve ahead, and children get their own basket if included. Reviewers have raved about the “final picnic part,” calling it a lovely way to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
The Itinerary and Practical Details
The tour offers two starting points, either at Vins fins et Gites ZEYSSOLFF – Au Péché Vigneron or directly in Gertwiller. It lasts about 1.5 hours and is available with live guides in English and French. The group size can vary, but the guides are praised for being friendly and attentive.
The experience includes:
– A guided cellar tour of the historic site
– An educational video about Alsace wine-making
– The 180° immersive projection onto the barrels
– Tasting of 5 wines
– A local picnic basket to take away
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible—pay later if you prefer.
Accessibility and Suitability
This experience suits diverse travelers—families, couples, or solo visitors—who appreciate storytelling and local traditions. It’s especially appealing if you like a blend of visual engagement and hands-on tasting. The included picnic makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
What Reviewers Say
Many travelers have left high praise, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 18 reviews. Comments like “super!” and “excellent value for money” show satisfaction across the board. Karin from Denmark appreciated the “nice story with video” and the “beautiful display on the wine barrels.” Others highlighted the friendly guide and the authentic, cozy atmosphere of the cellar.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to learn about Alsace’s rich tradition in a setting that’s both historic and visually captivating. Families with children might enjoy the educational video and picnic, especially since the same picnic basket is provided for kids if reserved. It’s also suitable for those wanting a relaxed, cultural outing that combines storytelling, tasting, and scenic views without feeling hurried.
The Sum Up
The Gertwiller Alsace Cellar Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s winemaking heritage, beautifully blending history, storytelling, and tasting. The immersive video experience is a rare treat that elevates a simple wine tour into something much more memorable. With quality wines, a scenic picnic, and friendly guides, it provides excellent value for money in a picturesque setting.
This tour is especially suited for those interested in authentic, family-run wineries that prioritize tradition and personal stories. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate visual storytelling and want a relaxed, educational experience that feels genuine rather than commercial.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1.5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each part without rushing.
What is included in the picnic basket?
The basket features pretzels, bread, cheeses, delicacies, a small bottle of water, half a bottle of wine, a fruit, muffin, cutlery, napkin, and a bag. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Can I buy wine at the end of the tour?
Yes, the wine shop is part of the experience, and you can purchase bottles directly from the estate.
Are children welcome?
Children can join the tour for free, and they receive the same picnic basket if reserved. Otherwise, they can enjoy the experience without it.
Is the immersive video suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s adapted for all ages and focuses on the personal story of the family, making it engaging for children.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Are guides available in languages other than French?
Yes, the tour is available with live guides in English and French.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll be touring the cellar and possibly walking among the vines for the picnic.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This detail isn’t explicitly specified, so it’s best to check in advance if accessibility is a concern.
In essence, the Gertwiller Alsace Cellar Tour combines historical charm, sensory delights, and engaging storytelling—a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of Alsace wines while enjoying the scenery and local culture. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience offers a taste of true Alsace charm.
You can check availability for your dates here: