Crazy senses!

Crazy Senses! is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines wine education with a playful exploration of your senses. For just $40.72 per person, you’ll spend roughly an hour and a half in the charming Domaine Specht in Mittelwihr, near Colmar, France. The experience begins with a guided tour of a typical Alsace wine cellar — think casks, barrels, and stainless steel tanks — where you’ll learn about the winemaking process firsthand. This part alone proves valuable for anyone curious about family wineries or wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made in this famous region.

What makes this tour really stand out are the sensory activities. We love that it’s not just about tasting wine but about rediscovering your sense of smell and taste in a fun, interactive way. The activities include identifying aromas in wine, using flavored waters to locate different taste buds, and finally, pairing three artisanal foods with wines. These details are perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on approach and want to deepen their appreciation of wine beyond just sipping.

One thing to consider is that this experience is quite short — about 90 minutes — so if you’re seeking a more extensive wine adventure or a full-day tour, this might feel a bit limited. It’s also private, which means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience but might have fewer opportunities for mingling or meeting other travelers.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone who enjoys playful, educational activities. It’s especially suited for visitors interested in Alsace’s wine culture and those who appreciate a detailed, sensory approach rather than just a standard tasting.

Key Points

• Unique sensory activities highlight the importance of smell and taste in wine appreciation.
• In-depth cellar tour offers insights into Alsace winemaking and family traditions.
• Food-wine pairings provide a tasty, memorable conclusion to the experience.
• Private tour ensures a personalized, engaging visit without large crowds.
• Affordable price offers excellent value considering the educational and sensory components.
• Accessible location near public transportation makes it easy to reach in Colmar.

A Closer Look at the Crazy Senses Tour

When we first arrived at Domaine Specht, we appreciated how approachable and inviting the setting was. The start point at 2 Rue des Églises in Mittelwihr places you right in the heart of Alsace’s wine country, and the fact that this is a private experience means you can expect a relaxed, tailored approach without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

The cellar and winemaking overview

The tour kicks off with a guided walk through the cellar, where one of the family members or staff shares insights about the winemaking process. You’ll see a mix of traditional wooden casks and modern stainless-steel tanks. This contrast in equipment offers a visual narrative of how Alsace wines are crafted, combining tradition with innovation. We loved the knowledge shared about the family business, making the experience feel genuine and connected to local heritage.

Sensory activities: sharpening your senses

Next, the real fun begins. The core of this experience is a three-part sensory exploration. First, you’ll use your olfactory senses to identify various aromas in the wines. This is more challenging than it sounds, especially since many aromas are familiar but often hidden behind the complexity of wine. Our guide explained how to “train” your nose to pick out notes like fruit, spice, or floral hints.

The second activity involves flavored waters designed to stimulate your taste buds. You’ll be asked to identify the four primary flavors and locate where on your tongue they are detected. This playful exercise helps you realize how different parts of your tongue are sensitive to different tastes — a fun reminder that even common beliefs about taste localization are more nuanced.

Finally, you’ll sample three artisanal food items paired with wines. This part is especially appealing because it connects what you’ve learned with real, delicious pairings. The taste of cheese, cured meats, or bread alongside wine enhances your understanding of how flavors complement each other. One review even called it “a very enriching experience,” highlighting how these pairings elevate the tasting.

The value of the experience

At $40.72, this tour is a solid value considering the personalized approach and the educational content. Compared to larger group tastings, here you get more attention from your guide and a chance to ask questions. The inclusion of both sensory exercises and food pairings makes it a well-rounded experience that appeals to both casual wine drinkers and those more serious about their wine knowledge.

Practical details and considerations

The experience starts at 11:00 am, fitting easily into a morning plan. The location near public transportation makes it accessible without needing a car. It’s a mobile ticket, so no worries about last-minute bookings, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind if your plans change.

While this tour is short and focused, it’s perfect for those who want a deep dive into sensory perception rather than a full-blown vineyard tour. Since it’s private, it’s especially good for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a personalized, engaging activity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about wine in a fun, interactive way, you’ll find this tour rewarding. Foodies and sensory enthusiasts will appreciate the focus on smell, taste, and food pairing. It also suits travelers who prefer small, private experiences over large group tastings. Conversely, if you’re seeking a longer, more comprehensive wine tour, this likely isn’t the best fit.

The experience is perfect for those curious about the **craftsmanship of Alsace wines, wanting to refine their palate, or simply looking for an unusual activity while exploring Colmar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits well into a morning or early afternoon schedule.

Is this a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized and relaxed environment.

What is included in the sensory activities?
You will use your sense of smell to identify aromas, then engage your taste buds with flavored waters to locate primary flavors, and finally, enjoy food-wine pairings with artisanal products.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility.

Is it suitable for children or service animals?
Service animals are allowed; however, the tour is designed for adults interested in wine and sensory perception. Children are not specifically mentioned but may find the activities less engaging.

How accessible is the location?
The meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers without needing a car.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking an interactive, educational, and fun approach to wine tasting, Crazy Senses! offers a refreshing twist. It’s more than just sipping wine — it’s about reawakening your senses and truly understanding what makes wine so complex. The personalized nature, combined with the focus on sensory training and food pairings, provides both value and a memorable experience.

This tour is particularly well-suited for food lovers, wine aficionados, or curious travelers wanting to add a playful yet informative activity to their Colmar itinerary. If you’re interested in Alsace’s winemaking tradition and enjoy activities that engage your senses on a deeper level, this tour will not disappoint.

In sum, if you’re after a distinctive, hands-on experience that enhances your understanding of wine while offering a touch of fun, Crazy Senses! checks all the boxes. It’s a wonderful way to connect more deeply with Alsace’s famous wines and enjoy a few hours of playful learning in a cozy cellar setting.