Alsace

Straddling the foothills of the Vosges Mountains west of the Rhine Valley, the Alsace Wine Route connects a succession of charming old villages. Starting south of Sélestat (28 miles south of Strasbourg), the upper Route des Vins d’Alsace wends through the wine regions of Bergheim, Mittelwihr, Kientzheim, Turckheim, Eguisheim and Gueberschwihr before ending in the area of Rouffach. The two most popular stops are Ribeauvillé (the medieval market center for Trimbach wines) and Riquewihr (a 16th-century walled hamlet that also contains the well-respected wine houses of Dopff au Moulin, Dopff & Irion and the venerable Hugel & Fils). Also worth touring: Kaysersberg, filled with a wealth of 16th-century dwellings; and Colmar, with its picturesque old quarter and colorful floral displays. 

 En route, purchase the helpful Recta Foldex tourist map of Alsace, which outlines the Route du Vin and briefly describes the communes, festivals and sights to visit along the way. Be forewarned, the circuitous wine road is not especially well-signposted and can sometimes be frustrating to follow.