Colmar isn’t just a charming medieval town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses; it’s also the heart of the Alsace wine region. What makes Colmar a great base for wine tours is its proximity to some of France’s most picturesque vineyards and villages, all easily accessible for day trips. Whether you’re after a detailed wine tasting experience, a scenic drive through fairy-tale villages, or a private tour tailored to your tastes, Colmar offers options for every type of wine enthusiast. We particularly enjoyed the Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar, which combines expert-guided tastings with scenic drives along the famous wine route.
If you’re planning your trip, it helps to know the types of tours available. From comprehensive full-day excursions to private cellar visits and cultural village explorations, the choices are impressive. Below, we break down each of our top picks to help you choose the best fit for your interests and budget.
1. Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar
At number 1 on our list, the Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar provides an ideal mix of scenic drives and expert tastings in a small-group setting. This 8-hour tour takes you along the legendary Alsace wine route, passing through some of the region’s most charming villages and rolling vineyards. The highlight is visiting three local wineries, where you’ll meet owners and winemakers, gaining a firsthand look at traditional Alsace winemaking techniques.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate size—it’s designed for small groups, which means personalized attention from your guide. Guests consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, with reviews noting the chance to taste a wide variety of grapes, from Riesling to Gewürztraminer. The tour includes all tastings, making it excellent value at around $174 per person. The itinerary includes stops at picturesque villages and a chance to learn about the region’s specific varietals and terroirs. For anyone wanting a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at Alsace wines, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want a deep, relaxed exploration of the region’s best wineries with a friendly guide and small-group intimacy.
2. The Emblematic: visit of villages, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Wine tasting
Number 2 on our list offers a broader cultural experience combined with wine tasting. The Emblematic tour is an 8-hour journey that’s perfect if you’re interested in more than just wine. It takes you through famous villages like Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg, each with its unique charm. A key highlight is the optional visit to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which adds a medieval flair to your day and offers spectacular views over the Alsace vineyards.
This tour includes visits to local wineries for tastings, and the company takes care of all entry fees and tickets. One of the best features? Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the day comfortable even in warm weather. Reviewers love the friendly, knowledgeable guide Ana, who shares stories about the villages and wines, making it more than just a tasting. At about $195, it balances cultural sightseeing, wine tasting, and scenic drives—great for those wanting a well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers eager to combine village exploration, a castle visit, and wine tasting in a small, comfortable group.
3. From Colmar: Alsace Villages Tour and Wine Tasting
For around $150, the Alsace Villages Tour and Wine Tasting offers a more laid-back approach focused on small-group visits to key villages and a visit to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. This 8-hour tour starts at Au Bureau Colmar and includes guided walks through Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Hunawihr. The tour is perfect for those who want to stroll through charming towns, enjoy a traditional Alsace lunch, and finish with a wine bar experience.
What makes it unique is the focus on local village charm and history combined with a castle visit. The guide, Thierry, is praised for his humor and deep knowledge, which makes the day both fun and educational. Guests love the personal touch, with reviews highlighting the flexible itinerary and the ability to see more villages than initially planned. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed pace, with enough free time to explore on your own.
Bottom line: Great for cultural explorers who want a balanced mix of scenery, history, and wine without feeling rushed.
4. Private Tour: Alsace Wine Tasting Day Trip from Colmar
If you’re after a personalized experience, the Private Alsace Wine Tasting Day Trip is an excellent choice. For about $340 per person, this 8-hour private tour takes you to four wineries, allowing for a customized itinerary based on your preferences. You pass through scenic villages and follow the wine route, with tastings of white, rosé, and red wines.
This tour’s strength lies in its tailored approach—your guide, Pieter, is known for his flexibility and extensive wine knowledge. Reviewers consistently praise how well the day is curated to match their tastes, with some even changing plans last minute for a more personal experience. Visiting four wineries ensures a broad tasting experience, and the private setting allows for questions and a more intimate connection with the winemakers.
Bottom line: Perfect for serious wine enthusiasts or couples seeking a bespoke, luxurious tasting day in Alsace.
5. Colmar: Alsace Wine Museum Entrance Ticket
For a budget-friendly intro, the Alsace Wine Museum offers a wonderful way to learn about local wine without leaving Colmar. At just $18, the museum provides a rundown of Alsace’s viticulture, with interactive exhibits, tastings of regional wines and fruit juices, and an audioguide available in six languages.
While it doesn’t include a guided tour of the vineyards, it’s ideal for those interested in understanding the region’s wine-making process and history in a relaxed setting. Visitors rave about the well-curated collection and the chance to taste several wines at their own pace. It’s an excellent option for a rainy day or for travelers on a tight budget who still want a meaningful experience.
Bottom line: Best for curious travelers wanting a self-guided, educational experience about Alsace wines.
How to Choose Your Perfect Alsace Wine Tour
When picking your ideal wine experience in Colmar, consider your priorities. If you’re after a deep dive into winery visits and personalized service, the private tour (link) is unbeatable. For those wanting a balanced cultural and wine experience with a guided visit to villages and a castle, the Emblematic tour is a good pick. Budget travelers or those with limited time will appreciate the wine museum, which offers affordable insight.
If you want a comprehensive, all-in-one day with expert tastings and scenic drives, the Alsace Full Day Wine Tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
Consider your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer self-guided learning or guided immersion. Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and group size.
Final Thoughts
Colmar offers a variety of wine tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For a well-rounded day of tastings and sightseeing, the full-day guided tours and small-group village visits are excellent. If you prefer a more intimate experience, the private wine tasting truly shines.
No matter which tour you choose, the beauty of the Alsace region—its villages, castles, and, of course, its wines—will leave a lasting impression. Book early, pick the experience that matches your curiosity level, and enjoy discovering the flavors of Alsace’s vineyards.
Happy tasting!