Cave de Ribeauvillé
Discover Alsatian wine's soul at this historic cooperative. Taste terroir, learn from experts, and find exceptional value in every bottle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids lunch closure
Cave de Ribeauvillé
Best Time
Avoids lunch closure
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Alsatian wine's soul at this historic cooperative. Taste terroir, learn from experts, and find exceptional value in every bottle.
"It's a must-visit for wine lovers, offering an enriching initiation into Alsatian wines and terroir."
🎯 Embrace the Education
Don't just taste; learn! The staff offers a masterclass in viticulture, explaining terroir and grape varietals with passion. :wine_glass:
💰 Fair Prices, Great Value
You'll find remarkably fair prices here, making it easy to stock up on exceptional Alsatian wines without overspending. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Terroir Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Experience how soil and sun shape wine. Understand the nuances of Alsatian grape varietals through expertly guided tastings.
Historic Cooperative Cellar
Cellars
Explore the oldest cooperative cellar in France, founded in 1895. Discover a treasure trove of old vintages and learn about collective winemaking.
De-alcoholized Wines
Tasting Room
Sample innovative de-alcoholized wines, including Muscat and sparkling options, perfect for those seeking lighter alternatives.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Alsatian Wine Secrets
Timing Your Wine Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Education
Don't just taste; learn! The staff offers a masterclass in viticulture, explaining terroir and grape varietals with passion. :wine_glass:
💰 Fair Prices, Great Value
You'll find remarkably fair prices here, making it easy to stock up on exceptional Alsatian wines without overspending. :moneybag:
🗣️ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect warm welcomes and expert advice. Staff speak good English and are adept at guiding your wine selection. :bravo:
🥂 Try the Crémant d'Alsace
Don't miss their Crémant d'Alsace Bio and Rosé, highly recommended by returning visitors. :champagne_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Education
Don't just taste; learn! The staff offers a masterclass in viticulture, explaining terroir and grape varietals with passion. :wine_glass:
💰 Fair Prices, Great Value
You'll find remarkably fair prices here, making it easy to stock up on exceptional Alsatian wines without overspending. :moneybag:
🗣️ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect warm welcomes and expert advice. Staff speak good English and are adept at guiding your wine selection. :bravo:
🥂 Try the Crémant d'Alsace
Don't miss their Crémant d'Alsace Bio and Rosé, highly recommended by returning visitors. :champagne_glass:
🍇 Explore Local Flavors
Discover a wide collection of wines from nearby villages, offering a comprehensive impression of the region's products. :grapes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise La Cave de Ribeauvillé for its exceptional wine tasting experience, highlighting the educational aspect and the staff's friendly expertise. The fair pricing and the quality of the wines, including unique de-alcoholized options, are frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note the lunch closure, advising to plan accordingly.
"If there’s one place in Alsace that every wine lover — from the total novice to the seasoned connoisseur — should visit, it’s La Cave de Ribeauvillé. Tucked away in the heart of one of the region’s most picturesque villages, this cooperative cellar offers far more than a simple wine tasting. It delivers a complete, enriching initiation into the world of Alsatian wines and the deeper mysteries of terroir and cépage.
From the moment you step inside, the team’s warmth and passion are palpable. What follows is not a sales pitch or a rushed pour of a few wines, but a true masterclass in viticulture, elegantly disguised as a wine tasting.
Whether you barely know the difference between a Pinot Gris and a Riesling or you’ve spent years refining your palate, La Cave de Ribeauvillé invites you on a sensory journey through the region’s soil, sun exposure, and grape varieties. Here, you don’t just learn about terroirs — you taste their impact. You begin to understand how a wine from granite slopes sings differently from one grown in clay-limestone soil, how sun exposure shifts the wine’s aromatic profile, and how each cépage expresses itself under different conditions.
The tasting is carefully curated to highlight these contrasts and to guide you — glass after glass — toward an intuitive, grounded understanding of what makes each wine unique. It’s rare to find a place that manages to be both educational and completely unpretentious. This is one of them.
And the wines? Simply superb. Each bottle reflects the integrity and craftsmanship of the winemakers behind them. From crystalline Rieslings to elegant Gewürztraminers and finely structured Pinot Noirs, every wine demonstrates a deep respect for the land and a commitment to authenticity. Even better: the prices are remarkably fair, making it easy to leave with a few treasures without breaking the bank.
In short, La Cave de Ribeauvillé is more than worth the stop — it’s a must. Whether you’re passing through Alsace for the weekend or building a deeper love for wine, this is a place that will stay with you. You’ll leave not only with a few unforgettable bottles, but with a real, embodied understanding of wine itself.
Don’t miss it."
Henry T
"great variety of wines with descriptions and a museum and all you need to learn about the wines. Robin welcomed us with a very friendly manner and a lot of enthusiasm.
we enjoyed the experience and the wines a lot."
tabassom naqavi
"Tasted some wine and brought back 4 different bottles to England in my hold luggage. The Gewurztraminer Bergheim Alsace was my favourite goes very well with this from Colmar market."
Fran Brewin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cave de Ribeauvillé is located in the picturesque village of Ribeauvillé in Alsace, France. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as it's part of the Alsace Wine Route. Public transport options are limited, but you can take a train to Colmar and then a bus to Ribeauvillé.
Yes, there are parking areas available in Ribeauvillé. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a convenient spot.
Absolutely! Ribeauvillé is a charming village and makes for an excellent day trip from both Strasbourg and Colmar. The drive is scenic and relatively short.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours or larger groups, to ensure availability and a personalized experience.
The cave typically closes for a lunch break from midday for two hours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.
There isn't usually a fee to enter the main tasting area, but specific guided tours or premium tasting experiences may have associated costs. The wine tasting itself is generally paid per tasting.
Yes, you can purchase a wide selection of wines directly from La Cave de Ribeauvillé. They offer wines from their own production and from surrounding villages.
La Cave de Ribeauvillé often hosts guided tours and commented walks between the vineyards, especially during the summer. Check their schedule for upcoming events.
🎫 🍷 Onsite Experience
You can taste a great variety of Alsatian wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Crémant d'Alsace. They also offer de-alcoholized wine options. +2
Absolutely! The tasting is designed to be a masterclass, educating visitors on terroir, grape varietals, and the winemaking process in Alsace.
Yes, the cave has a museum-like aspect with descriptions and exhibits that help you learn about the history and traditions of Alsatian winemaking.
The staff are experts, friendly, and enthusiastic, with many speaking good English. They are happy to guide you through the tasting and answer any questions.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with staff who are attentive to your needs, whether you require more space or expert suggestions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the cave focuses on wine tasting, Ribeauvillé itself offers numerous charming restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Alsatian cuisine.
It's generally not recommended to bring outside food into a wine tasting establishment. However, you can enjoy a meal in the village before or after your visit.
Alsatian wines pair wonderfully with regional specialties like Tarte Flambée (Flammekueche), Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with meats), and Baeckeoffe (a meat and potato stew). Riesling is versatile, while Gewürztraminer complements spicier dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially to capture the ambiance of the cellar and the beautiful village of Ribeauvillé. Be mindful of other visitors and staff.
Capture the rustic charm of the cellar, the elegant wine bottles, and the picturesque village streets of Ribeauvillé. The surrounding vineyards also offer stunning scenic shots.
Yes, you can take photos during your tasting, but focus on enjoying the experience. The staff are friendly and might even pose for a photo if asked politely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience for younger visitors, focus on the historical aspects of the village, like the medieval architecture and the castles overlooking Ribeauvillé. While the wine tasting itself might be for adults, the overall experience of exploring a beautiful Alsatian village can be a memorable family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially enjoy a more relaxed tasting. While there, you can also explore the charming village of Ribeauvillé on foot, enjoying its beauty without spending extra. Pack a picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot outside the village to save on dining costs.
🥂 Couples & Wine Enthusiasts
Beyond the tasting, the historic cooperative cellar itself is a fascinating place to explore together.
Afterwards, enjoy a romantic stroll through the picturesque village of Ribeauvillé, perhaps finding a cozy restaurant for dinner paired with a bottle you discovered at the cave. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Alsatian Wine Tasting
The team's passion and expertise are evident, making the learning process enjoyable and unpretentious. They carefully curate the tasting to highlight contrasts, ensuring that whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Alsatian viticulture. The wines themselves are superb, reflecting a deep respect for the land and a commitment to authenticity, from crystalline Rieslings to elegant Gewürztraminers.
This immersive experience is a highlight for many, offering a chance to not just taste wine, but to truly understand it. It's a rare opportunity to connect with the essence of Alsace through its most celebrated product.
Exploring Ribeauvillé and its Surroundings
Beyond the village, the Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d'Alsace) beckons. This scenic byway winds through charming vineyards and connects numerous other beautiful villages, each with its own unique character. Nearby gems include Riquewihr and Colmar, both easily accessible and offering further opportunities for exploration and wine tasting.
Innovative De-alcoholized Wines
+1 The de-alcoholized Muscat, in particular, is praised for being dry, fresh, and incredibly fruity, with beautiful aromas of yellow fruits. These wines are crafted using a process that removes alcohol while preserving the wine's character and aromatic complexity. They are perfect for enjoying as an aperitif, with light meals, or for anyone looking for a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage. The sparkling de-alcoholized option offers a festive alternative to traditional champagne.
This commitment to inclusivity in wine enjoyment makes La Cave de Ribeauvillé a unique destination. +1
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