The Monarch Grapes Tour
Riesling & Pinot Noir
For serious enthusiasts who would love to explore these two emblematic grapes in depth, we have created a tour that showcases the respected present and exciting future of Alsace.
“Everything was perfectly organised by Juan and the day went very smoothly.”
“We had a very pleasant and interesting bike tour through the vineyards of the Alsatian Gran Cru wines. Juan is able to transmit his passion for wine and during the tour he explained very nicely the landscape, the history and the wines of this region. I would truly recommend Juan’s tours not only if you want to learn more about wines but simply if you fancy spending a few hours cycling in good company, enjoying beautiful views and learning something new!”
— Laura, WSET Level 2 | Friuli, Italy
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT • CAR OR MINI-VAN
About this
Wine Tour
We have designed a tour for serious fans of these iconic grapes. Riesling, of German origin, carries the weight of history for this region, and is represented in every Grand Cru, which is why its diversity of flavours and styles is so remarkable. Despite its global reputation, Pinot Noir has been a shy (and forgotten) 'vin rouge' until the last couple of decades, when its popularity has grown, creating new waves of excitement.
We will combine a series of tasting on vineyards, Domaine visits and tailored terroir driven tastings to get the best learning outcome for you.
Let’s discover these grapes together. They represent the present and future of Alsace.
Tour Start/Departure
Our ideal departing town for these two days will be Colmar. If you are based in Strasbourg, Freiburg (Germany) or Basel (Switzerland) we can discuss the best transportation options.
A note about free pick-up: This service is only available for groups of up to 4 people.
Getting There
Colmar is accessible from Paris via train (from Strasbourg) and via car transfer from many European cities if you fly to Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport or to EuroAirport (Basel - Mulhouse-Freiburg)
If you are renting a car: Google Maps does a good job of getting you there ;-)
Practical
Information
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We create tours in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.
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The e-bikes allow us to visit and climb to the top of the vineyards with ease.
Cycling skill level required: Medium
Fitness level: Medium
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We Provide the Following Equipment: Our modern e-bikes include a lock, a helmet, and a repair kit to help secure and maintain the bike during the tour.
You Will Need to Bring: Comfortable sport clothes and shoes. Extra layers and rain jackets (on cold and rainy days). Sun cream and water on hot days.
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Our two-day Riesling & Pinot Noir tours are available all year round - except from early September to mid October. During harvest time, we have limitations regarding the producers we can visit - since they are focusing on the biggest activity of the year.
Important: Two consecutive days are required for this tour. Since our selected Domaines are usually closed on Sundays, we generally avoid touring on Sundays and recommend you use this day for free exploring or departure instead.
Proposed Itinerary:
Day 1: Pick up from the hotel around 8:00 - Domaine visits and tastings organized through the day - lunch in local Winstubs - return to your hotel by approximately 18:30.
Day 2: Pick up from the hotel around 8:00 - Domaine visits and tastings organized through the day - lunch in local Winstubs - return to your hotel by approximately 18:30.
Note: Precise Itinerary provided during booking process.
Depending on your location and Domaine availability, this itinerary may be modified.
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We can still offer this tour with drizzle and little rain. Due to the distance we cover between the selected Domaines and Grand Crus, we will do this tour in a mini-van or car (depending on group size).
Cancellation Policy: Visit our Terms & Conditions page
Insurance Requirements: Visit our Terms & Conditions page
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Please contact us for pricing for this tour.
This price is based on the minimum of 4 people required to run this tour.
For larger groups the price will increase proportionally + Mini-van rental for pick up and transport also required.
If fewer people in your group, contact me for a Private Tour conversation.
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For a group of 4 people: FREE pick up and transport from/to Colmar, Basel or Freiburg and our departing cycling town.
Small and practical Wine Guru on Wheels Printed Booklet with Alsace Essential Facts, Producers & Wine Styles to use for your personal tasting notes and future learning reference
We focus on learning experiences and to cover all your questions about the region, villages, Grand Crus, wines and producers of Alsace
E-bikes rentals + helmets. Alternatively minivan transport to cover the itinerary depending on tour or weather condition
Curated winery visits with personal approach and quality driven producers. Tasting fees covered — no obligation to buy wines unless you fall in love with a bottle (or two)
We hide away from crowded towns (unless unavoidably beautiful!)
In-depth tastings focused on terroir, soils, and style
Vineyard immersion with many stops and landscape interpretation
Small groups for meaningful conversations and discussion
Cultural and historical context of the visited towns
Time to taste, learn, question, and connect — we prefer not to rush
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Accommodation and meals are not included unless specifically expressed on tour description. We eat “a la carte” in our local restaurants where we can continue with our learning experiences. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
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As we look to personalise the tours as much as possible, we require at least two weeks (14 days) contact in advance, so we can organise bikes, transport, wineries and restaurant bookings. It is very difficult for us to organise a tour on short notice.
You can contact us via our website contact form, via email or via WhatsApp on +41794171478.
The earlier you book your tour, the better for us to organise your itinerary and experience.
