The Fête du Crémant d’Alsace takes root annually, typically in late August or early September, in Kintzheim, a village situated along the Alsace Wine Route. This event is a celebration of the region’s sparkling wine, Crémant d’Alsace, offering a concentrated experience of local viticulture within a charming, historic setting. Kintzheim, with its half timbered houses and floral displays, provides a fitting backdrop for a festival dedicated to this effervescent wine. Accommodation can be found in various guesthouses and small hotels within Kintzheim itself or in nearby larger towns along the wine route.
What You Can Do
Visitors can engage directly with local producers at tasting stations set up throughout the village. Many winemakers open their cellars, providing a direct insight into their production methods and allowing for intimate tasting sessions. Beyond the wine, the festival often includes demonstrations of traditional crafts, small musical performances, and activities designed for families, ensuring a relaxed pace for exploration.
What They Offer
The primary focus is Crémant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine produced using the traditional method, much like Champagne. You will find a range of styles: Crémant Brut, Crémant Rosé (typically from Pinot Noir), and Blanc de Blancs (often Pinot Blanc or Chardonnay). The regional grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are all showcased in their sparkling forms. Each producer presents their unique interpretation, allowing for a comparative tasting experience.
Activities
Beyond the festival itself, Kintzheim offers attractions like the Château de Kintzheim, known for its raptor shows, and La Montagne des Singes (Monkey Mountain), where Barbary macaques roam freely. The surrounding Alsace Wine Route invites further exploration, with numerous villages and vineyards easily accessible. Combining the festival with a scenic drive or cycling tour through the vineyards makes for a comprehensive regional visit.
Food to Eat
Local gastronomy plays a significant role. Food stalls offer Alsatian specialties such as Flammekueche (thin crust tart with cream, onions, and bacon), hearty choucroute garnie, and various local cheeses. Bretzels are a common sight, often enjoyed with a glass of Crémant. These simple, authentic dishes pair naturally with the sparkling wines, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Why Visit
Visiting the Fête du Crémant d’Alsace offers an authentic immersion into Alsatian wine culture. It provides a direct connection with the winemakers and their craft in a setting that feels genuine and uncommercialized. The focus on a specific, high quality regional product, combined with the village atmosphere, ensures a memorable and educational experience without feeling overwhelming.
The Fête du Crémant d’Alsace in Kintzheim delivers a focused and pleasant experience. The atmosphere is genuinely local, allowing for unhurried conversations with producers. While the event maintains a modest scale, the quality of the Crémant is consistently high. It serves as an excellent introduction to Alsatian sparkling wines and the hospitality of its people.