Munster Valley Tourist Office

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Munster Valley Tourist Office

Event registration - Press area - Groups - Our activities - Blog

Wine tourism

In the heart of Alsace's rolling landscapes, the Munster Valley cultivates much more than its famous cheese. Here, vines grow on sunny slopes, cradled by the pure mountain air and the traditions of an authentic terroir. Meet passionate winemakers who work the land with respect and make wine with their hearts. Family estates nestled between two villages, secret cellars at the gateway to the mountains... Here, you can taste Alsatian wines of character, shaped by the altitude, the granite soil, and the stories of those who create them. Wine tourism takes on another dimension here : more intimate, more human, often accompanied by a breathtaking panorama. Whether you are an enlightened amateur, simply curious or a lover of beautiful encounters, the valley opens its doors and its bottles to you.

History of the vineyard by Gérard LESER

Gregory I, known as the Great, became the 64th pope of Christianity in 590. A Doctor of the Church, he was one of the four fathers of the Western Church, along with Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine and Saint Jerome. His influence during the Middle Ages was considerable.

According to legend, it was Irish monks, disciples of Saint Gregory the Great (+ 604), who founded the first monastic establishment around 634 at a place called Schweinsbach, near the current commune of Stosswihr. Around the year 660, the monks transferred this monastery to the confluence of the two branches of the Fecht, at the current location of the city of Munster. The monastery then bore the name of monasterium ad confluentes, the Germanized form of which gave the name of the city Münster/Mìnschter/Munster. The valley itself took the name of Val Saint-Grégoire or in German Gregoriental, in homage to the great pope, patron saint of the abbey.

The city of Munster obtained the status of imperial city in 1235. In 1287, it joined forces with nine other villages to form the community of inhabitants of Val Saint Grégoire, an original institution in Alsace, as it lasted until 1847. This community had its seal from 1287, which gave rise to the coat of arms of Munster after 1847. It is clearly visible above the entrance door of the town hall of Munster built in 1550.

Wine history

"Val Saint Grégoire" is the historical name of the Munster Valley, following the establishment of a Benedictine abbey in Munster, on the orders of Pope Gregory the Great, in 634.
The name “Munster Valley” only appeared after the Protestant Reformation, around 1540.

The wines of Val Saint Grégoire have been renowned for a very long time.
In Wihr-au-Val, the vines were planted by the monks of the Abbey of Munster and remained their property until around 1085 when the Lord of Ribeaupierre seized the town of Wihr-au-Val. In all the old writings on the vineyard of Wihr-au-Val, we quote: "Die Edlen Weine von Weier im Sankt Gregorien Tal".
Furthermore, the name "Val Saint Grégoire" for wine dates back to at least 1893, as evidenced by a bottle of the 1893 vintage in the possession of a restaurateur in the Valley.
In 1871, the Alsatian poet Jean Bresch wrote: "At the foot of the Sonnenberg, crowned by a small chapel, stands Wihr-au-Val, which is rightly proud of its red wine called "Prince Max"*, which according to gourmets is hardly inferior to the Brand of Turckheim, so much fire and bouquet does it have." (* this "Prince Max" vintage was dedicated to Prince Maximilian of Habsburg, owner of the castle of Wihr-au-Val and vineyards in the place called Linsenberg).

Terroir and communal AOC

The municipal entity "Val Saint Grégoire", located in the municipalities of Turckheim, Zimmerbach, Walbach and Wihr-au-Val, was recognized, for its white wines made from the Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris grape varieties, as a complementary geographical designation of the AOC "Alsace" on October 25, 2011. These municipalities are located on the northern facade of the outlet of the Munster Valley, and their vineyards have a general southern orientation which results in earlier vegetative development than the environment of the entire valley and a great maturity of the harvest. Planted on granite soils, the main character traits of "Val Saint Grégoire" are freshness, finesse and elegance.

Guided tour of the vineyard and cellar, followed by a wine tasting at Domaine Schoenheitz

Every summer, we offer a hiking tour through the hillsides of Wihr-au-Val. We'll take you to the heart of our terroirs to explain the entire growth cycle of the vine, the work of the winemaker, and the history of this century-old vineyard.

Meet at 9:30 am at Domaine Schoenheitz. From there, walk to the 15th-century Saint Michael ossuary chapel and discover all the charms of this village steeped in legend. From the top of Herrenreben, enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley, breathe in the fragrant flora, and learn about our work. On the return to the village, you'll have a view overlooking the 19th-century Saint Martin church.

Around 11 a.m., we return to the cool of the cellar. While following the grapes' journey during the harvest, discover what lies behind the words "pneumatic press, stainless steel vats, or alcoholic fermentations..."
Finally, the tour ends with a tasting of several wines; dry, sweet, sparkling or red wine, here again, you will be guided to better understand the wines of Alsace.

Tour offered in French and English.

An original and friendly formula for discovering Alsace wines with family or friends.

Equipment: Participants are recommended to have comfortable shoes.
walk allowing them to walk through vineyards, on hillsides.

Free
Tour offered in French and English.
Reservations are recommended at 03 89 71 03 96 or caveau@vins-schoenheitz.fr.

More information

Vineyard tours

Wihr in the Valley

Duration: 1h

Difficulty : For all

Vineyard tour - Herrenreben

Between sun-drenched vineyards and exceptional panoramas, this walk immerses you in the heart of the Alsatian terroir… a concentration of nature, flavors and pleasure to savor step by step.

Distance: 3,38 Km

GPX track

Wihr in the Valley

Duration: 2h

Difficulty : For all

Vineyard tour - Linsenberg

Discover the Linsenberg trail, a walk through unspoiled nature and rejuvenating panoramas in the heart of the valley. An ideal route for escaping for a while on an accessible and charming hike.

Distance: 3,17 Km

GPX track

Domaine Schoenheitz

1 rue de Walbach

68230 Wihr au Val

On the granite slopes of the valley, this estate produces characterful, elegant wines of rare finesse. Enjoy a free tasting, take home your favorites, and take advantage of the many activities offered throughout the year.

Cave de Turckheim

16 rue des Tuileries

68230 Turckheim

The Turckheim winery is located 400 meters outside the town of Turckheim. It invites you to discover its grape varieties through its specialties, vineyard sites, and Grand Cru wines. A welcoming and friendly shop. A film about the winery is shown.

Must-see

Brochures

Hiking

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Unusual nights

The Munstercard

Liesel

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Munster cheese

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major events

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