Wine Festival in Eguisheim

Detail from a stained glass window at the Wolfberger Winery

My husband, daughter, and I attended a wine festival in the little village of Eguisheim, France.  Technically it was a "new wine" festival or fete du vin nouveau.  The focus of the celebration was a successful grape harvest and the production of wine that can be consumed now but tastes better once it has a little age on it.

Eguisheim is a village located on the Route des Vins, Wine Road, in Alsace.  It's primary industry is the production of wine, from the growing and harvesting of grapes, the making of wine, to the packaging and distribution of it's creations.  The majority of the people who reside in Eguisheim make their living from wine.

This view is from the outskirts of town.  Grapevines can be seen up front and a castle looms on the hilltop above.

A building we saw when we first entered town

The fete was located in a plaza with an enormous water well.  There were tents set up to provide shade in front of a beautiful church.  Food was being served and a band was playing.  Several people were dancing and many more were tapping their feet to the rhythm.  Lots of wine was being poured, of course.  The atmosphere was quite festive.

The Alsatian specialty tarte flambee, also known as flammekueche, was being served.  Tarte flambee is made from a thin, crispy crust topped with creme fraiche, thinly sliced onions, and little bits of bacon.  It is then baked and served piping hot.  We also ordered glasses of the vin nouveau, or new wine.  I was really surprised by its looks and taste.  It was cloudy with froth on top.  The taste was very sweet and slightly yeasty.  It resembled cider or beer more than wine.  I am amazed that this liquid can sit around in big casks and eventually come out clear, drier tasting, and alcoholic.

Tarte flambee

Vin nouveau

The people at the table next to us were enjoying a whole bottle of the "new " stuff.

After enjoying our snack and some more music, we decided to explore the village.  It was a very typical Alsatian town.  There were lots of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.  Geraniums were plentiful.  One difference I noticed was the plethora of tractors.  Tractors were driving down the streets and were also parked in front of houses.  I don't know if this was because it was harvest season or if it is a normal sight in Eguisheim.

Eguisheim is ranked as one of the most beautiful little towns in France.