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Breisgau-Schwarzwald-Alsace
Saturday, October
13-Saturday, October 20, 2007
On this trip, we will travel along two of Europe’s
most famous wine (and spirits) routes –
La Route des Vins D’Alsace (the
wine road of Alsace) and the Badische Weinstrasse
(the wine road of Baden), with visits to the
beautiful historic cities of Freiburg, Breisgau,
Staufen, Colmar, and Strasbourg. The landscapes
around Freiburg – the Black Forest, the
Kaiserstuhl mountain, the undulating hills of
the Markgräferland vineyards - are among
the most beautiful in Germany and the wines
produced here rank among the best. The continuation
of the journey along the picturesque wine villages
of Alsace will afford us a unique comparative
perspective of these historically connected
lands.
As customary, the group will visit excellent
producers (winemaker, distillers) and sample
the regional cuisine with specially arranged
menus at some of the best restaurants in France
and Germany (according to Gault Millau,
Feinschmecker, and Michelin) while
staying in comfortable and unique hotels.
Our itinerary will be as follows
Saturday, October 13
The group will meet in the city of Freiburg,
a charming and historic university town at
the foot of the Black Forest Mountains. Known
for its joie de vivre (yes, there
are German towns known for that!) Freiburg
is alive with seasonal markets, beautiful
stores, and historic buildings, none more
important that its magnificent gothic cathedral
(Münster), one of the most sublime
churches, together with its counterpart, the
Strassburg Münster (see itinerary
for day 5). Dinner will be at one of the city’s
premier restaurants, accompanied by a set
of local wines (All meals on the trip will
be paired with wines).
Sunday, October 14
By private bus, we will be exploring the
valleys and lakes of the southern Schwarzwald
(black forest) hills. After short stays in
towns with beautiful monasteries and churches,
we will sample the unique specialties of this
region at a wonderful lunch at the foot of
the Feldberg. Some afternoon hiking (to the
top of the famous Belchen mountain) is planned
(but not mandatory), with an early evening
return to Freiburg.
Monday, October 15
We set out by private bus to the well-known
wine regions of Kaiserstuhl and Markgräflerland,
with tasting stops at renowned wineries (morning
and afternoon). After a short stay in the
city of Breisach, we will have lunch at a
historic inn in Müllheim (now a destination
restaurant) and spend some time in Dr. Faust’s
city of birth: Staufen.
Tuesday, October 16
We travel from Freiburg to the medieval
city of Colmar, with its charming half-timbered
houses and a historic center full of beautiful
buildings and churches. Colmar is also the
site of the Unterlinden Museum (the
important Isenheim altar and chapel and other
unique treasures make the Unterlinden,
the second most visited museum in France after
the Louvre). After a leisurely and
elegant lunch, we will visit the wine villages
of Riquewhir and Ribeauville and continue
up the wine road to the village of Rosheim.
In the evening, we will be treated to the
delectable specialties of the region in the
Winstub Rosenmeer.
Wednesday, October 17
After the very short trip to Strasbourg,
we will spend the day in this marvelous city,
visiting its historic center and the incomparable
cathedral (guided tour). After a restorative
lunch with one of the city’s most promising
young chefs, those of you interested in getting
a first hand look into the workings of the
Council of Europe’s Food Culture Center
will have the opportunity of a special tour
and visit to the center. Others might choose
to explore the quaint streets of the city,
stroll along the river, and do some shopping.
In the evening, return to Rosheim.
Thursday, October 18
In the afternoon, we will visit a couple
premier wineries where we will have the opportunity
to compare the winemaking of Alsace to the
styles of their German counterparts. But first,
after a lucullian breakfast, we will go on
a special adventure with Mr. Daniel Zenner,
a biologist and expert on local herbs and
mushrooms who will accompany us on a foraging
walk through the local forests and meadows
(from around 10 until noon – not mandatory).
All edibles collected will be used for our
lunch (prepared by Michelin-star chef Jacques
Maetz). After this unique lunch, winemakers
of small family estates will guide us through
the most important wine styles of Alsace.
The day will end with a spectacular degustation
menu accompanied by outstanding Alsatian wines
in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Friday, October 19
We will travel by private bus to Baden-Baden.
You can enjoy this city of gardens strolling
around but a real treat will be our three
hour visit to the Caracalla Therme/Friedrichsback,
the famous hot springs already much enjoyed
by the Romans at the time of emperor Caracalla.
You will not believe the number of special
treatments available – a wonderful place
to relax and recuperate from the ardors (drinking)
of the trip. By mid afternoon, we will go
for a guided tour of one of the most unique
cellars in the area and then proceed to the
night’s lodging, a historic vineyard
inn (with an outstanding restaurant) where
we will have a memorable final grand dîner.
Saturday, October 20
Departure from Waldulm to Baden-Baden train
station (or other departure points, depending
on your travel plans). Please plan a leisurely
Saturday – our host also owns one of
the best distilleries in Germany.
Trip Details:
The number of participants is limited to
a small group of 14 persons.
The price of the trip includes accommodation
in comfortable, unique hotels with extensive
breakfasts, all transportation (mostly by
private bus), guided tours and museum entrances,
one multi-course meal with wines at top restaurants
daily, tastings at wineries and distilleries,
and (possibly) a tour of the Council of Europe
in Strasbourg. The cost of $1885
does not include airfare and travel to Freiburg.
A non-refundable deposit of $400 is required
by the end of March (please buy travel insurance
in case you will not be able to make the trip
for unforeseen reasons).
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