Wine, beer...and Rhine castles !

Since the most ancient times, the history of wines and hops has been closely linked to that of the castles.

It is therefore only natural that Alsace Destination Tourisme and its partners in Alsace, Switzerland and Germany are offering a series of unique events combining conviviality, architectural heritage and wine and beer production as part of the Châteaux rhénans 2023-2025 Interreg project.

On the menu:

Thursday to Sunday, until October: gourmet walk in Oberkirch (Germany). Embark on this hike "from hell to heaven" through the vineyards around the town of Oberkirch and, along the way, sample a four-course menu accompanied by wines that go well with the food. Price and booking required. In German. Contact Renchtal Tourismus GmbH - 00 49 (0)7802 82600 or info@renchtal-tourismus.de

On 29 and 30 June, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Vogtsbauernhof, the Ortenaukreis invites you to the great Ortenau Citizens' Festival at this famous open-air museum in Gutach (Germany). The assets of the Ortenau wine paradise, with its many castles, chateaux and wines, will be presented at the Ortenau wine paradise stand at the winegrower's house near Effringen Castle. There will also be plenty of opportunities to explore the castles and chateaux of this beautiful region on foot or by bike. There will be a number of concerts on Saturday. Free admission. In German. Information at www.vogtsbauernhof.de

21 July and 11 August, from 5pm to 9pm, storytelling and beer tasting at Birkenfels Castle. Information to come on www.visit.alsace

18 August, from 10am to 8pm, a gourmet event with entertainment and wine and beer tasting at Ramstein Castle, subject to confirmation (project in progress). Information to come on www.visit.alsace

On 18 August, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., join Steffi, Princess of Wine 2023/24, at the Vogtsbauernhof in Gutach (Germany) for a day dedicated to Ortenau wines. Discover and taste a wide range of sparkling wines. Walks and craft demonstrations also on the programme. Free admission. In German. Information at www.vogtsbauernhof.de, info@weinparadies-ortenau.de or by phone on 00 49 (0)7802 82606.

From 23 to 25 August, Weinburg Game at Fleckenstein Castle. Further information at www.visit.alsace

From 30 August to 1 September, Weinburg Game at the Volerie des Aigles, Kintzheim. Further information at www.visit.alsace

From 30 August to 2 September: Breisach Wine Festival (Germany) with winegrowers from Kaiserstuhl and Tuniberg. Culinary and entertainment programme. Free, no reservation required. In German. Information via post@breisach-weinfest.de Site - www.breisach-weinfest.de - 00 49 7667 445888-6

21 and 22 September, from 10am to 5pm: Tulip Onion and Flavour Market at Wildegg Castle (Switzerland). As well as rare and historic tulip onions, the market offers regional and seasonal products made by hand. At the flavour stands, you can sample delicacies such as cheese, wine, craft beer and more. In compliance with sustainable and fair food production standards, in keeping with the spirit of our partners ProSpecieRara and Slow Food. In German. Free (excluding parking and workshop fees) and by prior arrangement. Further information at https://www.museumaargau.ch/schloss-wildegg/event/483 - Participatory workshops bookable through Slow Food Switzerland: slowfood.ch

On 16 October, subject to confirmation (project in progress), a culinary wine walk in Durbach (Germany), to visit Staufenberg Castle, in the company of TV presenter Hansy Vogt. Further information at www.weinparadies-ortenau.de. Charge and booking essential. In German only.

This project has received €2.9m in European co-financing from the ERDF as part of the INTERREG Upper Rhine programme.