Sunday 25th September 2022 – Eguisheim, France

There are a number of cycle routes shown in a leaflet available from the tourist office. I chose the ‘Landscapes by bike’ trail and set off through the vineyards. Unfortunately some of the tracks were rather rough with treacherous sections of deep gravel, not really suitable for my folding bike. However conditions improved although the weather didn’t. It was sunny when I left with clear views but it very quickly clouded over and then the mist came down, obscuring the views. Still it was an enjoyable ride.
In the afternoon we followed a vineyard walk that started just outside the campsite. This 1.5 to 2 hour walk took us through the vineyards with views over the local scenery and a number of information signs that explained the history and techniques of local viniculture as well as details of the different Alsace grape varieties. Most of the grapes have already been picked but Muscat grapes are picked much later as they need cold nights to mature. We also found sections of vines that were set aside for ‘late picked’ grapes that will produce an intensely flavoured desert wine. We were fascinated to see a special mechanical device, attached to a very small tractor. The tractor was driven between the rows of vines whilst the device trimmed the lower leaves and stems of vines – both sides at the same time. We assumed that this was being done after the grapes had been picked but were amazed to find that the grapes were still in place. The device cleared the foliage, exposing the grapes ready for picking and didn’t damage the grapes at all – very clever.
After dinner, I walked back into the town to take some night photographs. It is a great time to walk around the town – there are no tourists around, the streets are deserted and the street lights give the place a wonderful atmosphere. As an added bonus, perfumes from the flowers hang in the air and mix with the aroma of fermenting grape juice.

Photos: Muscat grapes – all of the grapes that you can see are on a single vine; The impressive trimming device; View over the vines to the three chateaux; The protected late-picked vines; An Eguisheim street at night; Eguisheim square with the chateau and chapel.