Kientzheim

Kientzheim, a quiet, discreet gem on the Alsace Wine Route! This charming wine-growing town, founded in the 8th century, is completely surrounded by medieval ramparts, a rarity in Alsace. Take a leisurely stroll around them. The town boasts a rich heritage, with narrow cobbled streets, elegant half-timbered houses, colourful murals, a sundial, old mills, a peaceful wash-house, fountains and even the beautiful covered well in Place Schwendi. Kientzheim boasts a number of châteaux, including the former Château Schwendi, which is the headquarters of the Confrérie Saint Etienne, one of the oldest wine brotherhoods in France. It is also home to the small Alsace Vine and Wine Museum. From the gateway at the eastern entrance to the village, a figure stares out at you, sticking out its tongue at you: the famous Lalli. Surrounded by vineyards, the village boasts the Schlossberg, Alsace's first terroir to be classified as a Grand Cru in the 1970s. The grape varieties grown here are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Gris. Legend has it that the pinot gris, formerly known as Tokaj, was brought back from Hungary after a military campaign by Baron Lazar de Schwendi, a diplomat and general under Emperor Charles V, as well as the owner of Kientzheim. The village can also be explored in a fun way by the whole family on the "la cité viticole" (only in French). The route book is available from the Tourist Office reception desks and contains riddles for different age groups. Kientzheim, an enchanting village not to be missed!