At the foot of the Vosges and a stone’s throw from Sélestat, Scherwiller is a wine village that lives to the rhythm of the vines. Surrounded by hillsides, overlooked by two ruined castles and crossed by a stream lined with old wash-houses, it brings together in a few streets everything we associate with wine-growing Alsace: landscapes, history and bottles of Riesling with a strong personality.
Why is Scherwiller associated with Riesling?
Calling Scherwiller a “Riesling capital” is not just a tourist slogan: it is also a structured winegrowing reality, with a large vineyard (370 ha).
Riesling is often considered a grape variety “of precision”:
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It highlights freshness and natural acidity.
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It strongly expresses its soils (minerality, tension) and its exposures.
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It ages very well: the aromas evolve from citrus and flowers towards more complex notes (warm stone, wax, sometimes “petrol” in certain ripe styles).
In the Alsace foothills, when you have well-exposed slopes, good ventilation and well-drained soils, Riesling can produce very clean wines: dry, finely chiselled and extremely expressive.
Understanding wine in Scherwiller: AOC Alsace and the “Alsace Scherwiller” designation
AOC Alsace: the framework
Most of the wines produced around the village come under the AOC Alsace (“Vin d’Alsace”) — the base appellation that covers most of the Alsace vineyards.
“Alsace Scherwiller”: an additional geographical designation
Scherwiller is one of the additional geographical designations officially provided for in the specifications of the AOC Alsace.
Key point (very important for understanding the local reputation):
the “Scherwiller” designation is associated with Riesling — the specifications explicitly mention “Scherwiller … riesling B” (white Riesling) for this designation.
In other words:
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Not all Rieslings from Scherwiller necessarily bear the words “Alsace Scherwiller” (it depends on the plot selection, the winegrower’s choice, yields, etc.).
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But when you see “Alsace Scherwiller”, you are dealing with Riesling and a clearly claimed geographical origin.
This system is part of the regulatory framework approved by decree (since 2011).
Terroirs and landscapes: vines, hills and viewpoints
With 370 hectares of vines, Scherwiller offers a “life-size” illustration of what a foothill vineyard is: a mosaic of exposures and soils, with clear variations depending on whether you are at the bottom of the slope or closer to the hills.
Without going into a geology lesson, remember one simple principle:
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Lower down / deeper soils: often richer soils, sometimes more free-draining depending on the nature of the alluvium; this can give rounder or more immediately fruity wines.
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On the slopes / more “mineral” areas: leaner, better-drained soils; this can accentuate tension, straightness and aromatic precision — an ideal playground for Riesling.
This geography is easy to see when you walk up to the high points: the slope becomes steeper, the views open up and the vineyards “frame” the village.
Heritage: the Ortenbourg and Ramstein castles
Ortenbourg castle
Ortenbourg castle is one of the emblematic silhouettes above Scherwiller. Heritage sources describe a fortress built around 1260, a siege in 1293, then a fire in 1633 (Thirty Years’ War), with a pentagonal keep about 35 m high.
Even in ruins, the site gives a very clear idea of medieval logic: controlling the axis of the plain and the entrances to the valleys while keeping watch over traffic.
Ramstein castle
Ramstein completes this pair of heritage sites. It is described as having been built in 1293 by Otto (Othon) von Ochsenstein, below the Ortenbourg, for the purpose of besieging its neighbour.
The site was then destroyed and damaged over the centuries, particularly during regional conflicts.
The Taennelkreuz chapel: in the heart of the vineyards
If there were only one place to remember to understand the link between Scherwiller and the vine, it would be the Taennelkreuz chapel.
It was built in 1905 on a former pilgrimage site and consecrated on 23 September 1906.
It is described as a neo-Gothic chapel “perched in the middle of the vineyards at the foot of the Rittersberg”, and as a walking destination offering views over the village and the plain.
It is also a handy landmark: several walking and vineyard discovery routes are organised around this area.
The Confrérie des Rieslinger and wine events
The Confrérie des Rieslinger
The Confrérie des Rieslinger (Brotherhood of the Rieslinger) is a strong cultural marker in Scherwiller. According to the Vins d’Alsace, it was founded in 1978 in tribute to Riesling, the king of grape varieties in Scherwiller.
In spirit, a wine brotherhood serves to:
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promote a grape variety or a terroir,
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carry on a tradition,
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organise moments of transmission (chapters, ceremonies, gatherings).
Frequently asked questions
Why is Scherwiller called the “Riesling capital”?
Because the village has placed this grape variety at the centre of its identity: a suitable terroir, a large area planted with Riesling, a dedicated communal designation and a strong presence of this wine in the village’s cellars.
What is the style of a Riesling from Scherwiller?
It is generally dry, fresh and taut, with aromas of citrus fruit and flowers and a mineral touch. It is very much at home at the table, particularly with fish, Alsace dishes and lightly spiced cuisine.
Does the “Sentier Gourmand” still exist?
The event has existed and has been interrupted at times (e.g. cancelled in 2020); the programme and formats may change from year to year, so it is worth checking the organisers’ announcements.
Our wines to discover: Riesling Scherwiller · Riesling Vieilles Vignes · Riesling
