Alsace, Events, Spring

Whit Sunday & Monday picnics at the winemaker’s

Posted by Jean-P. on
Lovers of great wines from all over the world have gathered in fifty families of Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace (independent winemaker) for an annual event that has become a must: the picnic at Pentecost.
Lovers of great wines from all over the world have gathered in fifty families of Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace (independent winemaker) for an annual event that has become a must: the picnic at Whit Sunday and Monday.

We must admit the obvious fact, every year at Whit Sunday and Monday, the Holy Spirit is indeed descending on the Route des Vins d’Alsace to spead many language skills around: we can hear laughter and voices which are not only Alsatian but also Flemish, German, Belgian and Swiss (with all their regional variations) and even, here and there, Anglo-Saxons. Picnic basket or cooler in hand, lovers of our great white wines come from almost everywhere to visit more than 80 families of independant winemakers (Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace) for an annual appointment you definitely cannot miss : the Picnic of Whit Sunday and Monday.

Read my full report about the 2016 event

The OLD WINERY, LUXURY HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION facing the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyard in Riquewihr
[ Vacation Rentals ][ The OLD WINERY, luxury holiday accommodation facing the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyard in Riquewihr ]
This former winery was built in 1580 and recently converted into 6 wonderful holiday apartments superbly located in one of the most beautiful villages of France. Jewel on the Alsace wine route, Riquewihr will be your headquarters to discover all the Alsace, the Vosges and even nearby Germany and Switzerland.
Click to visit our holiday apartments

An original idea of the Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace which has made its way throughout France

The Pentecost picnic at the Vigneron Indépendant was born in Alsace in 1995. Since then, the event has been extended to all of France.
The Whit Sunday picnic at the Vigneron Indépendant was born in Alsace in 1995. Since then, the event has been extended to all of France.

Born in Alsace in 1995 at the initiative of the Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace, the “Pique-nique Chez le Vigneron Indépendant®” became more and more popular. Over the years, the Vignerons Indépendants de France movement has extended the event to the national level. This year, 400 domains in 31 departments of all the wine regions of France participated. In Alsace, the « Pique-nique Chez le Vigneron Indépendant® » has become an unmissable event in our region and attracts nearly 20,000 people each year (84 participating estates in 2016).

Dambach-la-Ville, Pentcost monday, picnic at the estate Beck-Hartweg
Dambach-la-Ville, Whit Monday, picnic at the estate Beck-Hartweg. Bring your food, the winemaker is offering the wine!

The date has for a long time been engraved in the virtual marble of my smartphone with strong notifications. Riquewihr on Saturday evening, Orschwiller on Sunday and Dambach-la-Ville on Monday, enough to spend a happy weekend discovering wines and new companions at each new table!

Read my full report about the 2016 event

In 2017, Whit Sunday is on June 4. Prepare your trip to Alsace now!

Remparts de Riquewihr is a collection of 14 charming holiday gites in Alsace, France
[ Holiday Accommodation ][ CHARMING & LUXURY HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION on the ALSACE WINE ROUTE ]
From the small studio to the large luxury apartment, the Remparts de Riquewihr is a collection of 14 charming holiday gites superbly located in one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Jewel on the Alsace wine route Riquewihr will be your headquarters to discover all the Alsace, the Vosges and even nearby Germany and Switzerland.
Click to visit our holiday apartments