The actual job of the gourmet survived in Alsace until the 1930s. Like the gourmet of old, those visiting Alsace's Route du Vin today make a point to try the local wines.

The Route du Vin – the wine road of Alsace – is an asphalt ribbon tying 90 miles of vineyards, villages, and feudal fortresses into an understandably popular tourist package.

It’s easy to tour the region, and Colmar makes a good springboard. Alsace’s Route du Vin (wine road) is blanketed with lush vineyards and dotted with delicious, picture-perfect little towns.