'Sipp'ing along the Route du Vin -Alsace Region

After a snowy adventure (click here) that took up more than half our day designated for wineries (but nonetheless a fun-filled adventure and a happy ending to that:)...my girlfriend and I finally make it on to our planned winery. We could hardly stand the anticipation after wondering if we'd even make it there. Finally at 6 pm, we screech in to L'Agape, our soon to be paradise of Vin d'Alsace.

I love the Route du Vin, this is my second trip but I still haven't seen, or tasted, enough of it. Its so beautiful, set among the foothills of the Vosges Mountains with so many quaint little villages dotted along the 170 km route (106 miles). True, tourists know it, and love it, for good reason. Get yourself a car and drive it, or be more adventerous and take it by bike - you certainly don't have to do the whole stretch. I've been told the villages in the southern part of the route (Ribeauville for example) are the nicest. I can also attest to Colmar and Kaysersberg. The people have always been friendly, welcoming and down to earth (even at the wineries where they'll happily show and tell you whatever you want to know, and more!) But you definitely need your own transportation (and a designated driver because there's lots to taste!)

Our visit to L'Agape was just what we needed. The friendly and easygoing Vincent Sipp has been in the business of making wine for ages, separating from his brother to do his own thing. We sat for a couple of hours with him and then some of his friends after he had to leave. Great people and great wine.

Just for my own reference later, we tried (and bought)
- Pinot Blanc (from 'Auxer', priced at 6,80 euros/bottle)
- Riesling (8,70 euros)
- Gewurztraminer, 2008 - one of my faves for an Aperitif (9,50 euros)

Also tried:
- Rosacker Grand Cru - wonderful! (17,40 euros)
- Pinot Noir, the only red made in the region (18 euros, available this August)
- Muscat - yum! (but not yet bottled - 9,50 euros)
- Gewurztraminer, 2007 (13,60)

Vincent, I'm told, is quite adventerous with his creations and mixing of grapes. One loyal friend, who took over 'hosting' us after he had to leave, told us he has very unique blends and isn't afraid to try new things.

I can't wait to go back, and this time stay on the Wineroute, possibly even at his guest apartment on the beautiful winery, in Riquewihr (in the February it was available for 3 nights for total of 105 euros, but I don't think they anticipate many visitors this time of year). Also wouldn't mind taking a cooking class at his (ex?) wife's, Isabelle, cooking school in Colmar called Cardamome (her favorite spice).

How cute is Colmar?