Above: The historic town of Riquewihr, surrounded by vineyards, Alsace, France

I first visited Alsace on a bicycle, riding across the Rhine River from Germany during my student years. Alsace dazzled me then, and I felt just as impressed by its fairy-tale landscape of hilly vineyards, half-timbered towns and crumbling castles on my recent visit. The region’s unique cuisine combines French and German influences to great effect, and its wines — Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, among others — are justly acclaimed. But the main purpose of my visit was to fill a hole in our hotel map.

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Above: The historic town of Riquewihr, surrounded by vineyards, Alsace, France

Read More from Our Trip:

Video: The Most Charming Towns of Alsace Four Favorite Castles in Alsace, France Favorite Wine Bars in Colmar Eating Well Along Alsace’s Route des Vins Alsace’s Cultural Jewel: Colmar’s Unterlinden Museum Touring Alsace Wineries