The Valley of Brandies
The Villé Valley, nestled in the heart of Alsace, is also known as the Valley of Brandies.
This renown stems from an age-old distillation tradition, passed down through generations. Thanks to its abundant orchards and artisanal expertise, the valley produces some of Alsace's most prestigious brandies, such as mirabelle, quetsche, and kirsch.
Here, brandy is not just a drink: it is a symbol of identity, conviviality and living heritage.
What is eau-de-vie?
Brandy, invented in the Middle Ages, is a mixture resulting from the fermentation or maceration of fruit followed by distillation. In fact, this alcohol is called "brandy" because, surprisingly, at that time, spirits were believed to prolong life.
Artisanal distilleries
Distilleries which dot the territory perpetuate the art of transforming fruit into exceptional eaux-de-vie with passion, innovation and authenticity, recognized far beyond the borders of Alsace.
In Dieffenbach-au-Val, the Massenez Distillery, is recognized for its finesse, excellence and innovation. It specializes in eaux-de-vie, creams and fruit liqueurs, and shines internationally in exceptional bars and restaurants.
In Steige, the Nusbaumer DistilleryFounded in 1947, this distillery perpetuates a traditional craft by transforming local fruits and berries into authentic and refined eaux-de-vie. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the world of eaux-de-vie, liqueurs, and gins, showcasing copper stills and production workshops.
In Saint-Maurice, Charly Guth first founded his craft microbrewery in 2018 before recently adding a distillery component (rum, gin, liqueurs). This diversification allows it to add another string to its bow, combining beers and spirits produced on site.
In Breitenbach, Lindgrube Farm They cultivate fruit used in yogurts, jams, and also brandies, distilled on site using ancestral know-how. The cherries, from old varieties, give rise to a kirsch renowned throughout the Villé Valley.
Finally, in Hohwarth, the Meyer Distillery, established in 1958, shares its expertise through the Maison du Distillateur (Distiller's House).
These houses, true ambassadors of Alsatian heritage, offer visitors a unique immersion into the intoxicating world of exceptional spirits.
The distillers
Today in the Valley, there are still a few small-scale distillers who are individuals who distill their own fruit for their personal consumption.
A worldwide reputation
Distilleries are popular in the Villé Valley but have also gained international renown and visibility.
These are exceptional products, as evidenced by the numerous medals awarded to their expertise. The distillers are true prodigies, transforming these eaux-de-vie into whiskies, gins, and more.
Discover distillation in the valley
- The Nusbaumer Distillery offers guided tours of its production workshops, providing an immersion of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes in the artisanal world of distillation.
Visitors discover each step of the local know-how (from fruit preparation to the still room, via the storage tanks and bottling) before concluding with a friendly tasting.
- The Massenez Distillery offers group tours by reservation (8 to 10 people), guided by a passionate member of the team: on the program, discovery of the history of the century-old house, the still room and the aging area.
The distillery has opened an olfactory garden, accessible either freely or as part of tours, which invites visitors to explore the plants and aromatics that are the origin of Massenez brandies and liqueurs.
– During the summer, the Villé Valley Museum offers lively and immersive tours focusing on old trades, including that of distiller.
The museum has a unique location, the Meyblum distillery, allowing it to convey the history of local heritage with passion and authenticity.
- The Heritage trail "The worm is in the fruit" invites you to trace the history of distillation in the Villé Valley. Through a journey punctuated with anecdotes, testimonies and heritage stops, discover how this tradition, intimately linked to orchards and local know-how, has shaped the identity of the valley.