The Alsace vineyards are found amongst picture postcard villages, from a land of ruined castles and keeps to the forests of the Vosges Mountains. The region runs north to south for about 170 kms following the Rhine and the border with Germany. The vineyards here enjoy some of the mildest climatic conditions in France
The wettest months tend to be December and January with rain on an average 18 days of which only five are very heavy. March is relatively dry by comparison with rain on an average 10 days of which two can be considered heavy. Average rainfall from April to July is 14 days, but it is mostly light rain or drizzle and could be described as heavy on an average of four days.
Temperatures are typically around 4°C during December and February, but due to the lack of very wet days, it seems warmer. By March there is a steep rise to over 10°C. May has balmy, spring-like weather with average temperatures at a relatively warm 18° to 19°C, although it can become cool in the evenings and at night.
Temperatures during the summer months are comparable to those of the Loire Valley and its closest neighbour Burgundy. They are consistent throughout the region from a low of 16°C in May to a high of 25°C.
Alsace can be cold during the winter months but the Vosges Mountains give protection from the worst winter winds.