Les Grandes Maisons d'Alsace
Food and Wine evening
Created in 1913, “Les Grandes Maisons d’Alsace” (Reputed Alsace Wineries) are an institution. It must be said that they have largely contributed to the rebirth and then the remarkable growth of both the vineyard and wine in Alsace. Today, “Les Grandes Maisons d’Alsace”, which group together the most iconic Alsace wineries, are always looking to defend and promote Alsace wines.
A historic role
Alsace wines joined the major league of Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) over 50 years ago and have continued to develop ever since. Now known and respected throughout the world, Alsace wines (all AOCs added together) have a 513 million Euro turnover (or represent 40 % of total agricultural production in Alsace). 25 % of total Alsace wines sales are currently due to export (33 million bottles in 2016 or 244,441 hl), This growth was particularly due to a few pioneers* and setting up a Union for vintner-producers in 1913. “The association’s job was not only fiding a slot for Alsace wines on the French market and abroad, but especially to regenerate the vineyard area totally destroyed after the First World War,” Pierre Heydt-Trimbach emphasises, President of ‘Les Grandes Maisons d’Alsace’ since 1993.
Towards coming part of the great AOC family
After the war, this body also fought for keeping the traditional Alsace varieties against the homogenisation of hybrids. A battle it won successfully. As of 1945, it took an active part in developing the status of Alsace wines in 1945 as well as helping them become a part of the great AOC family in 1962. It is also thanks to this institution that the Regional Alsace wine fair was created in 1948, the Alsace Wine Route established and the CIVA (Interprofessional Committee of Alsace Wines) set up. Before the CIVA was created, the group was already active. Created in 1913, “Les Grandes Maisons d’Alsace” (Reputed Alsace Wineries) are an institution. It must be said that they have largely contributed to the rebirth and then the remarkable growth of both the vineyard and wine in Alsace. Today, “Les Grandes Maisons d’Alsace”, which group together the most iconic Alsace wineries, are always looking to defend and promote Alsace wines.
At the forefront of viticulture
The Grandes Maisons d’Alsace (producer-vintner trade body) is still at the forefront for promoting Alsace wines. Its members are responsible for a third of Alsace wines marketing in France and throughout the world and are regularly distinguished by the French and foreign professional press.
