Alsace’s capitol city is Strasbourg. The region can be found in the very eastern side of France in a valley along the Rhine River – a river that separates France and Germany. On the other side of the river is Baden, a German wine region that produces wines in a similar style.

Alsace is the only French wine region to grow significant quantities of Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Both of these grape varieties are more commonly associated with German wines, and serve as a reminder of Alsace's history. Pinot Gris, a variety typically marginalized in other French regions as a blending component, is another of the region's noble varieties.