Bestheim: The Moon Chasers of Alsace

In Alsace, legends run as deep as the vines. One in particular tells of the villagers of Bennwihr, who once tried to catch the moon in their nets. Ambitious, daring and a little dreamlike, these ‘moon chasers’ are the symbol of Bestheim – a cooperative that today unites more than 400 Alsatian winegrowers. 

Founded in Bennwihr in 1946, Bestheim rose from the ashes of a village destroyed during the Second World War. Since then, it has embodied resilience and the power of working together. From the fertile plains to the celebrated Grands Crus, its vineyards span some of the region’s most prized terroirs. Two production sites – Bennwihr for still wines and Westhalten for sparkling – combine traditional savoir-faire with modern expertise. 

Bestheim is especially renowned for its Crémants d’Alsace, sparkling wines made using the traditional method. Among them, the Grand Prestige vintage stands out as a true signature, marrying elegance with depth. The cooperative also tends exceptional Pinot Blanc vines on the sun-drenched slopes of the Strangenberg, a terroir that imparts remarkable freshness and finesse to its sparkling wines. Together, these cuvées reflect the precision and ambition that have made Bestheim a benchmark for Crémant d’Alsace. 

Alongside its sparkling range, Bestheim crafts a broad palette of still wines – Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir – each capturing the diversity of Alsace. The winery is present on several Grands Crus, including the world-famous Schlossberg and the outstanding Zinnkoepflé, where unique soils and exposures yield wines of striking character and complexity. 

But Bestheim’s vision reaches beyond winemaking. In 2024, the cooperative was awarded the Vignerons Engagés (Committed Winegrowers) label, the first CSR and sustainable development certification created for French wine. This recognition reflects concrete commitments: protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, ensuring fairness in governance and reducing environmental impact. For Bestheim, sustainability is not a slogan but a collective responsibility shared by growers and employees alike. 

A visit to Bestheim offers more than just a tasting. It is an invitation into a story of people, landscapes and values, where every glass speaks of resilience, ambition and authenticity. Whether through tastings, vineyard walks or festive events, the cooperative opens its doors to share the true spirit of Alsace. 

From the legend of the moon chasers to its present-day commitment to sustainability, Bestheim continues to shine as a symbol of excellence and innovation. Every bottle carries the promise of a dream pursued together – and a little piece of Alsace for you to enjoy. 

www.bestheim.com/en