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Although France’s beautiful Alsace region is perhaps more readily associated with winemaking than the production of beer, the two ancient trades have happily existed side by side for centuries. Nowadays, the Alsace area accounts for some 50 percent of France’s total beer production.
The Meteor brewery, located some 25 miles northwest of Strasbourg, has been in business since 1640, making it France’s oldest brewery. The independent operation has been in the hands of the Haag family for eight generations. Meteor takes pride in providing local employment to its some 200 workers while respecting the environment and producing beers of distinct character.
Brewery visits
Those interested in learning more about the company’s brewing process should make way to the Villa Meteor. In a visit lasting some one and a half hours, various stages of the brewing process are brought to life; additionally, visitors can explore a garden with the raw materials used in beer making, as well as a 17th century family home. After a walk-through of the brewhouse, fermentation and maturation rooms, visitors reach beer mecca: a bar in which one can sample the output under the guidance of an expert bartender.
The brewery is located at 6 sue du general Lebocq, 67270 Hochfelden. The cost of a tour is 9 euros for adults and free for those under the age of 16. From June through September, the high season, tours are generally offered from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; in the low season, opening times are much shorter. Consult their website to be sure the tour is offered on the day of your visit.
Don’t miss
In addition to its IPA, Pils, Blonde, Rossa, Blanche (white), Noel (Christmas), and Wendelinus Tenebrus, beer lovers might wish to sample the brews of the recently created Meteor Lab line. HopStar is cold hopped, unfiltered blonde beer, Ink a very dark Baltic-style porter, and Opale a wheat beer with fruity notes described as banana and pineapple.
