Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann

Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann: Five generations of winegrowers, Alsace written into the soil

In the heart of Alsace, in Epfig, Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann embodies a family history deeply rooted in the vineyard since 1890. Independent winegrowers for five generations, Sylvie and Yannick Ostertag-Hurlimann continue this family adventure today with a clear vision: to reveal Alsatian terroirs with precision, sincerity and respect for living ecosystems.

The estate covers around 20 hectares spread across five emblematic Alsatian villages: Epfig, Blienschwiller, Reichsfeld, Bernardvillé and Dambach-la-Ville. This mosaic of more than 80 distinct parcels allows the domaine to work with an exceptional diversity of soils—granite, quartz and schist—giving rise to expressive, focused and identity-driven wines.

A family history passed down since 1890

The story begins at the end of the 19th century, when Georges Ostertag acquired his first vineyard plots on the hillsides of Epfig. At the time, vine growing demanded patience and close observation. His son François Auguste, followed by Justin and Jeannine Ostertag, gradually developed the estate, moving from mixed farming to a clearly defined viticultural focus.

In 1976, direct sales marked a major turning point: the domaine strengthened its bond with consumers and asserted its identity as an independent winegrower. In 1995, René Hurlimann joined the family business, which then became Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann. The range expanded, notably with the first Crémants d’Alsace, and quality became a central objective.

From the early 2000s, a new generation took over. Yannick joined the estate after his viticultural training, followed in 2007 by Sylvie, an oenologist by training. Together, they modernised equipment, refined winemaking practices, invested in new terroirs and committed the domaine to sustainable viticulture. Today, they embody a confident continuity between family heritage and a forward-looking vision.

Respectful and committed viticulture

Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann has been certified High Environmental Value (HVE) since 2018 and engaged in organic conversion since 2020. The wines have been officially certified organic from the 2023 vintage onward.

Vineyard work is based on observation and balance: controlled cover crops to limit erosion, mechanical soil work, planting density adapted to each parcel, and precise pruning according to vine vigor. Every decision aims to strengthen vine vitality and encourage deep root systems—an essential condition for true terroir expression.

Here, the goal is balanced grapes, not excessive yields. The vine is guided, never forced.

Winemaking with precision, without masking the terroir

In the cellar, the philosophy mirrors the vineyard approach. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, aging is carried out on lees to build texture and depth, and interventions are kept to the strict minimum.

Winemaking is based on slow fermentations, sometimes in old oak foudres, at low temperatures to preserve aromatic expression. Time plays a key role: each wine is monitored daily to find the right balance between structure, freshness and substance.

The result is precise, structured Alsace wines—never showy—with real aging potential and a clear, readable expression of both vintage and soil.

Alsatian terroirs revealed through each cuvée

The Winzenberg Grand Cru: Located in the village of Blienschwiller, this south- and south-east-facing hillside rests on granite soils rich in quartz. It produces wines of great finesse, driven by crystalline minerality and natural elegance. Wines from this terroir show depth, precision and strong aging potential.

Schist soils – Schieferberg: On the heights of Reichsfeld, ancient schist soils force vines to root deeply. The resulting wines stand out for their structure, tension and slow evolution over time, developing complex aromas and vibrant mineral energy.

Quartz soils – Fronholz: In Epfig, this terroir combining quartz, silica and clay offers a distinctive expression. Wines gain finesse, freshness and aromatic precision, with a very clear reading of the rock and climate.

A broad range of Alsace wines and Crémants

The domaine produces a full range of Alsace wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat and Pinot Noir, as well as precise and elegant Crémants d’Alsace. Certain single-parcel cuvées, special selections and late-harvest wines reflect a high level of expertise and a constant search for balance.

The estate also produces artisanal eaux-de-vie and liqueurs, in keeping with Alsatian tradition.

The Ostertag-Hurlimann style

Focused, readable and profound wines.
A true expression of terroir.
Freshness, precision and depth.

Wines that charm today and tell even more of their story tomorrow.

Which wines from Domaine Ostertag-Hurlimann would you choose to discover the full richness of Alsatian terroirs, from schist and quartz to granite ?