Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Goxwiller Press, located at 142 Main Street in Goxwiller (Bas-Rhin), is a historic monument registered since 1991. Dated from the 3rd quarter of the 17th century, it is considered one of the oldest of its kind in Alsace. Its inscription "1669 L.H." bears witness to its seniority, while its wooden structure (balong, maie, walnut screws) and its torchi shelter illustrate the traditional winemaking techniques of the region.

The cabestan press worked thanks to a screw by walnuting a rectangular tank (balong) to extract the grape juice. The Maye, located at the bottom of the tank, collected the final product. This type of equipment was essential to the local economy, dominated by viticulture, and reflected the community organisation around wine production in Alsace in the 17th century.

The building housing the press, modest construction covered with tiles, was preserved in its entirety, including its mechanical elements. Its classification in 1991 underlines its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its role in Alsatian technical and agricultural history.

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