As legend has it, when the valley of the Rhine was still under water, a dragon emerged from the waves to rest awhile on a protruding hilltop. The sun was too fierce, however, and its rays eventually pierced the dragon’s scales drawing blood.

Wounded with death, the dragon dragged itself to a cave where it then died. This hilltop is known as the Brand, and it is situated above the town of Turckheim. Many centuries later, wine growers came to plant vines in this area. Still fertile with the dragon’s blood, the vines even today produce a wine of fire.