Alsace has always been a land of vines and wines, both for personal consumption and trade. As a result, the architecture of winegrowers' houses had to adapt to the constraints of the profession. It explains why they were equipped with a covered porch, or trotthüs, to shelter the press. The arched lintel above it, made of stone, would often be adorned with the family coat of arms or protective formulas. The foundations of the houses, also built in stone, hosted the wine cellars. Wine is still pressed today in the courtyards of Riquewihr's half-timbered houses.