We will be exploring the Middle Rhine Valley soon, staying in Boppard. I have been incorporating the advice generously offered here on the Forum. In the course of exploring Marksburg, Rheinfels, Bacharach, and the Rhine River via KD boat ride, I would like to include some wine tasting. Do you all have any particular establishments to visit- either vineyards or wine tasting rooms? I understand that wine tasting in Germany is different than what we are used to here in California. Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7297 posts
Just FYI we visited a nice wine bar across the street from the Boppard train station, with a terrace. Be sure you download the boat schedule and use trains too, to save valuable touring time. Unattended train ticket machines, mostly. On the Mosel, we found all tastings required an appointment. We did run across a public vineyard-path in Traben-Trarbach, that led to a farm-cafe with plenty of wine, but not tasting portions.
Posted by
Paradise
6637 posts
I'm no wine expert but I'll share what little I know near the places you mention.
Tasting sessions are commonly available to groups and normally in German but not often to individuals. In the Mosel Valley the tractor-pulled covered-wagon wine trips that take wine enthusiasts into the vineyards for wine + meal picnics are normally open just to group bookings. I don't remember seeing or hearing about these on the Rhine however.
Braubach's TI office has organized walking/tours + tastings for groups, but his year for the first time individuals can sign up for a 2-hour walking tour (no doubt in German) with a 3-variety tasting session. April 22... plus 3 summertime dates... €20 and you sign up at info@braubach.de. But that's likely way too early for your visit, right?
Marksburg Castle itself has a nice patio with a view where you can enjoy wine by the glass.
Braubach had a wine garden on its waterfront last summer. Your visit may be too early but have a walk down there to see if it's open when you're in town.
Boppard has a winery + nice wine garden near the station. Open We - Su from 15:00.
St. Goarshausen (use ferry crossing from St. Goar. Or... 22 train minutes south of Braubach) has an adorable and almost secret little wine museum with a wine glass collection and wine by the glass, a place I stumbled into many years ago. I'ts an easy walk from the ferry crossing or from the rail station. It's housed in the white-washed "historic city tower" (Historischer Stadtturm) on the south end of town not far from the Loreley cliffs. It's still listed on the town's tourism page and on T/A. When I was there, small glasses - at very reasonable prices - were available in this very unique, snug and cozy one-room establishment. Museum was free of charge. The town website says it opens daily at 13:00 but provides no closing time.
The Loreley Kellerei shop (Bahnhofstr. 4, St. Goarshausen) has its own winery; it's open daily 13:00 - 17:30 and promises tasting options.
Source in German for the St. Goarshausen options: https://www.sankt-goarshausen.de/gewerbe-gastronomie/essen-und-trinken/
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8440 posts
We found that many restaurants would offer "wine flights" (our US term) for tasting. But no winemakers offering tasting rooms as in the US.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7297 posts
Sorry to write more about the Mosel, but I thought I should mention our experience in Bernkastel-Kues. This is a very popular town, with several wineries, and a high-end vibe, even on the sidewalks. We tried to go to the most famous, but there was a sign in three languages at the (urban) gatepost, saying (not precisely) "Here is a list of retail places that sell our wines. If you don't have an appointment, go away."
We stayed in a very high-end hotel in Mulheim (because I believe that's relevant to the story), and the hotel made a reservation for a (walkable) tasting in an attractive room exactly like you might find in Napa. There were zero walk-ins; Our small group was alone. I believe we had to pay for the tasting (not sure), but the experience was so intimate that I (rightly or wrongly ... ) felt/imagined a pressure to buy something.
Just another data point for you.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6310 posts
I'm reading this avidly for my upcoming trip - Pat, let me know what you find out also!
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
4695 posts
Thanks to all once again. I'm in the process of figuring out daily activities, with flexibility for weather, of course, and time just to wander. This Forum, and you all, have such useful and practical info.
Safe travels to all!
Posted by
410 posts
I’d check out one of the German winery threads on wineberserkers.com
Posted by
Maryland
865 posts
We chanced upon the Middle Rhine Wine Fair a few years ago in Bacharach. It will be held May 28, 2022. They also have a calendar of other events nearby in the Rhine Valley.
Have fun.
https://www.bacharach.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen/mittelrhein-weinmesse-2
https://www.bacharach.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungskalender