The Best Wine Tasting Tours in the Mosel

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Why Visit Mosel?

The Mosel is Germany’s oldest and most well-known wine producing region, making it an excellent destination for a wine tasting holiday. It is also the most picturesque. Majestic river views are hallmarked by some of the steepest vineyards as far as the eye can see, ancient castle ruins tower over small traditional villages. The Mosel is famous for being the world’s largest producer of Riesling wines. In fact, in the Mosel alone Riesling accounts for a staggering 92% of cultivation.

WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES IN THE MOSEL
It’s all about Riesling! But that doesn’t mean wine tasting experiences in the Mosel are all boringly similar. Riesling is a versatile grape with a multitude of wine making possibilities. From bone dry, elegant and fruity fresh, to luxurious, decadently sweet wines all held up by crisp, ripe aromas, and racy acidity. Don’t leave without sampling the region’s Champagne quality sparkling wine, produced from (you guessed it) Riesling!

MORE REASONS TO VISIT THE MOSEL
The Mosel is breathtakingly beautiful. The Mosel River serpentines through the steepest, slate stone slopes which are divided by ancient, terraced walls and castle ruins. If you’re keen to stretch your legs there are some challenging walking routes that wind their way up the slopes, passing steep terraced vineyards, to reveal incredible panoramic views. Hiking opportunities can also be found in the region’s two national parks: the Hunsrück and the Eifel.

Plan Your Visit

Best Known Grapes

The Mosel is synonymous with Riesling. It is a diverse grape that can be difficult to grow and grows better in a cooler climate. Because of the cooler climate most grape varieties and especially Riesling will have a high acidity. This higher acidity is then magically paired with a longer, slower ripening time which allows for full flavour and aromatics to develop. Beyond Riesling, Pinot Noir is making a comeback amongst winemakers in the region. It has a unique quality when grown on slate: Mosel Pinot Noirs are typically lighter, brighter, and drier with soft tannins. The Mosel is synonymous with Riesling. It is a diverse grape that can be difficult to grow and grows better in a cooler climate. Because of the cooler climate most grape varieties and especially Riesling will have a high acidity. This higher acidity is then magically paired with a longer, slower ripening time which allows for full flavour and aromatics to develop.

Best time to visit

Wine tasting holidays can be enjoyed in the Mosel year-round. The spring and summer months provide the best conditions for walking and enjoying a glass of the finest Riesling on the terrace in the sun. In autumn, the region is particularly picturesque as the landscape and the vineyards change colour. Winter is also a good time to explore the ancient cellars, try new wine releases and enjoy rustic, heart-warming food in a cosy wine tavern.

How long to stay

To get a flavour of the Mosel region we would recommend a stay of 2-3 nights meandering your way along the river through its many charming villages from Cochem in the north to Trier in the south. Either of these main villages of the Mosel could be a great start for your grape escape. If you have more time, you will be able to explore deeper into the region and visit Bernkastel Kues or Traben Trabach in the middle Mosel area. Besides the opportunity to sample amazing wines in quaint "Weinstube" wine taverns, these villages are rich in Roman history.

How to get there

Frankfurt is the closest major city to the Mosel region. From Frankfurt International Airport it is a car journey of around 1 hour 20 minutes to the Mosel, and 1 hour 45 minutes from Frankfurt City. The smaller regional airport of Frankfurt Hahn, which is serviced by low-cost airlines, is the closest airport and offers bus connections to some of the region’s main villages. If you start your wine tasting holiday in the city of Koblenz on the Rhein (at the very north of the Mosel), you can take a regional train which follows its way down the Mosel stopping at most of the key local villages.

Mosel wine tasting tours and winery visits