Winetasting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winetasting in a traditional winery

Inseparable from one another and therefore a true must on our bucket list - the Palatinate and its incredible variety of wines, which climb to the top of the world in terms of quality. It is not just a drink that has been around for thousands of years. Here in the region, wine is a part of culture, a way of life, an economic factor as well as a means of enjoyment - and of course the perfect companion for good conversation. Sometimes these simply revolve around the contents of the glass.

This is exactly where our bucket list destination no. 8 takes you - to a wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the Vorderpfalz region. Here you will learn a lot about the cultivation of the vines in the vineyard, different grape varieties, pressing techniques and, of course, the wine itself. You will talk shop, trying to taste which aromas the wine is carrying in the glass. Viscosity and the so-called church windows are discussed, acidity and residual sweetness are philosophized about and, of course, the most important question is answered at the end: does it taste good or not?

Many wineries combine their wine tastings with a short guided tour of a nearby vineyard before taking you through the deep vaulted cellars or large halls filled with oak and stainless steel barrels in which liters of good wine are stored. Afterwards, a glass or two can be sampled in a small group, during which it is explained in detail which aromas unfold in the glass, which grape variety and which vintage is currently being drunk and what special features the different wines have. Afterwards, of course, you can also buy some wine to take home. Wine from the farm is usually much cheaper than buying it in the supermarket, so it's worth taking home what tastes good.

Here, too, we have made a small selection of wineries that are easy to reach by public transport and that offer wine tastings for smaller and larger groups. There are, of course, many more, as almost every winery offers its customers the opportunity to taste the wine in advance. The concepts are quite different. In some wine shops, you can taste through the range with just a few people or even on your own for little money. At other wineries, wine tastings are offered as larger events for groups of 20 - 40 people.

 

Weingut Paul Nickel & Söhne - Neustadt an der Weinstraße

Various wine tastings invite you to be enchanted by wine with all your senses. Whether classic with a guided tour of the winery (€25.00 p.p., approx. 2 hours) or in combination with selected cheeses that are perfectly matched to the various wines (€35.00 p.p., approx. 2 hours).

 

Wegner Winery - Bad Dürkheim

The Wegner winery offers tastings in German and English for smaller groups. Please enquire in advance via the website to discuss details and arrange an individual wine tasting.

 

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Winery - Wachenheim

This winery is one of the most expensive in the region, but is well worth a visit and a wine tasting. In the wine shop you can get excellent advice in German and English and then stroll around the beautiful winery and its garden.

Highlights & Tips

As already described, the wines from the farm are often cheaper and can be taken away directly. They are usually only sold by the case, i.e. 6 bottles per case. If you particularly like a wine and would like to take some home with you, many wineries also offer shipping or delivery so that you don't have to lug it home on the train.

 

More detailed information on current events, opening hours and contact details can be found on the respective wineries' websites:

 

Paul Nickel & Söhne Weingut Kaiserstuhl - Neustadt an der Weinstraße

Many different tours and wine events are described in detail on the website. Opening hours and contact information can also be found here.

 

Wegner Winery - Bad Dürkheim

Here you will find detailed information in German and English. You can use the contact form to make a direct request for a wine tasting.

 

Winery Dr. Bürklin-Wolf - Wachenheim

Here you will also find all important information in German and English. The dates of the wine tastings can be found on the website, registration is requested. Contact information and opening hours can be found here.

FACTS

There & away

From Kaiserslautern, take the S1, S2, RB6 or RE1 to all wineries via Neustadt an der Weinstraße Hauptbahnhof. The trains run at least every 15 minutes.

 

Paul Nickel & Söhne Weingut Kaiserstuhl - Neustadt an der Weinstraße

Once you arrive at the train station in Neustadt, you are almost at your destination. From here, it's just a 20-minute walk to the winery. Use Google Maps to navigate to the address given:

Weinstraße 45,
67434 Neustadt an der Weinstraße

Google Maps - Kaiserstuhl Winery

 

Wegner Winery - Bad Dürkheim

Once you arrive at the train station in Neustadt, take the RB 45 to Bad Dürkheim station (every 30 minutes). From here it is only a 10-minute walk to the Wegner winery. In total, it will take you just over an hour to get to the winery.

Again, it is best to navigate to the address given using Google Maps:

Am Neuberg 4,
67098 Bad Dürkheim

Google Maps - Wegner Winery

 

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Winery - Wachenheim

Again, take the RB45 from Neustadt station in the direction of Grünstadt to Wachenheim station. From here it is only a 10-minute walk. It will take you about 55 minutes to reach the winery.

Again, the best way to navigate to the address is via Google Maps:

Ringstraße 4,
67157 Wachenheim an der Weinstraße

Google Maps - Winery Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

When

Wine tasting is worthwhile at any time of year. There is particularly much to see in the vineyard from the beginning of August, when the grapes are almost ripe for harvesting. During the harvest, which can start as early as the end of August depending on the previous summer, it is sometimes difficult to get appointments for tastings, as every helping hand is needed, especially in smaller wineries.

Duration

Depending on the wine tasting, the tastings can vary between 1 and 3 hours. Including arrival and departure, you should allow between 3 and 5 hours in total.

Equipment

No matter which winery you visit, have a look around the website beforehand. Depending on the price range of the wines, it might be a good idea to choose your outfit accordingly and not show up in jogging bottoms.