Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 10 - The End

Picture: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 10 - The End

Today is Sunday, May 24, 2020, and if Corvid-19 would not have required me to cancel the tour this would have been the day to bid farewell to our fellow travelers of the 2020 wine tour to Alsace and the southern German wine regions organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours.

After a sumptuous breakfast at the Hilton Hotel we would have done a sightseeing tour through Mainz. Mainz was founded by the Romans 2000 ago and is a treasure trove of Roman and German history, and pagan and Christian culture. Towering over the old town's romantic maze of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses is the huge Romanesque 1000 year old cathedral, which was for centuries the burial place of ruling Prince Archbishops and is still today the burial place for the Bishops and Cardinals of Mainz. It is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the printing press in the 1430s. The museum dedicated to him has two of the remaining editions of the Gutenberg bible. 

Some of the group would now head out to the Frankfurt airport to catch a flight back home, others would continue to Kloster Eberbach to attend the International Riesling Symposium, which was supposed to start on Monday but has been cancelled too. 

It is always a sad moment for me to realize that the tour has come to an end. I miss the winery visits, the tastings, and the friendships that have developed within the group. But I am certain that this tour will happen sometime in 2021. I am soooo looking forward to actually travel with you next year, CHEERS!!!

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 9 - Weingut Rings, Weingut KP Keller, Weingut Sankt Antony and Weinhaus Ladendorf

Picture: Annette Schiller and Klaus Peter Keller

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 9

Saturday, May 23 is Day 09 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours

Since the Pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

It is unbelievable but this is the last day of the tour with winery visits. We have an impressive program today. We visit one more winery in the Pfalz region followed by two winery visits in Rheinhessen.

The Pfalz is Germany's second largest wine region with 57,500 acres under vine and stretches for 60 miles from the the border with the Rheinhessen region south to the border with the Alsace. Production is 60% white wine and 40% red wine, predominantly Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). 13,000 acres are planted with Riesling which makes the Pfalz the largest Riesling region world-wide. The Pfalz Rieslings are generally bone-dry and more powerful than the Riesling wines from the Mosel, Nahe or Rheingau regions. 

Right after breakfast we visit Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, the northern part of the Pfalz. Brothers Steffen and Andreas Rings have been running the estate together since 2008. They farm 75 acres of vineyards that are planted in an even split between red and white grape varieties. Their Rieslings and Pinot Noirs acquired a national and international reputation as first class wines. 

See: Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Here we say good by to the Pfalz and cross into Rheinhessen. In Flörsheim-Dalsheim, the southernmost corner of Rheinhessen, we visit Weingut Keller. Klaus Peter Keller is the undisputed number one among Germany's producers of dry Rieslings. His old-vine Cuvée G-Max is the world's most expensive dry Riesling with a price hovering around 2000$ per bottle. I quote Jancis Robinson:"If I had to choose one wine to show how great dry German Rieslings can be I would choose a Keller Riesling. Those wines are the German Montrachets." 

After lunch we head north and meet the Rhein river again. Between Nierstein and Nackenheim is the "Rote Hang" (red slope), a spectacular geological formation - the steep drop of the Rheinhessen Plateau towards the Rhein river. Here red clay and sandstones emerge, which were created around 280 million years ago under subtropical conditions. In addition to this ideal soil, the south-south-east slope and the huge body of water create perfect conditions for the vines to thrive. 

We visit the Weingut Sankt Antony in Nierstein where we will taste Rieslings from the Grand Cru sites of the Rote Hang as well as red wines from Blaufränkisch grapes, a rarity in Rheinhessen. 

In the early evening we drive to Mainz where we will check in to the Hilton hotel in Mainz. 

Our last dinner together will be at Weinhaus Ladendorf. Roland Ladendorf, owner of this wine bar is a dictionary when it comes to German wines. Of course we also will have some of his great wines.

See: Blind Tasting of Top Wines from Rheinhessen with Roland Ladendorf at Weinhaus Bluhm in Mainz – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 9 - Weingut Rings, Weingut KP Keller, Weingut Sankt Antony and Weinhaus Ladendorf

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Blind Tasting of Top Wines from Rheinhessen with Roland Ladendorf at Weinhaus Bluhm in Mainz – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 8 - Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Weingut Dr. Wehrheim and Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 8

Today is Friday, May 22 - Day 08 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours

Since the Pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

We will have a very busy day ahead of us with visits to three wineries and a very special wine pairing dinner.

Our first visit would be at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen. Focus here is on Riesling and the Burgundy grapes. The Rebholz were the pioneers to produce through fermented dry wines in the southern Pfalz region. Due to the purity of the wines they have an enormous ageing potential. Hansjörg Rebholz definitely belongs to the top five winemakers in all of Germany. Their famous vineyard sites are "Kastanienbusch" and "Im Sonnenschein". 

See:  Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Our second visit this morning will be at Weingut Dr. Wehrheim in Birkweiler, just a stone throw from Siebeldingen. The Wehrheims also own parts of the "Kastanienbusch". We have the fantastic opportunity to do a back to back tasting of a Riesling "Kastanienbusch" from two exquisite producers - and both follow the guidelines of biodynamic viticulture which makes the wines even more comparable. Tasting these many wines makes us hungry and we will enjoy a nice lunch. 

We now head north on the German wine trail to Wachenheim to visit Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, one of the historic, iconic wineries of Germany. With 212 acres under vine it numbers among the largest estates in Germany. It is a treasure trove of top-rated vineyards (9 Grand Crus, 6 Premier Crus). I quote Joel Payne: ".... given their sheer vineyard potential ....- this may well be the best and most consistent producer of great dry Riesling in the world". In the evening we are in for a very special treat. We will enjoy a wine pairing dinner at the Hofgut belonging to the winery with Steffen Brahner, the GM of Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf. 

See: Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

I am sure that we will have a very good night sleep after this busy, exciting day at our hotel in Bad Dürkheim.

Picture: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour   in Times of Covid-19, Day 8 - Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Weingut Dr. Wehrheim and Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 

Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 7 - La ferme Versant du Soleil, Domaine Schoenheitz and Le Bistro de la Nouvelle Auberge

Picture: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour  in Times of Covid-19, Day 7: La ferme Versant du Soleil, Domaine Schoenheitz and Le Bistro de la Nouvelle Auberge

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 7

Today, Thursday, May 21 is Day 07 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours

Since the pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

Today is a holiday in most of Europe's catholic countries: Ascension Day. Usually lots of people go on day trips to go hiking, to visit the wine country, etc. Not today though, Ascension Day 2020. In France restaurants, hotels, wineries are still closed due to the Covid19 threat; in Germany most of these places opened a week ago but people are reluctant to go out and there still are strict hygienic rules in place that make those outings a lot less fun. 

This would have been the last day in Alsatian wine country of our wine tour. We would drive up the Vosges mountains to Wihr-au-Val. Here the famous "Munster" cheese is produced and we are going to visit a cheese dairy La ferme Versant du Soleil. We could pet the cows, visit the barns, and Monsieur Mader will show us everything there is to know about making Munster cheese. 

Just in the neighborhood there is Vins Schoenheitz Dominique Schoenheitz. After tasting Munster cheese we very much welcome cleansing our palate with the excellent, pure, mineral wines of this domaine. Domaine Schoenheitz cultivates 45 acres of vineyards which are entirely concentrated on the very steep slopes of the magnificent Valley of Munster. These are the highest vineyards in Alsace with granitic soils and extreme conditions for vine growing. 

See also: Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

We are very lucky, lunch time is approaching and besides a cheese dairy, and a winery Wihr-au-Val also boasts of a 1 star Michelin restaurant Le Bistro de la Nouvelle Auberge. Chef Bernard Leray will prepare a fantastic menu and Adrien Schoenheitz, who will join us for the luncheon, will perfectly pair his wine with the dishes. This day is a perfect finale to our journey through Alsatian wines and culture. 

I must admit that for me the Alsace is the most beautiful wine region: the unbelievable quaint medieval villages, home to a huge population of storks, the vineyards on the gentle slopes of the Vosges mountains, - the entire region is an eye candy. 

For us is time to say Good By to France and to head north to Germany's Pfalz wine region. After a three hour bus ride we will spend the night in Landau, in the heart of the southern Pfalz wine region.

Pictures: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour  in Times of Covid-19, Day 7: La ferme Versant du Soleil, Domaine Schoenheitz and Le Bistro de la Nouvelle Auberge

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 6 - Maison Trimbach, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and La Table de Gourmet

Picture: Dinner at La Table de Gourmet (Chef: Jean-Luc Brendel, 1 Star Michelin) in Riquewihr, Alsace, France

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 6

It is hard to believe but today (Wednesday, May 20) is already Day 06 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours.

Since the Pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

Last night we already experienced Alsatian hospitality when we gathered at the "Au Lion d'Or" in Kaysersberg for a wonderful meal. Today we will visit two iconic wine estates and will have time to explore the incredibly picturesque, medieval Alsatian villages. 

Maison Trimbach Anne Trimbach in Ribeauvillé is our first stop this morning. The wine producing history dates back to 1626; today the estate is run by the 11th, 12th, and 13th generation. Quality rules, Jean Trimbach said "All French 3-star Michelin restaurants carry Trimbach wine". 

See: At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Back in Kaysersberg for lunch there is some time to explore the village, the birthplace of Albert Schweizer who received the Nobel Prize in 1952 for his philosophy of "Reverence of Life".

We drive south again to visit Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim. Oliver Humbrecht, owner and winemaker was the first Frenchman to have received the Master of Wine title. Oliver Humbrecht was among the first ones in Alsace to convert to biodynamic principles in the vineyard. 

For the evening we have a very special treat; we will have dinner in the fabulous 1-star Michelin restaurant La Table du Gourmet" in Riquewhir, one of the most beautiful Alsatian villages. I am sure that Chef Jean-Luc Brendel will prepare a delicious menu for us which we will pair with Alsatian wines.

See: Dinner at La Table de Gourmet (Chef: Jean-Luc Brendel, 1 Star Michelin) in Riquewihr, Alsace, France

Pictures: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 6 - Maison Trimbach, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and La Table de Gourmet

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Dinner at La Table de Gourmet (Chef: Jean-Luc Brendel, 1 Star Michelin) in Riquewihr, Alsace, France

At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 5 - Weingut Ziereisen, Domaine Dirler-Cadé and Domaine Weinbach

Picture: 2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 5

Time flies, today Tuesday, May 19 is already Day 05 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours

Since the Pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

After a good breakfast we leave Freiburg and drive south to the far southwestern corner of Germany where the country borders both Switzerland and France. We arrive in Efringen-Kirchen to visit Weingut Ziereisen. Here we are in another sub-region of Baden, the Markgräfler Land known for producing wines from the Gutedel grape, known as "Chasselat" or "Fendant" in Switzerland. Hanspeter Ziereisen is fanatically dedicated to produce age worthy, stunning Pinot Noir. He is also one of the few in Germany who makes a very, very good Syrah. 

See: 2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

After an extensive tasting we now leave Germany, and cross the Rhein river into France. 

Lunch time approaches and we stop at a typical Alsatian restaurant to have Flammkuchen. We can't linger around too much since we still have work to do in the afternoon: visiting two top Alsatian wine domaines. 

The first stop is at Domaine Dirler-Cadé in Bergholtz Ludivine Dirler. Since 1998 this domaine works according to biodynamic principles. Almost 50% of their vineyards are Grand Cru vineyard sites and it is here where my all-time favorite Crément d"Alsace is produced. 

See: Tasting at Domaine Dirler-Cadé with Jean Pierre Dirler and Ludevine Dirler-Cadé - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

We continue north on the Alsatian wine trail to visit Domaine Weinbach, one of the most prominent and well-known estates in Alsace. They also work biodynamically. The domaine is beautifully situated at the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill within the 12.5 acres large Clos des Capucines, a former Capuchin monastery.

See: At Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace, with Catherine Faller: Tasting and Tour – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Evening is around the corner and we head out to our hotel in Kaysersberg where we will spend the next two nights.

Pictures: Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 5 - Weingut Ziereisen, Domaine Dirler-Cadé and Domaine Weinbach

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Tasting at Domaine Dirler-Cadé with Jean Pierre Dirler and Ludevine Dirler-Cadé - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

At Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace, with Catherine Faller: Tasting and Tour – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour in Times of Covid-19, Day 4 -Weingut Bercher, Weingut Stigler and Weingut Köbelin

Picture: Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Stigler, Baden, with Andreas, Regina and Max Stigler - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

The Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours was fully booked but had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Starting on May 15, Annette issued short posts on facebook briefly describing what we would have done on that day had the tour taken place, using pictures from previous tours.

I am re-posting these short daily accounts along with a general introduction to the tour here on my blog.

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany is so closely identified with Riesling (and yes, it is the largest producer of Riesling world-wide) that you may be surprised to learn that the country is also very strong regarding the Burgundy grapes. It is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the largest producer of Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and the second largest producer of Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) in the world. Join us as we discover the southern German wine regions that produce bone dry, opulent Rieslings, outstanding Pinot Noirs and whites from Burgundy grapes. We will step across the Rhine River to compare the wines of the Eastern (German) and Western (French) Rhine valley and we will get a feel for the beautiful, quaint Alsace region with its incredible picturesque wine villages dotted with half-timbered century old buildings. Enjoy the Pfalz, the second largest German wine region by growing area and only topped by Rheinhessen, which it borders to the north. From there, the Pfalz stretches to the French border 53 miles to the south and borders Alsace. In this region French and German vineyards melt into one another and some wineries on the French side own vineyards in Germany and vice versa.

For detailed information on the tour schedule, please check: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-itinerary
For pricing and registration, please go to: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/germany-south/germany-south-alsace-registration

Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: Day 4

Annette Schiller: Today (Monday, May 18) is Day 04 of the 2020 Germany South & Alsace Wine Tour organized by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours 

Since the Pandemic forced me to cancel the tour I will go on the journey mentally and I will share this tour with you.

Today we explore the Kaiserstuhl, one of the 9 sub-regions of Germany's Baden wine region. The Kaiserstuhl region is the warmest grape growing area in Germany and the soils consist of mineral-rich, chalky loess on top of volcanic subsoils. It is a breathtakingly beautiful region. Today we will delve into Germany's wines made from Burgundy grapes. The Kaiserstuhl produces gorgeous Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). Did you know that Germany is the 3rd largest producer of Pinot Noir, the 1st of Pinot Blanc and the 2nd largest producer of Pinot Gris world-wide? We will have a busy day today with visits to three top estates. 

Our first visit takes us to Weingut Bercher Arne Bercher in Burkheim, not too far from the French border. The roots of this estate go back to 1457. In 1756 they built the current Manor house with the vaulted underground cellar still in use today. The vineyards are mostly planted with Burgundy grapes (40% Pinot Noir). 

We continue to Weingut Stigler in Ihringen. Same here, the majority is planted with Burgundy grapes, but Andreas Stigler loves Riesling and to experiment with non-traditional grape varieties such as Sauvignon-Blanc and Chenin Blanc. 

Just across the street from Stigler there is a great restaurant "Holzöfele" where we have lunch. It is asparagus season in Germany and you can guess what we are going to have. 

In the afternoon we are going to visit Weingut Köbelin Arndt Köbelin Weingut in Eichstetten. I got to know this estate through a friend of ours and when tasting my first Köbelin Pinot Noir I was hooked. Arndt built an ultra modern, puristic winery with a fantastic terrace guaranteeing for spectacular views on the vineyards and the Black Forest and Vosges mountains. 

We return to our hotel in Freiburg and will have some time to think about all the wines we tasted and to explore this cosy town with the famous "Freiburger Münster".

Pictures:  Germany/ South and Alsace Tour 2020 by ombiasy WineTours: A Mental Tour  in Times of Covid-19, Day 4 -Weingut Bercher, Weingut Stigler and Weingut Köbelin

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux and (4) Germany: Christmas Market, Wine, Concert Tour

Reminder: Rhône Valley Tour by ombiasy WineTours in June 2020

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Stigler, Baden, with Andreas, Regina and Max Stigler - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours