Castles and vine-filled adventures in the Mosel Valley

What is a Mosel Valley #winelover adventure without visiting a few castles. Visitors soon discover that the Mosel Valley is home to stunning castles and fantastic wines. After we left France's Champagne wine region we spent a delightful Mosel Valley evening in Trier. Next morning, we were off to Staffelter Hof, Kröv. We had come to the Mosel Valley for the 3rd Annual #Winelover Riesling Marathon. Given we had a morning free for explorations, we decided to take a detour to the Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz), a medieval castle. Our stop at the Eltz Castle was the perfect prelude to our Mosel Valley vine-filled adventure. 

Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz), Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) is perched high above the Mosel Valley. The castle is still owned by descendants from the same family that originally built it in the 12th century. It is surrounded by the beautiful Eltz Forest. There are two ways to get to this castle in the forest. One is via a paved road, frequented by shuttle buses; and the other is a foot path through the forest from the lower car park. We took the latter option, which is a delightful walk through the forest.

Footpath to Eltz Castle © Spaswinefood

From Eltz Castle we continued onto Kröv to begin our Mosel Valley Riesling Marathon.

Mosel Valley Riesling Marathon
Later that evening we met up with fellow #winelovers at Staffelter Hof.

#Winelovers, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

When #winelovers met in the Mosel Valley for our #Winelover Mosel Riesling Marathon, this event coincided with the Mythos Mosel, held May 26-27, 2018 along the middle part of the Mosel. The Mosel Valley, one of 13 German wine regions, is divided into three wine growing sections (Upper Mosel (Obermosel), Middle Mosel (Mittelmosel), and Lower Mosel (Untermosel)). The Mosel is fifth in size, and third largest in terms of wine production. The valley's continental climate makes it ideal for growing Riesling, with over 60% of Mosel Valley vineyards devoted to its production. White grape varieties planted account for over 90%, this leaving less than 10% of the area for red grape varieties, like Pinot Noir and Domfelder, which have been grown in the area since the 1980's. 

The Beautiful Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

Our wine explorations, along the meandering banks of the Middle Mosel, took us by vineyard clad hills. As we passed vineyards stretched out for miles, we encountered postcard-like villages. The section between Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem is known for its old castles, picturesque towns and villages.

Riesling Marathon Kickoff
Upon arrival in Kröv we parked our rental car, checked in at Staffelter Hof, and were greeted with a welcoming, sparkling Riesling. 

Staffelter Hof, Brut Riesling 2015

Staffelter Hof, Brut Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood

This delicious sparkling wine definitely set the stage for a closer look at the vineyards.

Yes, Those Mosel Valley Vineyards are Steep © Spaswinefood

Our vineyard visit was followed by a BBQ and a BYOB at Staffelter Hof. 

#Winelover Moments, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

The Land of Riesling, Castles and More

Next day, we traveled the Mosel River, one the longest Rhine tributaries, via riverboat, and the second day we hopped on and off the bus. During the Mythos Mosel there were thirty locations, which hosted 120 wineries from other parts of the region. Over the two day period we tasted Riesling wines of different styles from different sites, and terroirs. 

 Romantica, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

 Cruising the Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

We travelled along the Mosel River, passing storybook like towns, for which this region is so well-known. Wine-tasting is popular here, with the region hosting wine festivals spring through fall. After setting out from Kröv that first day we passed passed vineyard signs, with names like Kinheimer Rosenberg, and Losnicher Forsterlay.

Kinheimer Rosenberg, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

Losnicher Forsterlay, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood

We passed numerous vineyards along the riverbank. Besides viewing the stunning, steep-walled vineyards there are also castles perched along the riverbank.

A Land of Castles and Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Mosel Valley Castle © Spaswinefood

Our explorations took us by vineyards and castles, and to enchanting, postcard-like towns. 

Towns along the Mosel © Spaswinefood

Our adventures, in this awesome land of castles and wine, were indeed filled with beautiful views and great wines.

#Winelovers, Mythos Mosel © Spaswinefood

Without a doubt, castles and wine is a theme that is bound to reoccur in my future Spaswinefood travels. Fortunately, our Mythos Mosel adventure was a perfect intro to Castles and Riesling. I would like to thank Jan Matthias Klein for hosting and organizing this #winelover event. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Mosel Valley, Germany and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Mosel Valley, Germany

May 2018

© Spaswinefood

Mythos Mosel © Spaswinefood

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