You might ask what made our #winelover gathering in the Mosel Valley so special. Sure the Mosel Valley, one of Germany's most beautiful river valleys, is where some of the best Riesling in the world is grown. However, key to our Mosel Valley vine-filled adventure, was a wonderful host, Jan Matthias Klein. Jan and his family at Weingut Staffelter Hof were our hosts for the 3rd annual #Winelover Riesling Marathon. Not only did we get to visit with Jan and his family at the winery, but also we stayed there. Yes, some winemakers are rock stars.
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| Winemaker Jan Matthias Klein, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
Staffelter Hof is the original name of a wine producing abbey, dating back to 862 A.D. which, makes it one of the oldest companies in the world. In fact the winery was part of the abbey until the Napoleonic Code was established in 1804. The property was purchased by Peter Schneiders in 1805. In 1960 a guest house was added. The Staffelter Hof family winery has now been passed down seven generations. Jan Matthias Klein, the present winemaker, took over wine making from his father in 2005.
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| Welcome to Staffelter Hof, Kröv © Spaswinefood |
Welcome to Staffelter Hof
When we met in Kröv at Staffelter Hof, our group included #winelovers from Germany, Greece, France, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States. As always, whenever #winelovers gather, it was the perfect time to renew old friendships and make new ones. It was also the perfect timing to be guests at this family winery.
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| T-Shirt Alert, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelover T-shirts, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
After a welcoming sparkling wine, a Staffelter Hof, Brut Riesling, it was off to the vineyards for a first look at the beautiful Mosel Valley. Yes, some winemakers are rock stars.
Staffelter Hof, Brut Riesling 2015
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| Staffelter Hof, Brut Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood |
This delicious sparkling wine definitely set the stage for our very first stop, Staffelter Hof Vineyard.
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Staffelter Hof Vineyard, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood
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The spectacular Mosel Valley landscape is home to very steep vineyards. Jan explained that Staffelter Hof's future goals are to move towards a biodynamic approach in the vineyard.
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| Staffelter Hof Vineyard, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
Standing there at Staffelter Hof vineyard we saw vineyards, as afar as the eye can see, along the banks of the Mosel River.
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| View from Staffelter Hof Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Whenever our #winelover community meets we surely enjoy time together. This gathering was no exception.
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| Mosel Valley Selfie Time © Spaswinefood |
Those stunning vineyards immediately captured our full attention.
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| Greek #Winelovers, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
Yes, there was time for selfies and poses in the vineyard.
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| Selfie Moment, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers of Romanian Wines, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
While we all digitally captured those moments let me not forget our amazing host.
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Winemaker Jan Matthias Klein, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood
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Yes, Those Mosel Valley Vineyards are Steep © Spaswinefood
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Upon our return to Staffelter Hof guesthouse out came the vintage Riesling.
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| Staffelter Hof, Riesling 1976 © Spaswinefood |
Darn it, that wine was so good. There is nothing like a vintage Riesling. What a welcome to the Mosel Valley it was. Our special Mosel Valley Evening included a BBQ and a BYOB. Over the weekend we would spend time discovering Mosel Valley wines while sharing extra special time with friends.
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#Winelovers, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood
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| #Winelover Friends, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| Time with Friends, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Staffelter Hof Hosts #Winelover Riesling Marathon
Our #Winelover Riesling Marathon just happened to coincide with the Mythos Mosel held May 26-27, 2018 along the middle part of the Mosel River. Over two-day Mythos Mosel (see Day One & Day Two) we tasted different styles of Riesling wines from many different sites, and terroirs.
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| Off to Visit the Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
As we travelled along the Mosel River we would discover that wine-tasting is popular here, with the region hosting wine festivals spring through fall. The Staffelter Hof guesthouse was the perfect retreat at day's end.
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| Early Morning, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
During out Staffelter Hof stay we had the most wonderful breakfasts.
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| Breakfast, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| A Staffelter Hof Breakfast © Spaswinefood |
Those morning over breakfast were great times for conversations.
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| Breakfast with Friends, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers, Breakfast at Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Our last evening, before the Galla Dinner, we toured Staffelter Hof winery. The winery produces white, rose, and red wines in three tiers, which include Wappenwein (Heraldic Wines), Signatureweine (Signature Wines), and Motivweine (Wolf Wines). Their wine styles, range from dry to sweet, and sparkling (traditional Sekt method). The winery is presently in the process of obtaining an organic certification for its wines. Staffelter Hof wines are available in the US at Acker Merrall & Condit.
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| Staffelter Hof Winery © Spaswinefood |
After the tour it was onto the Gala Dinner.
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| Gala Dinner Gathering, Kröv © Spaswinefood |
Needless to say, it was an amazing Gala Dinner at Weingut Dr. Melsheimer
Restaurant. Soon it was time to return to Staffelter Hof for our last night's stay.
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| Returning, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| Spring Night, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
When we returned it was time for birthday cake, and some special wine.
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| Some Special Sweetness, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it was the celebration finale for Serban's birthday. Serban's birthday was indeed a royal affair.
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| Birthday Cake, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Let me end by saying, Jan not only makes great wines, but he is also a wonderful advocate for the Mosel Valley.
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| #Winelovers Tour Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
Special thanks to all who made this awesome weekend in the Mosel Valley possible. I would especially like to thank Staffelter Hof's winemaker, Jan Matthias Klein and his family for hosting and organizing this amazing event for us. 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
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The Beautiful Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood
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| Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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