Jaunted

The steep slopes on both sides of the river are absolutely covered with the Riesling vines that have made this region famous, and the hills just above the city are the location of one of the world’s most well-known vineyards, the Doktor vineyard, whose wine was said in medieval times to have healing properties.

The Vinothek, A Wine Library:
So now that we’re talking about wine, let’s get to the real attraction of this city, which is the municipal Vinothek across the river in Kues. Located just across a lane from the historic Saint Nikolaus Hospital (and an actual rare-books library there), the Vinothek contains a boutique and café at ground level where you pay 15 euros per person and receive a tasting glass. Then you head downstairs into the old vaulted cellars and can sample over 150 wines from the region including the famous Rieslings in dry, semi-dry and sweet, as well as sparkling varieties.

The bottles are just sitting out on barrels for you to help yourself, and you can try as many as you like—though there are also spittoons so that you don’t overdo it. Then, when you’ve decided on what you like, you simply grab a bottle from the cases sitting next to the barrels, and pay for it upstairs. Forget Dewey Decimal, we’re much more into this system.

Lest you think there’s no learning to be learned here, though, there is also a wine museum next door with a 5 euro admission fee that shows little films about wine, and houses interactive stations that take you through not only the history and ecology of the region, but also every step of the wine-making process. By the time you’re done, you’ll practically be prepared to make your own wine!

Stay A While:
Since the town is a little far from Frankfurt for a daytrip, you might consider staying overnight. There are several hotels in town, but the fairytale-themed Marchenhotel Anno 1640 is a good option with rooms starting at 69 euros a night. For dinner, consider the hotel’s own restaurant, or try either the gourmet Rotisserie Royale just around the corner from the hotel, or the timbered, centuries-old Doctor Weinstube restaurant for a more "authentic" ambiance before a digestive post-dinner stroll along the river banks.

Related Stories:
· Vinothek [Official Site]