Trip to Germany Planned

[Robban]

Zakan, You will find that these days they are concentrating on more on producing dryer wines. Unfortunate for me but good for you.

Randy is of course right in saying that you get the best at the best vinyards (what else) but don't exclude other visits. I have found excellent wines in the smaller places, friendly people willing to show you quite a lot when they realize you appreciate their work. Doesnt matter if you are buying a bottle, a case or a car load. There is a lot of good wine not always found on the wine lists they will show you. Show interest in quality and they will show you quality.

Books? The best are in German, of course. Far from all vinyards speak English so brush up on your German or bring a friend.

While most of the wine districts are well known It may be of interest to drive west to the Dresden area where you will find the often ignored Elbtal district, ignored in that this was EAST Germany until recently. Not many Rieslings there if that is what you are after. Muller-Thurgau is predominant. I cant say I have found great wines there - but I think they have potential. And anyway, its fun over there. Take a look in Dresden while you are there, finally being refurbished after the fire bombings of '45.

Drive down to Pfalz and follw the "Deutsch Weinstrasse" and you will find many many good and great wines and many fine memories.

October is the big tourist month - and the harvest is goung on at the same time so most vinters cant show you around. November is also pretty hectic.

Take your time and you will have a great trip.

I'm not the expert that some of the good folks in this group are - so they can give you better wine advice. Travel advice I CAN give you having been there many many times. Need some names, just drop a line private or put it in the group and i'll see what I can do.

Good luck.

To Foodie: If FL is charging less than the Germans on site I feel sorry for you people not making any money. Raise your prices and you WILL find them outside of NY State!