Trip to Germany

[Scoop]

CCK:

First, I'm envious.

Second, even though it's not immense by US standards, the German wine regions are numerous and cover a bit of ground. So, it would be helpful to know where you'll be -- or where you want to be. The Rheingau is very nice this time of year -- harvest festivals and the like start soon (centered around Ruedesheim, a cute, but touristy town near Mainz), and the scenery and vineyards are gorgeous, perched on cliffs overlooking the Rhine (with southern exposure, of course). It was, in the past, the center of quality in German wine-making, and after some decades in the wilderness, it's being rediscovered by a new generation of wine-makers. I need to do some research on some good operations to visit, however. Steve Miller at Lauber Imports in New Jersey would be a good source.

In Rheinhessen, Heyl (near Nierstein) is a very good producer, and worth a visit.

And if you cross from Alsace into Baden, there are some good producers in and around Offenburg, at the foot of the Black Forest.

Do remember that, as a general rule, the smaller the winery, the less English is spoken (though you'll probably get by fine).

Cheers,

Scoop