Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours took place from August 28 – Friday, September 06, 2024. We spent 10 days visiting top wine estates in five wine regions, tasting fabulous Rieslings and Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder), meeting world-renowned wine makers, travelling through the world’smost beautiful wine regions, cruising on the romantic Rhein river, looking at dizzying steep vineyards along the Rhein and Mosel rivers, and delving deep into German history and culture: Rheinhessen • Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe

Following:

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

we left the Rhein Valley and drove to Winningen, Lower Mosel (Terraced Mosel).

This afternoon and the next days we explored the Mosel Valley. 

The first stop was Winningen, where the Winninger Moselfest was still going on. We joined the crowd for a glass of wine. At the Vinothek we tasted wines from the top producers of Winningen, before going back to the hotel, where we had dinner. 

Mosel

The Mosel river, which gives the wine region its name originates in France on the western side of the Vosges mountain range and once having crossed into Germany, the river take multiple turns before it empties into the Rhein in Koblenz. With a vineyard area of 23,000 acres the Mosel wine region is the 5th largest wine region. Our focus was on the Middle Mosel section where you find vineyards on very steep slopes (the Bremmer Calmont is the steepest vineyard world-wide with an almost 70° inclination - nick name: Mount Everest of the vineyards). 

The soils are Devonian slate in the steep sites and sandy, gravelly soils in the flatlands of the Middle Mosel Valley. We also explored the Upper Mosel Valley, the southern section parallel with the border of Luxembourg where you find shell-limestone and chalky soils and the indigenous Elbling grape. We hoped across the border to Luxembourg to compare the German and Luxembourg Mosel wines and continued our journey to the Saar, a tributary of the Mosel.

Winninger Moselfest

From the last weekend in August to the first weekend in September, Winningen invites you to the Moselle Festival for 10 days. The Winningen Moselfest is even Germany's oldest wine festival! The highlight is the high-altitude fireworks display "The Moselle in the magic of fire" on the last evening of the event.

Winninger Moselfest

Tasting at the Vinothek

Dinner at the Hotel

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Braunewell in Essenheim, Rheinhessen, with Stefan Braunewell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, with Christoph Thörle, Johannes Thörle and Uta Thörle - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder (French: Pinot Gris - Italian: Pinot Grigio) and Dinner at Restaurant Lumen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Eva Fricke in Eltville, Rheingau, with Eva Fricke - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Wein- und Sektgut Barth (VDP) in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Mark Barth and Alexia Putze - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Iconic Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau (one of the Largest Wineries in Germany): Lunch at the Abbey Tavern and Guided Tour of the Eberbach Abbey - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steinberg" Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kloster Eberbach (VDP) in Eltville, Rheingau, with Head-winemaker and Deputy MD Kathrin Puff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Weingut Balthasar Ress Senior Boss Stefan Ress, Kronenschlösschen Maître and Head Sommelier Florian Richter (Best German Sommelier 2024 - Sommelier Union), Chef Roland Gorgosilich and Owner Johanna Ullrich - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Rheingau, with Theresa Breuer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (VDP), the Iconic Rheingau Estate, with Dieter Salomon - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Tasting of Weingut Familie Allendorf Wines with Ulrich Allendorf and Max J. Schönleber at Restaurant Allendorf am Rhein - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn (VDP) in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau, with Peter Bernhard Kühn - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Massive Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler (VDP) in Assmannshausen, Rheingau, with August Kesseler - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Spectacular View of the Rhein Valley in the Mittelrhein Region (UNESCO World Heritage Region), Lunch and Wine Tasting at Weingut Lanius Knab (VDP) in Oberwesel, Mittelrhein, with Jörg Lanius - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cruise on the Rhein River in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region, from Boppard to Koblenz, with Castles and Ruins Crowning the Top of the Hills like Pearls on a String - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at the 2024 Weinfest in Winningen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Eltz Castle, a True Fairy-tale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel, Built more than 850 Years ago by the Eltz Family - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel, with Thorsten Melsheimer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Berthold - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Dr. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef Wines and Overnight Stay at the Brand-new, High-end Deinhard’s Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Weingut Dr.Loosen (VDP) in Bernkastel-Kues, Middle Mosel, with Anne Juchem - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter in Mülheim, Middle Mosel, with Dirk Richter - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Hermann Ludes in Thörnich, Middle Mosel, with Julian Ludes - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Günther Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, with Sammy Steinmetz - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hild in Wincheringen, Upper Mosel, with Matthias and Jonas Hild - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with Wines from Luxemburg at Koeppchen Bistro-Brasserie in Wormeldange-Haut in Luxembourg - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem (VDP) in Wiltingen, Saar, with Lukas Büchner - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Asian Themed Wine-pairing Dinner at Dian's in Bernkastel-Kues, led by Janet Cam and Annette Schiller - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H. Dönnhoff (VDP), Oberhausen, Nahe, with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Hermannshöhle Restaurant Weck in Niederhausen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Korrell Johanneshof in Bad Kreuznach, Nahe, with Sonja Reinbold and Martin Korell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (VDP), with Stefan Rumpf - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

A new star on the horizon in the Frankfurt gastro scene - Sommerfeld! When Gustav and Weinsinn, both owned and managed by Matthias Scheiber and Milica Trajkovska-Scheiber and led in the kitchen by Chef Josch Busch, closed earlier this year, Frankfurt lost 3 MICHELIN Guide stars (Weinsinn - 1, Gustav - 2). A few months later, in the old location of Weinsinn in the Bahnhofsviertel, Matthias and Milica opened Sommerfeld, with the previous #2 of Weinsinn, Chef Daniel Pletsch, heading the kitchen team. Clearly, Chef Daniel Pletsch has the ambitions to regain the star and my impression after dinner there last night is that he will succeed. Sommerfeld is a bit different but a lot reminds you of the old Weinsinn and also a bit of Gustav. Of course, with Matthias Scheiber and Milica Trajkovska-Scheiber in charge, the service is impeccable and the ambiance pleasant. The 5-course menu was Euro 149. The wine list contained many exciting wines (often at the 3-digit Euro level), so that the 8 of us ended up with 11 bottles of wines.

Château Mouton Rothschild 1979 Magnum and other Fine Wines at Weinsinn in Frankfurt, Germany 

Arriving

Open Kitchen

Menu

Amuse bouche

First 

Gently pickled char from the Spessart
Dashi-Beurre-Blanc, radishes, chives

Bread Course

Second

Kohlrabi cooked in nut butter
Matured buttermilk, parsley coulis, rapeseed, lemon

Zander confit in olive oil
Fish essence, tomato, roasted linseed

Additional Course

Fourth

Guinea fowl
Raviolo in its own stock with Roscoff Onion
&
Lightly smoked leg
Roasted poultry jus, young artichoke, mushroom, wild herb salad

Dessert

Plum, vanilla cream, umeboshi

Second Dessert 

Tarte Tatin made from pear quince, cinnamon, vanilla cream

Chef Daniel Pletsch

The Wines

Today in the morning, we enjoyed a guided tour of Eltz Castle.

Eltz Castle is a true fairy-tale medieval castle surrounded by dense forests in the hills above the Mosel river. It was built more than 850 years ago by the Eltz family and is one of the few castles that have never been destroyed. Here you can experience the Middle Ages and nature in its purest form. 

Today the Countess and Count Eltz, descendants of the same family that lived here in the 12th century - 33 generations ago - live here and are doing everything to preserve their ancestral home.

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Braunewell in Essenheim, Rheinhessen, with Stefan Braunewell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, with Christoph Thörle, Johannes Thörle and Uta Thörle - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder (French: Pinot Gris - Italian: Pinot Grigio) and Dinner at Restaurant Lumen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Eva Fricke in Eltville, Rheingau, with Eva Fricke - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Wein- und Sektgut Barth (VDP) in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Mark Barth and Alexia Putze - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Iconic Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau (one of the Largest Wineries in Germany): Lunch at the Abbey Tavern and Guided Tour of the Eberbach Abbey - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steinberg" Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kloster Eberbach (VDP) in Eltville, Rheingau, with Head-winemaker and Deputy MD Kathrin Puff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Weingut Balthasar Ress Senior Boss Stefan Ress, Kronenschlösschen Maître and Head Sommelier Florian Richter (Best German Sommelier 2024 - Sommelier Union), Chef Roland Gorgosilich and Owner Johanna Ullrich - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Rheingau, with Theresa Breuer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (VDP), the Iconic Rheingau Estate, with Dieter Salomon - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Tasting of Weingut Familie Allendorf Wines with Ulrich Allendorf and Max J. Schönleber at Restaurant Allendorf am Rhein - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn (VDP) in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau, with Peter Bernhard Kühn - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Massive Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler (VDP) in Assmannshausen, Rheingau, with August Kesseler - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Spectacular View of the Rhein Valley in the Mittelrhein Region (UNESCO World Heritage Region), Lunch and Wine Tasting at Weingut Lanius Knab (VDP) in Oberwesel, Mittelrhein, with Jörg Lanius - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cruise on the Rhein River in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region, from Boppard to Koblenz, with Castles and Ruins Crowning the Top of the Hills like Pearls on a String - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with the Locals: At the Weinfest in Winningen, Terrassenmosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel, with Thorsten Melsheimer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Berthold - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Dr. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef Wines and Overnight Stay at the Brand-new, High-end Deinhard’s Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Weingut Dr.Loosen (VDP) in Bernkastel-Kues, Middle Mosel, with Anne Juchem - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter in Mülheim, Middle Mosel, with Dirk Richter - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Hermann Ludes in Thörnich, Middle Mosel, with Julian Ludes - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Günther Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, with Sammy Steinmetz - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hild in Wincheringen, Upper Mosel, with Matthias and Jonas Hild - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with Wines from Luxemburg at Koeppchen Bistro-Brasserie in Wormeldange-Haut in Luxembourg - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem (VDP) in Wiltingen, Saar, with Lukas Büchner - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Asian Themed Wine-pairing Dinner at Dian's in Bernkastel-Kues, led by Janet Cam and Annette Schiller - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H. Dönnhoff (VDP), Oberhausen, Nahe, with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Hermannshöhle Restaurant Weck in Niederhausen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Korrell Johanneshof in Bad Kreuznach, Nahe, with Sonja Reinbold and Martin Korell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (VDP), with Stefan Rumpf - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

The return trip from Châteauneuf-du-Pape/ Avignon to Washington DC included a 2-hour lay-over at the Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Annette and I used the time for a quick dinner at Brasserie Sud, which is located in the main railway station building.

Michelin

This place has the potential to become a mecca for foodies! Located directly in the main railway station building, this restaurant is ideal for a meal when you are waiting for a connecting train, but it also attracts business people and locals. Within an attractive historical setting (notably the high ceiling and large arched windows), diners can immerse themselves in a vibrant brasserie atmosphere, or head to the outdoor terrace overlooking Bahnhofstrasse. The cuisine is seasonal and international, and there are daily specials. Complementing the menu is an intriguing wine list highlighting French and Swiss labels and featuring a well-curated selection of wines by the glass. Adept and well-organised service. Tip: Bouillabaisse is served every Friday; brunch at weekends. For top-notch cocktails, head to Da Capo Bar. 

Brasserie Sud

Prices are in Swiss Francs (1 Swiss Franc = US$ 1.16)

Roh marinierte Jakobsmuscheln 31

Knollensellerie, Maroni-Velouté & Sherry 

Schweiz, Wallis, Mirage d’Arvine 2023 Ô Fâya Farm PA 11.50

Beef Tatar «Classique» (80g | 140g) 29 | 39

Kartoffelstroh, Crème Fraîche, Schnittlauch & Brioche 

Schweiz, Neuchâtel, Les Ratenets 2022 Domaine Ruedin PN 13.–

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours took place from August 28 – Friday, September 06, 2024. We spent 10 days visiting top wine estates in five wine regions, tasting fabulous Rieslings and Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder), meeting world-renowned wine makers, travelling through the world’smost beautiful wine regions, cruising on the romantic Rhein river, looking at dizzying steep vineyards along the Rhein and Mosel rivers, and delving deep into German history and culture: Rheinhessen • Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe

Following:

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

we drove to Reil for lunch and a visit of Weingut Melsheimer.

Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil

Hotel Reiler Hof

Chef Christoph Heim

Michelin 

The food served in this 300-year-old restaurant is honest, fresh and full of flavour. Classic and regional cuisine is served throughout the day (kitchen opening hours: 12-8.30pm), taking the form of dishes such as cod à la grenobloise with spinach and mashed potatoes or "Original Wiener Schnitzel" with fried potatoes, salad and cranberries. You will be able to find just the right Moselle wine to accompany your meal. Service comes courtesy of a friendly and proficient team, the atmosphere is pleasant, and in summer, the wonderful terrace with a view of the vineyards and Moselle beckons. The Reiler Hof hotel has lovely guestrooms.

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Braunewell in Essenheim, Rheinhessen, with Stefan Braunewell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, with Christoph Thörle, Johannes Thörle and Uta Thörle - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder (French: Pinot Gris - Italian: Pinot Grigio) and Dinner at Restaurant Lumen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Eva Fricke in Eltville, Rheingau, with Eva Fricke - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Wein- und Sektgut Barth (VDP) in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Mark Barth and Alexia Putze - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Iconic Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau (one of the Largest Wineries in Germany): Lunch at the Abbey Tavern and Guided Tour of the Eberbach Abbey - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steinberg" Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kloster Eberbach (VDP) in Eltville, Rheingau, with Head-winemaker and Deputy MD Kathrin Puff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Weingut Balthasar Ress Senior Boss Stefan Ress, Kronenschlösschen Maître and Head Sommelier Florian Richter (Best German Sommelier 2024 - Sommelier Union), Chef Roland Gorgosilich and Owner Johanna Ullrich - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Rheingau, with Theresa Breuer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (VDP), the Iconic Rheingau Estate, with Dieter Salomon - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Tasting of Weingut Familie Allendorf Wines with Ulrich Allendorf and Max J. Schönleber at Restaurant Allendorf am Rhein - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn (VDP) in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau, with Peter Bernhard Kühn - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Massive Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler (VDP) in Assmannshausen, Rheingau, with August Kesseler - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Spectacular View of the Rhein Valley in the Mittelrhein Region (UNESCO World Heritage Region), Lunch and Wine Tasting at Weingut Lanius Knab (VDP) in Oberwesel, Mittelrhein, with Jörg Lanius - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cruise on the Rhein River in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region, from Boppard to Koblenz, with Castles and Ruins Crowning the Top of the Hills like Pearls on a String - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with the Locals: At the Weinfest in Winningen, Terrassenmosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course "Sommermenü" Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel, with Thorsten Melsheimer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Berthold - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Dr. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef Wines and Overnight Stay at the Brand-new, High-end Deinhard’s Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Weingut Dr.Loosen (VDP) in Bernkastel-Kues, Middle Mosel, with Anne Juchem - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter in Mülheim, Middle Mosel, with Dirk Richter - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Hermann Ludes in Thörnich, Middle Mosel, with Julian Ludes - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Günther Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, with Sammy Steinmetz - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hild in Wincheringen, Upper Mosel, with Matthias and Jonas Hild - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with Wines from Luxemburg at Koeppchen Bistro-Brasserie in Wormeldange-Haut in Luxembourg - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem (VDP) in Wiltingen, Saar, with Lukas Büchner - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Asian Themed Wine-pairing Dinner at Dian's in Bernkastel-Kues, led by Janet Cam and Annette Schiller - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H. Dönnhoff (VDP), Oberhausen, Nahe, with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Hermannshöhle Restaurant Weck in Niederhausen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Korrell Johanneshof in Bad Kreuznach, Nahe, with Sonja Reinbold and Martin Korell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (VDP), with Stefan Rumpf - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2024 National Conference of the American Wine Society: "Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France" and "Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes" 

In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening. 

The 57th American Wine Society National Conference was held on November 1-3, 2024 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Attendance was at around 700 wine lovers from all over the USA. 

All of the pictures in this posting are mine. 

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

Thursday and Friday were the days of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions took place on Thursday and earlier in the week.

Saturday and Sunday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the first in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

The 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,with Annette and Christian Schiller

Late-night Tasting of older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wine Ffriends, including, Notably, Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina  

Exploring Wines of the Lone Star State - Texas: Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Graydon Vandament, President of the AWS Northern Virginia Chapter

The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Grand Banquet at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Annette and I went by car to Winston-Salem, with the wine for 2 presentations and 1 walk-around tasting. First thing after arriving at around 4 pm was to deliver the wines to the stock-room.

While checking-in, we bumped into Bill Stefan, AWS President 2022-2024, Eric Feldhake, AWS President 2024 - 2026 and Graydon Vandament, NoVa Chapter Chair.

Thursday was Halloween.

Friday, November 1, 2024

7:00 am – 5:00 pm *Wine Judge Certification

8:00 am – 5:00 pm *WineSmarts Level 1 and 2

9:00 am – 5:00 pm *Pre-Conference Winery Tours 

10:00 am – 3:00 pm Regional Ambassador / Volunteer Leadership Team / Committee Chair / Chapter Chair (Leadership) Meetings

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open

Ombiasy Table

We set up our ombiasy WineTours table in the afternoon.

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm The Grapevine – (Leadership Social)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Presidential Reception presented by CRU 100 and sponsored by Union Grand Crus Bordeaux

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm North Carolina Wineries sponsored Welcome Reception

We talked quite a bit to Joel Peterson, the "Godfather of Zindfandel", who has been coming to the AWS conferences for years now; this time, he was accompagnied by his wife. I think we go back to the 2016 conference in California, the first AWS national conference for Joel and us. 

See: The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Late-night Tasting

Annette and I enjoyed an impressive late-night tasting of older French and Californian wines, with about 20 wine friends, including, notably, Joel Peterson.

7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals)

7:30 am - 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast sponsored by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

ombiasy WineTours Table

8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open

8:30 am – 12:00 pm *Wine Judge Certification Program

9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions A

11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France

B Sessions: Saturday, Nov. 2: 11:00 – 12:15 

Session: B3 Room: Piedmont 3

Presenter: Annette Schiller Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Abstract: In 2020 France was number-one worldwide in wine production (International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), 2023). There are 11 wine regions and 363 appellations in France. The image of France as producer of high-prized, highly sought-after wines from the five most-known regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Loire and Champagne, is spread across the globe. But what about the other regions? These regions do not get the same fame and press coverage but deserve just as much recognition. We will explore six undiscovered and overlooked wine regions that showcase unique wines, with excellent quality and value across the board. We will start in the Lorraine, move to the Jura, travel to Cahors, take the boat to Corsica, explore the Garonne and Lot, and finish in the Pyrenees mountains of the Basques country, in Irouleguy.

See also: Tasting of 5 Off-the-beaten-path Wines from France at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar, led by Annette Schiller (May 28, 2024)

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting sponsored by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

Tim Hanni, MW, joined Annette and me at our table.

2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions C

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Sessions D

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines

Annette and I had a table where we poured 6 wines from Germany.

Late-night Tasting

Annette and I enjoyed another impressive late-night tasting, this time mostly wines from Italy, California  and Bordeaux, with about 20 wine friends.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

7:00 am – 3:00 pm Registration Desk Open

7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting

ombiasy WineTours Table

9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions E

"Exploring Wines of the Lone Star State" - Most entertaining and educational presentation of the wines of Texas at the National Convention of the American Wine Society by Graydon Vandament, President of the AWS Northern Virginia Chapter.

11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions F

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards Sponsored by Union Grand Crus Bordeaux

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

G Sessions: Sunday, Nov. 3: 2:45 – 4:00

Session: G1 Room: Piedmont 1

Abstract: The 13 wine-growing regions in Germany are spread across the country like a picture. Only in these different regions can the different grape varieties find what they need: the right soils and sheltered locations facing the sun. Germany has been known in the U.S. mostly for its delicious Rieslings. However, because of Germany’s latitude, ranging from 48.5° to 51°, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions here. This session will examine examples of the top 3 Pinot grapes: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot.

See also: Exploring the Pinot Grapes of Germany: Red, Grey, White - Wine Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoLoCo Chapter), led by Annette Schiller (July 2024)

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Private Pre-Grand Banquet Reception

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet

10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite Open

Private Cigar After-Party

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours took place from August 28 – Friday, September 06, 2024. We spent 10 days visiting top wine estates in five wine regions, tasting fabulous Rieslings and Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder), meeting world-renowned wine makers, travelling through the world’smost beautiful wine regions, cruising on the romantic Rhein river, looking at dizzying steep vineyards along the Rhein and Mosel rivers, and delving deep into German history and culture: Rheinhessen • Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe 

Following a lovely lunch on the banks of the Mosel river in Reil:

3-course "Sommermenü" Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

we went a couple of blocks to Weingut Melsheimer, which is located right in the middle of Reil.

We were hosted by Thorsten Melsheimer, who gave us a cellar tour and led a tasting. 

Weingut Melsheimer is represented in the US by Daniel Hubbard at M.S. Walker. 

Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel

Thorsten Melsheimer took over the 200-year-old family winery in 1994 and immediately began cultivating his vineyards organically, then moved to biodynamic principles receiving its Demeter certification in 2013. 

He farms 27 acres planted with Riesling. Half of Thorsten’s vines grow in some of the least accessible and most vertiginous parcels of weathered slate and quartzite around the village of Reil. The microclimate and terroir around Reil guarantee a long ripening period, creating the perfect conditions for Riesling. He is passionate about building biodiversity in his vineyards and has seen dramatic changes to the ecosystem since taking over the estate just over 20 years ago. The family recently introduced goats to the vineyards to help maintain the ever-encroaching forest and to provide manure for the vines. 

In the cellar Thorsten prefers to take a more hands-off approach. All village wines undergo a long fermentation in old oak barrels - the dry Rieslings can take up to 18 months to complete fermentation. He is very shy in using sulphur, he only adds less than 30 parts to all of his wines with his top wine Vade Retro remaining unsulphured. 

A passion of Thorsten is the production of Sekt according to the Méthode Traditionelle with up to 5 years on the lees, and making Pét-Nat, a sparkling wine made in the Méthode Ancestrale, just one fermentation and bottling arresting the fermentation.

M.S. Walker (US Importer)

The Melsheimer family—that’s five generations of growing almost exclusively fine Riesling wines on the steep slopes surrounding the beautiful village of Reil on the river Mosel. To care for and develop our vineyards with an ecologically sound approach has been a top priority as winemakers for a long time.

The Mosel is marked by many steep slopes. Among them, only 5% are very steep slopes and thus particularly valuable cultural assets. Approximately half of our sites are on these very steep slopes: We grow almost exclusively Riesling here, since the Mosel has been famous for wines made from this grape variety for centuries—and many wine lovers think that Riesling vines produce their best results in the Mosel region.

We put our heart and soul into our work, using elaborate methods to create elegant and subtle still wines of great aromatic complexity as well as superb sparkling wines. Since 1995, we have been recognized as a winery devoted to ecological winegrowing, and in 2013, after having gone completely biodynamic, we were awarded the Demeter^® certification.

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Braunewell in Essenheim, Rheinhessen, with Stefan Braunewell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, with Christoph Thörle, Johannes Thörle and Uta Thörle - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder (French: Pinot Gris - Italian: Pinot Grigio) and Dinner at Restaurant Lumen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Eva Fricke in Eltville, Rheingau, with Eva Fricke - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Wein- und Sektgut Barth (VDP) in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Mark Barth and Alexia Putze - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Iconic Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau (one of the Largest Wineries in Germany): Lunch at the Abbey Tavern and Guided Tour of the Eberbach Abbey - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steinberg" Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kloster Eberbach (VDP) in Eltville, Rheingau, with Head-winemaker and Deputy MD Kathrin Puff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Weingut Balthasar Ress Senior Boss Stefan Ress, Kronenschlösschen Maître and Head Sommelier Florian Richter (Best German Sommelier 2024 - Sommelier Union), Chef Roland Gorgosilich and Owner Johanna Ullrich - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Rheingau, with Theresa Breuer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (VDP), the Iconic Rheingau Estate, with Dieter Salomon - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Tasting of Weingut Familie Allendorf Wines with Ulrich Allendorf and Max J. Schönleber at Restaurant Allendorf am Rhein - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn (VDP) in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau, with Peter Bernhard Kühn - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Massive Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler (VDP) in Assmannshausen, Rheingau, with August Kesseler - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Spectacular View of the Rhein Valley in the Mittelrhein Region (UNESCO World Heritage Region), Lunch and Wine Tasting at Weingut Lanius Knab (VDP) in Oberwesel, Mittelrhein, with Jörg Lanius - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cruise on the Rhein River in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region, from Boppard to Koblenz, with Castles and Ruins Crowning the Top of the Hills like Pearls on a String - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with the Locals: At the Weinfest in Winningen, Terrassenmosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course "Sommermenü" Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel, with Thorsten Melsheimer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Berthold - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Dr. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef Wines and Overnight Stay at the Brand-new, High-end Deinhard’s Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Weingut Dr.Loosen (VDP) in Bernkastel-Kues, Middle Mosel, with Anne Juchem - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter in Mülheim, Middle Mosel, with Dirk Richter - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Hermann Ludes in Thörnich, Middle Mosel, with Julian Ludes - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Günther Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, with Sammy Steinmetz - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hild in Wincheringen, Upper Mosel, with Matthias and Jonas Hild - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with Wines from Luxemburg at Koeppchen Bistro-Brasserie in Wormeldange-Haut in Luxembourg - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem (VDP) in Wiltingen, Saar, with Lukas Büchner - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Asian Themed Wine-pairing Dinner at Dian's in Bernkastel-Kues, led by Janet Cam and Annette Schiller - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H. Dönnhoff (VDP), Oberhausen, Nahe, with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Hermannshöhle Restaurant Weck in Niederhausen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Korrell Johanneshof in Bad Kreuznach, Nahe, with Sonja Reinbold and Martin Korell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (VDP), with Stefan Rumpf - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

The 57th American Wine Society National Conference was held on November 1-3, 2024 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Attendance was at around 700 wine lovers from all over the USA. 

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2024 National Conference of the American Wine Society: "Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France" and "Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes" 

In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening.

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

Thursday and Friday were the days of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions took place on Thursday and earlier in the week.

Saturday and Sunday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the second in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

The 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,with Annette and Christian Schiller

Late-night Tasting of older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wine Ffriends, including, Notably, Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina  

Exploring Wines of the Lone Star State - Texas: Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Graydon Vandament, President of the AWS Northern Virginia Chapter

The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Grand Banquet at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France

B Sessions: Saturday, Nov. 2: 11:00 – 12:15 

Session: B3 Room: Piedmont 3

Presenter: Annette Schiller Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Abstract: In 2020 France was number-one worldwide in wine production (International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), 2023). There are 11 wine regions and 363 appellations in France. The image of France as producer of high-prized, highly sought-after wines from the five most-known regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Loire and Champagne, is spread across the globe. But what about the other regions? These regions do not get the same fame and press coverage but deserve just as much recognition. We will explore six undiscovered and overlooked wine regions that showcase unique wines, with excellent quality and value across the board. We will start in the Lorraine, move to the Jura, travel to Cahors, take the boat to Corsica, explore the Garonne and Lot, and finish in the Pyrenees mountains of the Basques country, in Irouleguy.

See also: Tasting of 5 Off-the-beaten-path Wines from France at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar, led by Annette Schiller (May 28, 2024)ccc

The Wines

Savoie

Lorraine

Cevennes

Corsica

Cahors

Irouleguy

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours took place from August 28 – Friday, September 06, 2024. We spent 10 days visiting top wine estates in five wine regions, tasting fabulous Rieslings and Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder), meeting world-renowned wine makers, travelling through the world’smost beautiful wine regions, cruising on the romantic Rhein river, looking at dizzying steep vineyards along the Rhein and Mosel rivers, and delving deep into German history and culture: Rheinhessen • Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe 

Following:

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course "Sommermenü" Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

our last winery visit of the day was Weingut Clemens Busch in Pünderich, arguably one of the top 5 producers in the Mosel. We go back a long time with Clemens and Rita, but they were on vacation. Nevertherless Oda Borchert did a brilliant job presenting the #worldclass wines of Clemens Busch.  

In fact, as it turned out, Oda Borchert was the partner of Chef Tim Johnston, who we met a few days earlier in Koblenz.

See: Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel 

The winery dates from 1802. In 1986 Rita and Clemens Busch took over. Today son Florian is also part of the winemaking team. The Busch family lives near the banks of the Mosel in a beautiful, restored half-timbered house built in 1663. Because flooding is a constant danger, the vaulted cellar, built in the 1970s, lies nearby, on higher grounds at Clemens’ parents’ home.

In a region most known for the noticeable residual sugar and low alcohol of its wines, Clemens Busch’s focus is on dry premium Rieslings that can compete with the best dry whites in the world. He also produces off-dry wines as well as powerful, complex noble sweet wines. He is one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Germany. As early as in 1984 they began using organic viticultural practices, converted to biodynamic winemaking and have been certified biodynamic by respect since 2015 and are also certified Fair N Green.

We are honored and excited to be working with Clemens and Rita Busch, biodynamic practitioners in the Marienburg vineyards of Pünderich. Clemens is the fifth generation winemaker at this estate (all the previous ones were also named Clemens; ever the iconoclast, he named his son Florian). Clemens started working in his father’s 2-hectare estate in 1975 and has spent his career expanding the acreage and breadth of his holdings to 18 hectares, almost all on the slopes of the Marienburg. He stopped using herbicides in 1976, then in 1984 he and wife Rita converted to organics. They were among the first in Germany to commit to organic viticulture and led the movement establishing an association of organic growers in 1986. The estate converted to biodynamics entirely in 2005, earning certifications from the EU and Respekt-Biodyn. Clemens holds a permanent place in history as a role model and beacon of change among German winemakers.

Location is crucial to mention here. Pünderich lies essentially at the dividing line between the Middle and Lower Mosel, the wilder and more remote northern section of the Mosel river system. The geology here is unique, based on a volcanic formation hundreds of millions of years old, manifested in a long, undulating cliff face that is nothing short of epic. The three main colors of slate (blue, red and grey) are all found here, dominating different parcels along the slopes across the river from the village. In spite of multiple slate profiles and expositions varying throughout the area, the German government in 1971, in a bureaucratic decision of breathtaking short-sightedness, lumped all these parcels together under one vineyard name, the Marienburg. Furthermore, they expanded what was a 23-hectare geographically coherent site into a 90-hectare politically drawn one, which even includes a series of flat sites on the opposite side of the river! Clemens has devoted his career to rectifying this mistake, identifying the different terroirs of the original hillside on his labels by their historical names: Fahrlay, Falkenlay, Rothenpfad, Felsterrasse, and Raffes. He further delineates his wines by their soil type, using an ingenious method: the color of the capsule on the bottles indicates the type of slate (blue, gray or red) that dominates the source from which each wine comes.

Most of the wines at the Busch estate are vinified dry, and they are rich, complex and often powerful. They age very beautifully, gaining in complexity and texture. However, the sweet and noble sweet wines from the estate are also impressive, ranking among the finest wines made anywhere on the Mosel.

It is important to note there are not a lot of committed "natural" winemakers in Germany in the sense that we know it from France and elsewhere; Busch is considered by many to be THE master interpreter of that philosophy in Germany. In numerous ways, these are some of the most iconoclastic wines we have ever tasted. 

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Borchert

Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Braunewell in Essenheim, Rheinhessen, with Stefan Braunewell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, with Christoph Thörle, Johannes Thörle and Uta Thörle - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder (French: Pinot Gris - Italian: Pinot Grigio) and Dinner at Restaurant Lumen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Eva Fricke in Eltville, Rheingau, with Eva Fricke - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Wein- und Sektgut Barth (VDP) in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Mark Barth and Alexia Putze - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Iconic Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau (one of the Largest Wineries in Germany): Lunch at the Abbey Tavern and Guided Tour of the Eberbach Abbey - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steinberg" Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kloster Eberbach (VDP) in Eltville, Rheingau, with Head-winemaker and Deputy MD Kathrin Puff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Weingut Balthasar Ress Senior Boss Stefan Ress, Kronenschlösschen Maître and Head Sommelier Florian Richter (Best German Sommelier 2024 - Sommelier Union), Chef Roland Gorgosilich and Owner Johanna Ullrich - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Rheingau, with Theresa Breuer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (VDP), the Iconic Rheingau Estate, with Dieter Salomon - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Tasting of Weingut Familie Allendorf Wines with Ulrich Allendorf and Max J. Schönleber at Restaurant Allendorf am Rhein - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn (VDP) in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau, with Peter Bernhard Kühn - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Massive Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler (VDP) in Assmannshausen, Rheingau, with August Kesseler - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Spectacular View of the Rhein Valley in the Mittelrhein Region (UNESCO World Heritage Region), Lunch and Wine Tasting at Weingut Lanius Knab (VDP) in Oberwesel, Mittelrhein, with Jörg Lanius - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cruise on the Rhein River in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region, from Boppard to Koblenz, with Castles and Ruins Crowning the Top of the Hills like Pearls on a String - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz, the Largest Historical Fortress in Europe after Gibraltar - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch and Impromptu Wine Tasting of the Wines of Weingut Madame Flöck, with Weingut Madame Flöck Owner/ Winemaker Robert Wade, Verbene Bistro Chef Tim Johnston, Restaurant Verbene Michelin starred Chef/ Owner David Weigang and Partner Verena Schimmel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with the Locals: At the Weinfest in Winningen, Terrassenmosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Eltz Castle, a truely Fairytale Medieval Castle in the Hills above the Mosel - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course "Sommermenü" Lunch at Restaurant Heim in Hotel Reiler Hof in Reil - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Melsheimer in Reil, Middle Mosel, with Thorsten Melsheimer - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch (VDP) in Pünderich, Middle Mosel, with Oda Borchert - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Dr. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef Wines and Overnight Stay at the Brand-new, High-end Deinhard’s Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Weingut Dr.Loosen (VDP) in Bernkastel-Kues, Middle Mosel, with Anne Juchem - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter in Mülheim, Middle Mosel, with Dirk Richter - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Hermann Ludes in Thörnich, Middle Mosel, with Julian Ludes - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Günther Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, with Sammy Steinmetz - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hild in Wincheringen, Upper Mosel, with Matthias and Jonas Hild - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with Wines from Luxemburg at Koeppchen Bistro-Brasserie in Wormeldange-Haut in Luxembourg - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem (VDP) in Wiltingen, Saar, with Lukas Büchner - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Asian Themed Wine-pairing Dinner at Dian's in Bernkastel-Kues, led by Janet Cam and Annette Schiller - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H. Dönnhoff (VDP), Oberhausen, Nahe, with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Hermannshöhle Restaurant Weck in Niederhausen - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Weingut Korrell Johanneshof in Bad Kreuznach, Nahe, with Sonja Reinbold and Martin Korell - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (VDP), with Stefan Rumpf - Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

In the sommer/ autumn of 2024, I spent quite some time in Frankfurt, Germany. Importantly, between Annette's 2024 Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe (August 28 – September 06, 2024) and Annette's 2024 Rhône Valley Tour (October 13 - October 23, 2024) I stayed in Frankfurt, Germany, while Annette went back to the USA.

In Frankfurt, our place to go is Mainlust Desche Otto in Frankfurt, Schwanheim, a few blocks away from where we live in Frankfurt. Mainlust Desche Otto is a traditional Frankfurt apple wine tavern. Frankfurt has a large number of traditional apple wine taverns, where you sit on benches, eat hearty local food and drink sour and tart German apple wine. Typically, there is only one apple wine – the house apple wine – available, in some cases made on the premises. The apple wine tavern (Apfelweinwirtschaft) is as distinctive a Frankfurt institution as the Bierkeller is of Munich or the Weinstube of Mainz. Many of the best-known establishments are concentrated in Sachsenhausen, but others are dotted all over the city. They are strongly traditional. They offer hearty local cuisine, usually at moderate prices.

See:
Schiller's Favorite Apple Wine Taverns in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Mainlust “Desche Otto”– an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Pictures: Christian Schiller at Mainlust Desche Otto with Claudia Olinski and Louie Hoelzinger, Partners in Life and Business (2013)

I had done it occasionally before, but this time I brought quite a number of aged wines from my cellar to Mainlust Desche Otto during the summer/ autumn in Frankfurt.

Opening Aged Wines from my Cellar in Frankfurt at Mainlust Desche Otto in Schwanheim, Frankfurt, Germany (2024)

Summary: Loire 2024 - Châteaux and Wine - by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller

A German Riesling and Loire Valley Chenin Blanc Comparative Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC), led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, took place in Washington DC, USA, on November 9, 2024.

Invitation

The German Wine Society's comparative tasting of German Rieslings and Chenin Blancs from France’s Loire Valley will feature ten different wines offered to illustrate the similarities and differences of wines using these grapes.  The tasting will be presented by our own Annette Schiller, who has brought some of these wines back from Europe just for us from her most recent tour.  We now have the full wine list for our event, as shown below.  

Aficionados of a fresh, crisp white wine will eventually fall in love with both the Riesling and Chenin Blanc grapes.  Riesling is of course Germany’s most planted and best known grape, while Chenin Blanc, though not the leading grape of France, is one of its white stars.  Chenin Blanc acquired its name from Mont-Chenin in the Touraine district of France in the 15th Century, but can be traced as far back as Anjou in 845 AD.  There is much to love and little to hate at all about either varietal.  Both varietals can be produced in all sorts of styles: sparkling, still, bone dry, semi-sweet, fruity sweet, or lusciously sweet.  In five flights, one Riesling and one Chenin Blanc each, we will compare the different styles of the two varietals and will examine the decisive factors: acidity level, sugar level, ageability, versatility, value, and terroir expressiveness.

Loire Valley and the Rhein-Mosel-Nahe Valleys Wine Tours by ombiasy WineTours

Earlier this year, Annette led wine tours to the Loire valley and the Rhein-Mosel-Nahe valleys:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loire 2024 by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller 

Loire 2024 by ombiasy Wine Tours, led by Annette Schiller, took place from Sunday, June 9, to Thursday, june 20, 2024. The tour started in Nantes and ended in Sancerre. 

 

See: Summary: Loire 2024 - Châteaux and Wine - by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller

The Wines

Summary: Loire 2024 - Châteaux and Wine - by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller

 

 

        

    

    

 

 

  

     

 

 

   

 

  

  

   

   

   

Rhône Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours led by Annette Schiller took place from October 13 - October 23. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Châteauneuf-du-Pap/ Avignon. There were 8 of us including Annette and me.

Most of us arrived a day or even more before the tour started. Annette and I arrived on the evening of October 12, coming by train from Frankfurt. As has become a tradition, Annette and I always go to the Le Broc'Bar, a small neighborhood bar we all dream about, just next to our hotel Grand Hôtel des Terreaux. Colorful chairs on the terrace beneath the glow of white lights strung from a large mulberry tree. As always, we had saucisson sec, Saint-Marcellin cheese and a bottle of Rhône rouge. We finished the evening with a beer.

 

 

Grand Hôtel des Terreaux in Lyon, a 4 star Art-Deco hotel in the heart of Old Lyon, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It combines the atmosphere of an old-fashioned 19th century town house with a modern, innovative décor. It also has a small indoor pool and hot tub.

 

October 13 - Day 1

Annette spent the morning preparing for the tour, while I went to one of Lyon's Sunday morning markets, the St. Antooine Market, a large outdoor food market on the banks of the Soane river. 

 

The tour started at 2pm in the Grand Hôtel des Terreaux with a meet&greet and an introduction to the Rhône wine region by Annette Schiller, followed by a guided sightseeing walking tour of Lyon.

 

We had our first joint, 3-course dinner (Menu Tradition - entrée, plat, dessert) at Grand Café des Négociants, a stunning place with its Second Empire decor.

October 14 - Day 2

This was the first of three days we spent in the Northern Rhône.

At Maison M. Chapoutier, our host took us to the foot of the famous Hermitage hill, 

before a seated tasting of high-end Chapoutier wines.

 

We started the day in Tain L'Hermitage right at the banks of the Rhône river at Ferraton Père & Fils, an elite winemaker of the Northern Rhône. Jerome Nuss showed us the wine cellar and led a tasting in the tasting room. The wines are available in the USA through @Sera Wine Imports.

 

The next stop was @Domaine Yves Cuilleron in Chavany, where we enjoyed a portfolio tasting led by Thibaut Jager.

 

 

We had a "Menu du Jour" lunch at @Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, a block away from DOMAINE GUIGAL.

 

 

The whole afternoon was taken up by Guigal with our host Kim Conley from California (who now runs the @Les Enfants de la Rhone wine bar in Condrieu with her French husband), first, doing a tour of the impressive winemaking facilities of Guigal in Ampuis, 

 

 

and, second, sitting in the garden of @Chateau d'Ampuis doing a tasting of high-end Guigal wines. 

 

 

Back in Tain L'Hermitage in the evening, Annette and I went to Toulon on the other side of the Rhône river and discovered Le Moderne, a wine bar focussing on "natural wines" opened by @Romane Vallon and her husband Raphael Vallon recently. 

 

There we bumped into Alice Feiring, the famous American "natural wine" journalist, book author and facebook friend of mine. Her most recent book is "To Fall In Love, Drink This: A Wine Writer's Memoir" (2022, Simon and Schuster).

 

October 16 - Day 4

This was the third and last day in the Northern Rhône.

The day started at Cave Sebastien Blachon in Saint-Jean de Muzols, a small and new producer that is not yet represented in the USA. 

 

In contrast, Domaine Alain Graillot in Pont-de-l'Isere, where we went next, is known to winelovers throughout the world. Owner/ winemaker Maxime Graillot, who we had met earlier at 2941 Restaurant in Washington DC, gave us a comprehensive tour - vineyard, cellar, tasting - including tasting from barrel and from bottle. Several of us regarded the visit of Domaine Alain Graillot as the best of the whole Rhône Valley tour. The wines of Maxime Graillot are available in the USA through Elite WinesLaurent Givry.

 

Lunch today was a high-end gourmet lunch with wine-pairing at la Grande Table Maison Chabran in Pont d'Isere. In his high-days Michel Chabran used to have 2 MICHELIN Guide stars and to play in the same league as Paul Bocuse, Michel Rostang, Roger Vergé, to name a few. Today, it is run by his son Louis Chabran, who came to the table to greet us as did Michel Chabran. A memorable lunch at an iconic restaurant that is working on its come-back. 

 

The last event in the Northern Rhône Valley was at Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l'Hermitage, a tasting of 4 high-end Jaboulet wines. 

 

At around 5:30 pm we left the Northern Rhône and drove for about an hour to @Hostellerie Domaine de Cabasse in Seguret, in the Southern Rhône, where we had a light dinner and spent the night there. 

 

Hôtellerie du Domaine de Cabasse in Séguret, a 3 star hotel, is part of the wine estate Domaine De Cabasse. The view up to the village of Séguret clinging to the rugged mountain behind the domaine is breathtaking. The calm atmosphere and the great outdoor swimming pool hidden in a quiet garden surrounded by vineyards gives it a true Provençal feeling.

October 18 - Day 6

This was our second day in the Southern Rhône.

The day started with a tour and tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet. Owners/ winemakers @Jean Claude Lambert, Philippe Lambert and @Perrin Lambert received us. The wines of Domaine des Pasquiers are readily available at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC, a direct importer of the #excellent Pasquiers wines. 

Hôtel Le Mas de L’Oulivié in Les Baux is a 4 star traditional Provençal country house style hotel sitting in the center of an olive grove at the foot of the rocky, steep slopes of the village of Les Baux de Provence. The beautifully landscaped pool invites for a relaxing swim.

At the hotel, we were right in the middle of the Provence. We had reached the southern tip of our tour. We spent 2 nights at the beautiful Mas de l'Oulive.

 October 19 - Day 7

From Les Baux de Provence we drove further south to visit @Mas de Gourgonnier. This is a family domaine that makes olive oil and wine. It is available in the US through Skurnik Wines & Spirits. Owner/ winemaker Eve Cartier took us to the olive trees, the vineyards, the wine cellar and the tasting room, where we enjoyed a wine and olive oil tasting. 

before having dinner with the group in the hotel.

October 20 - Day 8

 

Sunday. No winery visits today. Focus was on culture.

 

We spent the morning at the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD, 

 

 

where we also had lunch (with an amasing view of the Pont du Gard).

 

 

In the afternoon, after checking in at our hotel Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes right next to the Palace of the Popes, 

 

( Hôtel Mercure, Centre Palais des Papes, is a 4 star very modern hotel in an ideal location. The famous sites – the Pont d’Avignon and the Palais des Papes, as well as restaurants, shops, wine bars, and the city wall are just steps away).

 

 

we enjoyed a guided tour of the Palace of the Pope 

 

 

and of the so-called "Pont d' Avignon". 

 

 

The evening was "free". Some of us went to a MICHELIN Guide-starred restaurant. Annette and I stared the evening with a beer on the main square,

followed by a light dinner with Naomi and John.

 

 

Good night.

October 21 - Day 9

First of 2 full days in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

We started out at #worldclassDomaine Pegau, where, after a tour of the cellar, owner/ winemaker Laurence Feraud showed us her wines. We also met long-time winemaker Andreas Lenzenwöger (from Austria). 

 

From Pegau we drove to Vignobles Alain JAUME, where owner/ winemaker Hélène Jaume did a vineyard and cellar tour with us, 

 

 

 

before we sat down for lunch at the estate - with the delicious food of Chef Axel Thomas and 9 #worldclass wines of Alain Jaume. 

 

After a long lunch we went to Domaine Berthet-Rayne, where owner/ winemaker Laure Berthet-Rayne (Laure Capeau) did a cellar tour 

 

 

and a tasting with us. The wines of Berthet-Rayne are available in the Washington DC area through Elite Wines. 

 

 

The evening was "free", but we all went together to a brasserie in the old part of Avignon near "Les Halles", the central food market.

 

October 22 - Day 10

Second of 2 full days in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

We checked out from our hotel in Avignon and drove to Lirac where we visited @Château de Ségriès, which Robert Parker called "a super value treasure trove in the Southern Rhône. Owner/ Winemaker Henri de Lanzac was our host. The wines are available in the USA through Kysela Père et Fils. 

 

We tasted 5 Château de Beaucastel wines in the Boutique Famille Perrin, who owns Beaucastel, in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

 

Right next to it is the Restaurant La Mule du Pape, where we had lunch on the terrasse. 

 

In the afternoon, we went to @Chateau Gigognan in Sorgues, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

 

 

The cellar is an impressive state-of-the art cellar and we had the pleasure to meet the head winemaker Jenna Lelay, who features prominently in the 2025 Bettane+Desseauve, a leading French wine guide. 

 

 

The visited ended with a seated tasting.

 

Dinner and overnight-stay was at Hostellerie du Chateau des Fines Roches, a castle sitting in the middle of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. 

 

Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a 5 star exquisite castle hotel. Approaching the hotel takes your breath away. The medieval and Provencal fantasy style castle was built in the 19th century. It sits high on a hill overlooking the Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards, with gorgeous views to the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and as far as to Avignon and the Luberon in the distance.

 

 

After relaxing at the pool, 

 

 

Chef Hugo Loridan Fombonne prepared for us a MICHELIN Guide star level 7-course dinner. 

 

This was the last day of the tour in the Rhône Valley. The next morning, Annette had arranged taxis that took us to the railway station in Avignon. Annette and I went to Marseille to catch a plane. All the others went to Paris by TGV. 

 

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