This weekend: Riesling walk in Germany goes British
The German Wine Institute, together with regional wine associations, has designated Saturday and Sunday as WeinWanderWochenende, or wine walking weekend, throughout Germany. Numerous trails winding through vineyards are open to hikers throughout the year, but on this occasion, wine estates will offer special events to attract and cater to an uptick in visitors.
If you’re curious about wine-making but fear your language skills are too iffy to get much from a guided tour in German, the Bollig-Lehnert winery in Piesport, in the Mosel wine-growing region, might have your answer. Jill Bollig-Lehnert, who hails from Britain, will lead a “Riesling goes British!” walk during the weekend. The event is dependent on cooperative weather and a minimum of 12 people participating.
The walk lasts from four to five hours and winds along a route between Piesport and Trittenheim, tracing the contours of the Mosel. Along the way, Bollig-Lehnert will talk about grape growing, wine production and other activities at the wine estate. Participants might stop to see an old Roman wine press or the bridge at Neumagen.
The walk typically concludes with a tasting in the wine garden. Although the walk is not strenuous, flat, sturdy footwear is recommended. The outing is not geared toward children.
Participants will meet their guide at the Weinstube Am Domhof in Piesport at 9:30 a.m. Cost of the walk is 14 euros, which includes a small picnic lunch.
To book a place, call the winery at (+49) (0)6507-5077 or email bollig-lehnert@t-online.de. Walks for groups can be organized on other dates as well. In the autumn, the vineyard offers a chance to participate in the harvest.
