The Best Vineyards in the Middle Rhine Region, Germany

Experience from six generations of winemakers and the latest innovations have some influence on the excellent Rieslings and Pinot Noirs the Jost family produces. For 180 years, the Josts have cultivated white and red grapes on the steep slopes around the Bacharacher Hahn, a renowned vineyard with a 60 percent incline in the Middle Rhine Valley. As passionate as the family are about their profession, as welcoming are they towards their guests. They share the philosophy that tasting a new wine is an experience that benefits from having a connection to the area where the vines have grown and the people who produced it.

The history of this vineyard goes back 300 years and was originally part of a mixed farming business before focussing on winemaking entirely. In the late 1990s, Matthias and Marianne Müller took over the vineyard and have since expanded the operation from only four hectares to 17. The vines cover the steep hills along the Bopparder Hamm, the largest bend of the river Rhine. The work here is labour-intensive and most is done manually, but it’s rewarded with distinctive full-flavoured Rieslings. Their in-house wine bistro pairs white wines with local food.

The Didinger vineyard is located in Osterpai on the right side of the Rhine and overlooking the vine-clad hills of the Bopparder Hamm. Earlier generations crossed the river by boat to maintain their vines on the slopes. Today, Jens Didinger and his wife look after five hectares (12 acres) of vineyards, 80 percent of which are used to grow Riesling grapes. On the remaining acres, the family cultivates Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Noir, and a few other varieties. Wines can be sampled in their small bar, which is a great spot to rest after a hike in the area.

The vineyard of Florian Weingart is known to produce Rieslings of the highest quality. On the hills of the Bopparter Hamm he grows Riesling, and small amounts of Pinot Noir. His award-winning wines are known to be complex and with relatively high levels of acidity. Florian Weingart is a perfectionist and dedicated to making high-quality wines. He has deliberately downsized his production to maintain the quality.

The vineyard is beautifully set in the middle of vines in Bacharach. The family’s main focus lies on producing dry and fruity Rieslings, but another of their passions is Sekt, or sparkling wine. Throughout the year, the Ratzenberger family participates in several events and festivals in the region. But you can also sample their wines during a tasting in their historic vaulted cellar. Guests can stay at their two apartments, which have stunning views over the vineyard.