Rheingau favorites
Five favorite places and restaurants!
Favorite place 1: Eltville
A romantic castle, a stroll along the Rhine, and relaxing by the water
A trip to Eltville is always a treat—you can take a walk along the Rhine, grab a currywurst at Pier 511 (opens in a new tab), have a glass of wine at the tasting stand (opens in a new tab), and stroll through the castle. You’ll always find a spot in the sun, and the tasting stand (opens in a new tab), and stroll through the castle (opens in a new tab). You’ll always find a spot in the sun, and Weinhaus Krone (opens in a new tab) serves up some really great Spunde and Handkäs.
Favorite place 2: Walluf
An idyllic harbor, the Wallufer Fässchen, and great tapas
Walluf is located right on the Rhine—and for that reason alone, it’s a real favorite spot. You can enjoy a lovely stroll along the water, bury your feet in the sand under the shade of the trees in the summer, clink glasses with locals at the bar on the riverbank (opens in a new tab), and enjoy delicious tapas on the terrace of the bar on the riverbank (opens in a new tab), and enjoy delicious tapas on the terrace of the Rheinsegler restaurant (opens in a new tab) with a view of the small harbor.
Favorite place 3: Frauenstein
Cherry Blossoms, Goethe Stone, and Green Sauce at the Chapel
Frauenstein is worth a visit not just during cherry blossom season—though it’s especially beautiful then! If you park near the Kapellchen restaurant (opens in a new tab), you can take a stroll past the many cherry trees and then enjoy a delicious meal, such as Grüne Sauce, in the romantic garden. Another lovely walk takes you around the Goethestein (opens in a new tab). There are plenty of benches where you can stop for a quick break.
Favorite place 4: Vollrads Castle & Johannisberg
Two castles, a stroll through vineyards & wine with a view
From Vollrads Castle, a lovely half-hour walk leads through the vineyards to Johannisberg—with a view of the Rhine the whole way. Incidentally, Johannisberg Castle is considered one of the oldest Riesling wineries in the world. Once you arrive here, it’s worth visiting the statue of the Spätleser (late-harvest wine rider), which has an intriguing story behind it (see below), taking a look inside the basilica, and of course enjoying a glass of wine or sparkling wine at the Goetheblick tasting stand (opens in a new tab). If you’re in the mood for a good meal, stop by the Trenz estate tavern (opens in a new tab), where wines from their own production are served. Once back at Vollrads Castle, you can treat yourself to a short rest in the romantic courtyard at the bar (opens in a new tab) under the old chestnut trees.
The invention of Spätlese at Johannisberg Castle: In 1775, at Johannisberg Castle in the nearby Rheingau, everyone was eagerly awaiting the messenger from the Prince-Bishop of Fulda, who was to bring permission to begin the grape harvest. But the messenger was delayed—by a full three weeks! During this time, the noble Riesling grapes were attacked by gray mold and appeared to be spoiled. For lack of alternatives, they were pressed anyway—and lo and behold: the wine turned out to be exceptionally aromatic, sweet, and complex. The Spätlese was born!
Favorite place 5: Eberbach
A monastery straight out of a movie, cake at the country café, and wine at the historic Steinberg
Eberbach Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in Europe and the filming location for the historical thriller *The Name of the Rose*. Exciting guided tours and wine tastings (opens in a new tab) await you at the abbey, including, of course, visits to the film’s shooting locations featuring Sean Connery in the lead role! But you can also simply take a stroll through the beautiful, well-maintained grounds. During the Rheingau Music Festival (opens in a new tab)—one of Europe’s largest music festivals—fantastic, spine-tingling concerts take place in the basilica or the courtyard. Be sure to make a detour to the nearby Schwarzes Häuschen (opens in a new tab) wine tasting stand, located in the heart of the vineyards in the historic village of Steinberg. The Landcafé Wacholderhof (opens in a new tab) has a charming farm shop and delicious, homemade cakes!
Favorite culinary spots - a (small) selection
- The little chapel (opens in a new tab) in Frauenstein stands out for its idyllic cottage garden, but the interior is also very charming. Under the cherry trees, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from local producers—from green sauce to smoked Wisper trout and bratwurst from the Falkenhof.
- The Keßler family’s winery (opens in a new tab) in Martinsthal is located right next to and among the vineyards. On the beautiful terrace, you’ll be treated not only to a fantastic view but also to traditional cuisine.
- Allendorf am Rhein (opens in a new tab) is located—you guessed it—right on the water. A place that really feels like a vacation with its beach chairs, deck chairs, white wooden benches, and umbrellas. Of course, the winery’s own wine is served, and there are light bites like fish sandwiches and kibbeling.
- The RheinGarten (opens in a new tab) summer venue in Eltville is nestled between the Electoral Castle, the Yellow House, and the Rhine. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine and the vineyards while sipping a cool drink on the garden terrace or relaxing in a deck chair on the sunbathing lawn. The self-service stand offers tarte flambée and regional snacks.
- Eremita (opens in a new tab) in Rauenthal is a lovely spot—perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and a slice of cake on Sundays with a view of the rolling hills of the Rheingau, or for savoring a fantastic meal in the ambitious restaurant’s cozy yet upscale atmosphere.
- At the Künstler wine bar, with its large sun terrace and view of the Rhine, Chamamé (opens in a new tab) serves Argentine-Mediterranean cuisine. Beef from the Urien Loza farm is grilled over charcoal, creating a true culinary experience.
- The Dillmann Winery (opens in a new tab) opens its doors for special events—such as the Gourmet Weeks, the Summer Sun Strausse, or the Christmas Farm Festival. Amid the vineyards, under palm trees, you can sit on benches and lounge chairs and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere accompanied by soft lounge music.
