Travel Log: Germany's Pfalz Wine Region Part Three

 You may have seen on my Instagram that I recently spent a week in Germany's Pfalz wine region, famous for its Riesling Trocken (dry Riesling), with an amazing group of friends. A dear friend of ours planned the entire trip for 22 people including each day's itinerary and transport, and my husband and I were so lucky to be able to just show up and enjoy each day's experiences. The Pfalz wine region is Germany's second largest wine region and covers approximately 23,700 hectares or 228 square kilometers. While it was impossible to see the entire region, we based in one of the central cities, Neustadt An Der Weinstraße (the ß is pronounced like a soft z), and did day trips by bike or car depending on distance. We visited Birkweiler, Speyer, Deidesheim, Forst, Ruppertsberg, Freinheim, and Landau. Our fourth day's itinerary included lunch, exploring, and wine tasting in Deidesheim along with dinner in Forst. Please continue reading to see more photos and details of our time in these beautiful areas along Germany's historic wine route.

Tuesday's itinerary included a "wine walk" and tastings at Weingut von Winning (Weingut = winery) in Deidesheim and lunch at their on site restaurant Leopold. Most of the group biked to Deidesheim, but since my hubby and I had rented a car for the week we stayed back to rest and work a bit in the morning before driving to meet everyone for lunch. Deidesheim's history dates back to the Middle Ages, with its first recorded mention in 699 AD. Its desirable location above the Rhine River and warm, Mediterranean-like climate made it ideal for planting grapes and producing wine (along with citrus fruits, figs, and almonds). The Deidesheim we saw was built up starting in the 1300's and I loved seeing all of the Tudor style buildings with their classic white and brown wood trim along with the vineyards, of course. 

After a lovely outdoor lunch at Leopold with Weingut von Winning's tasty dry riesling and sauvignon blanc, we migrated down the road to Weingut Lucashof for a tasting. Their indoor tasting room was stunning, but since the weather was so gorgeous we sat outside under a wood pergola wrapped with grape vines and ripening grapes. We learned more about the winery, how these German wineries produce sweeter Rieslings for the US market because that is what currently sells, and tasted a variety of white wines including Sparkling Seccos, dry and off-dry Rieslings, Pinot Blancs, and Blanc de Noirs.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at nearby Weingut Heinrich Spindler in Forst, about a 3 minute drive or five minute cycle down the road. We enjoyed another lovely meal dining al fresco at a long table in their outdoor garden. I enjoyed a porcini mushroom pasta (we saw a lot of porcini on menus due to being in season, lucky us!) and some of their delicious dry Riesling. After dinner we drove back (~15 minute drive) and the rest of the group cycled (~30 minute bike ride) to our home base of Neustadt An Der Weinstraße.

I hope you enjoyed this recap of our day in Deidesheim and Forst along Germany's historic wine route! Thank you for visiting my blog today, please stay turned for more travel logs, and I hope you have a wonderful week!