Travel Guide to Mosel Wine Region

Mosel wine region has been among the best white wine-producing regions in Europe. There here might be some geographical confusion related to the name of the Mosel wine region, as you might have heard of the French department of Moselle, where the city of Metz is. Well, the Mosel area that includes the valleys of the Moselle, Saar, and Ruwer rivers is in Germany. Mosel wine region boasts spectacular landscapes of terraced vineyards, medieval castles, small charming towns and villages and of course, one of the best Riesling you can try.

Find out about Wine tasting & Tours in Mosel Wine Region, make your selection and we will take care of the rest ensuring you a memorable wine experience.

Discover Wines of Mosel Wine Region

Where is the Mosel Wine Region? 

Mosel wine region is named after the Mosel River and is one of the 13 wine-growing regions in southwest Germany. Mosel vineyards are planted along the Mosel river, which boasts one of the most breathtaking landscapes of steep, hillside vineyards.

The Moselle wine region, straddling the borders of France, Luxembourg, and Germany, is recognized for its predominantly white wines, produced in one of the coldest climates suitable for viticulture. The river Moselle carves its way through steep valleys, creating the perfect sun-soaked slopes for vineyards. Known respectively as Moselle in France, Musel in Luxembourg, and Mosel in Germany, each section of the region imparts its own unique character to the wines produced there. The vineyards along the Moselle River are particularly noted for their Rieslings, offering a fascinating array of flavors from crisp and floral to rich and spicy, largely determined by the region's diverse terroir and the vineyard's specific location along the river. The wines of the Moselle stand as a testament to the expertise of the vintners who coax complex flavors from grapes grown in such a challenging climate.

Where to Stay in Mosel

From the quaint charm of Cochem to the ancient allure of Trier, the Mosel offers a diversity of lodging options that cater to every traveler's taste and preference. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat overlooking the vineyard-draped hills or a cozy inn nestled in a historic town, the accommodations in Mosel promise comfort and breathtaking views.

BollAnts Spa Im Park offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to find tranquility and a deeper connection between the mind and body.

Rochter Landhotel gives seamless integration of historical elegance and modern convinience all arounf providing a confortable experiences.

Located in the center of the Moselle area, Schloss Lieser boasts stunning landscapes of the Moselle River and the renowned vineyards that characterize the region.

Established in 1895, this enchanting castle hotel nestled in the scenic Karden district of Treis-Karden beckons with its graceful charm and a brand-new spa for ultimate relaxation.

If you are looking for something more specific, check the list of Mosel hotels out.

Mosel Wine Region Map

Why are the Wines of Mosel Valley Region so Special?

The location of the Mosel wine region lends to creating crisper-style white wines, lower in alcohol, 6-9% and higher in acidity. The aromas of the wine are also more floral rather than fruit-forward. This flavour of the Mosel wine is a direct result of the type of soil of the vineyards of the Mosel wine region, which is composed of different kinds of slate deposits. Riesling of the Mosel wine region has, in fact, a very specific flavour profile due to the slate deposit in the soil. The clean, saline wines often reflect the aromas of what fresh rain smells like as it hits on rock and stone. This is a defining characteristic of the wine style of the Mosel wine region. Due to the effects of climate change, a lot of work has been done by winemakers in the Mosel wine region to market dry Rieslings. 

"The fire of the sun, the gold of the stars, and the cool moonlight."

An unknown local poet described the wines of the Mosel wine region as: “Sonnenfeuer, Sternengold, Kühlen Mondlichtschein” (The fire of the sun, the gold of the stars, and the cool moonlight). Mosel/Moselle wines are considered by many the most excellent wines across the whole of Germany which could be as a result of many being aged gracefully for as long as 50-100 years. 

Mosel wine region is Germany’s third-largest wine region in terms of volume but is considered to be one of the top regions in terms of prestigious wine production. Dramatic steep slopes line both sides of the river adding to the stunning landscape as you tour through the valley in the Mosel wine region. Winemaking has been a dominant presence in the Mosel wine region since the 2nd  century when the Romans started planting Mosel vineyards along the river. 

Discover Mosel Wine Route

There are lots of great wineries to be found by driving along the Mosel Wine Route in the Mosel wine region. To further promote their region the wineries along the Mosel river united to form the first major cross-border tourism project together - Via Mosel. You can read more about this amazing wine route in Mosel, and start your next journey!

The most famous wines coming from the Mosel wine region are those made from the Riesling grape. Riesling of Mosel vineyards requires a high level of acidity to balance the sugar in the grapes helping to create balanced, fruit-forward notes in the wines.  A characteristic of the Mosel wine is its high acidity and clearly defined flavours. The wines produced in the Mosel wine region are normally packaged in the traditional long, green, "hock style" wine bottle. Historically the green colour distinguished Mosel wines from the brown bottles of other German winemaking regions. 

Are You Sweet Wine Lover?

A large proportion of the wines of the Mosel wine region produced are a result of the extensive plantations of the Müller-Thurgau grape variety, which is more typically used for the production of sweet wine. At a lower 9% of the Mosel wine region’s production is the Elbling grape. The Mosel wine region is also famous for the production of Eiswein, which has a high level of acidity as well as a distinct sweetness because of the high concentration of sugar in the frozen grapes used. The peculiarity of Eiswein is that the grapes remain on the vine until they freeze; the water is frozen so the sugar concentration increases creating absolutely delectable sweet wines with notes of apricot jam, honey and deep melon tones. 

Top Wineries in Mosel Wine Region

Visiting Mosel Wine Region is one of the greatest experience either you are a wine lover or not. Vineyards in the Mosel wine regions are located on the slopes and offer a spectacular view of Mosel River.

Dominikaner Weingut C. von Nell-Breuning

Dominikaner Weingut C. von Nell-Breuning is the oldest in the entire valley of the Mosel wine region. The winery was officially established around the year 1890 and has been owned and managed by the von Nell-Breuning family ever since. Riesling and Pinot Noir are the two main grape varieties cultivated here, their wines have been tasted by great past personalities such as the Russian Tsar in 1912 and Queen Margarete of Denmark in 1974.

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Winery of the Dötsch-Haupt

Winery of the Dötsch-Haupt family is located on the slopes overlooking the Mosel River and provides visitors with a fascinating view of the Valley in the Mosel wine region. The current owner Martin Dötsch owns 12 hectares of vineyards, where mainly Riesling and Pinot Noir varieties are cultivated. Grapes are still harvested with manual methods, in order to preserve their freshness and juices.

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F-J Regnery winery

F-J Regnery winery is located in the south-facing rolling hills of Moselle in the Mosel wine region. Riesling, Spatbürgunder, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the wines produced in this winery established in the 1800s. The shop of the winery is awarded as one of the 50 best in Germany. The Weingut F-J Regnery also produces high-quality brandy, Riesling grappa and Verjus.  

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Check the full list of Wineries in Mosel Wine Region, choose your favourite and we will take care of the rest together with our local partners for a memorable wine experience.

Places to Explore when Visiting Mosel Wine Region

Don't miss visiting little charming towns, medieval castles, UNESCO heritage sites and natural surroundings in the Mosel wine region. We created a list of places you can enjoy with your travel partner/s while in the Mosel Wine Region.

Traben Trarbach and Bernkastel-Kues - The Meeting Point of the Mosel

Traben Trarbach is a charming destination with a sense of flair which is beautifully surrounded by forests and vineyards in the Mosel wine region. The central location of Traben Trarbach in the Mosel Valley of the Mosel wine region makes it a great destination filled with several activities for visitors.  

The ruins of the medieval castle of Gravensburg are a great place to spot the Mosel River and its vineyards. Also, the great production of fine wine during the beginning of the 20^th century, and the abundant money made by traders and winemakers, brought a new fashion to Traben Trarbach. New buildings were constructed following the Belle Epoque architectural features. Nowadays these iconic houses and buildings are all linked through a trail. 

If you follow the river towards the west from Traben Trarbach, you will arrive in Bernkastel-Kues. This town is divided by the Moselle River into two twin towns that overlook each other. Bernkastel-Kues is considered to be the centre of the Mosel wine region. Indeed, the Wine Festival of the Middle Mosel takes place here every September; the festival presents many tasting possibilities, live music and a parade. 

Sightseeing is not the only thing you can do in Traben Trarbach and surroundings. A lot of activities in nature are available and the trails are good for both cycling and hiking. Another great way to experience the valley is by taking a riverboat cruise down the Mosel taking in all of the incredible views. 

Tawern – On the Road to Rome 

Tawern is a small town with 2.500 inhabitants but has ancient Roman roots with buildings that are more than 2000 years old in the Mosel wine region. The town is located at the starting point for trips to the region of Trier-Saarburg. Tawern was populated as early as Roman times because it was on a road that connected Trier with the Roman Empire. In the area of ​​Tawern there was a road station with rest stops before the climb to the Saargau Plateau. 

During an excavation activity in 1986 and 1987, an extensive Roman temple complex was discovered in Tawern. The temple was usually visited by merchants passing through to offer their gifts to Mercury, the God of Trade. The ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the partially reconstructed 46 x 36-meter temple district, which was used from the 1st to the 4th century. 

Burg Eltz - Back to the Middle Ages 

Burg Eltz is one of the most famous and best-preserved castles in Germany in the Mosel wine region. It springs up from the hills of the Mosel Valley and it’s 10km away from the river. The first settlement of the castle dates back to the 12th century and it has ever since been in possession of the same family, the Eltz. 

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The architecture of the castle is absolutely striking. The eight towers and the timber frame structure give the impression that Burg Eltz just came out of a fairytale. The inner courtyard tells, through the various styles and constructions, the history of the castle and represents all the various changes it underwent. 

Visitors will immediately feel in the middle of a medieval court and experience a day in the life of a courtier. 

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Trier - The Rome of the North 

Even though Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this small city is often overlooked by international tourists to Germany. Around the time of 17 BC, after the Romans arrived in the region, Trier was established as a permanent city and from this point quickly developed to become an important city of the Roman Empire. 

A large number of well-preserved Roman monuments in Trier is unlike anywhere else in northern Europe and has earned the city the nickname ‘Rome of the North’. Among the ancient ruins that can be seen by tourists, there’s the beautiful Porta Nigra Gate. Other sites that give proof of the presence of the Romans are Constantine's Throne Room, the imperial bathhouses, the Roman Bridge and an amphitheatre. 

Trier is also known for its 13th-century cathedral, the Church of Our Lady; this is Germany’s oldest Gothic church in the Mosel wine region. The city centre is built around the Hauptmarkt, the main market square. The square is surrounded by townhouses which have been well preserved over time and create a mixed environment of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture overlooked by the tower of St. Gangolf’s Church. 

It must be mentioned that in 1818 the famous Communist revolutionary Karl Marx was born in Trier. His birthplace can still be visited at Brückengasse 10, which has been converted into a museum that illustrates his childhood, his ground-breaking concepts, and his influence on the history of the world until he died in London at the age of 64. 

Find the best Mosel Wine Tour Guides and experience Guided Wine Tours in Mosel.

Natural Beauty of Mosel Wine Region

The natural beauty of the Mosel wine region is greatly influenced by the winding rivers (the Moselle and Saar Rivers) and the dramatic valleys they create. They both are home to various incredible species of flora and fauna. On the flat riverbanks, softwood forests with alders and willows extend into the Moselle River. During springtime, various small birds such as the reed-bunting or marsh warblers can be heard playing in the natural surroundings. One can often spot a grey heron along the banks. On the open banks, meadows and bushland bordering the water one can find purple loosestrife or yellow loosestrife in colourful patches.

Pulvermaar - A Picture from A Storybook 

The Pulvermaar is a water-filled lake or volcanic crater that was formed by the bog formations of the neighbouring Strohner Maar in the Mosel wine region. Studies conducted in recent years have shown that the lake was formed during the last Ice Age, approx 20 000 – 30 000 years ago; this could explain its great depth and the ice wedges that can be found inside. 

The Pulvermaar is a natural pool with deep blue waters surrounded by a leafy green forest. The maar is the best place to have a swim, go with a pedal boat or rent a stand up paddle. 

Erlebnisweg Tal der Wilden Endert – An Unforgettable Adventure  

A hike through the wild and romantic Endert Valley, in the Mosel wine region, offers a unique and original experience of nature. Adventure seekers can complete a 20-km hike in the Mosel wine region which passes through the Postplatz in Ulmen, the Crusader Castle, and the Ulmener Martberg through the forest to the famous "Antoniuskreuz" (Cross of Anthony). According to a legend, a bag of earth from the tomb of Christ is said to have been deposited on the 17th-century Antonius cross. 

The path continues on a section of the “Karolingerweg” (Road of the Carolingians) through the forest. A highlight of the route is the Rausch waterfall. The roaring waterfall plunges 7m deep into a water basin. A small bridge leads over the waterfall to the church of Maria Martental, which belongs to a monastery that has the same name. 

Nationalpark Hunsrück-Hochwald - A National Park Steeped in History  

The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is hidden in a rural region, about an hour's drive from the cities of Trier, Saarbrücken and Mainz in the Mosel wine region. It extends over the high areas of the Hunsrück. Hikers will find a refuge for relaxation here and nature conservationists will find an important large-scale conservation area. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation already ranks the Hunsrück as a "hotspot region for biological diversity".  

Good food, good people, good times  

Tresterfleisch - A speciality from Traben-Trarbach  

This dish is a local favourite in all the Middle Mosel area in the Mosel wine region; it is made with pork neck, good broth, Riesling wine, bay leaves, juniper berries, and spices. Tourists trying this for the first time do not need to worry as no Schnapps are added to the dish, which was traditionally cooked in the same pot in which brandy was distilled. 

Winzer Steak - Traditional Steak with Fine Wine 

Winzer Steak is a German steak marinated and served with onions and roasted potatoes and can also be eaten in the Mosel wine region. The steaks are marinated overnight in a mixture of Riesling white wine, a mix of spices and oil. During the summertime, many locals enjoy cooking the steaks outdoors on an open grill and serving it at family gatherings. 

Insider Tips about Mosel Wine Region

Where to eat in the Mosel wine region?

Where to stay in Mosel wine region?

The best wine bars in the Mosel wine region

What to do in the Mosel wine region?

Frequently Asked Questions about Mosel Wine Region