23 – 26 April 2014

This tour offers a rare opportunity to visit one of the most dynamic wine regions of Germany and one that is truly unique. Silvaner is king, but there are also first-class Rieslings (full-bodied, earthy and – contrary to the norm – bone-dry), as well as some of the country´s finest Pinot Noir.

Our journey begins in Wuerzburg, baroque city par excellence and great wine capital, with its three magnificent estates and famous Stein vineyard. Just a short distance north, at the renowned viticultural research institute in Veitshoechheim, we receive an excellent introduction to the region by vice-president Dr. Hermann Kolesch, including information on current projects, such as their experiments with amphorae.

We then go to explore the three main areas along the meandering River Main. Diversity arises from the very different terroirs, grapes and winemaking styles, providing for a fascinating programme of contrasts:

• idyllic wine villages, grand castles and stunning modern winery architecture, eg. Knoll´s exceptional “Weingut am Stein” or “Winzerkeller Sommerach”, Franken´s oldest cooperative
• wide range of producers, from the most celebrated (eg. Riesling/Silvaner champion Horst Sauer or “Pinot magician” Paul Fuerst) to the quiet superstar
• exploratory trips to the best vineyards (eg. Wuerzburger Stein, Escherndorfer Lump, Casteller Schlossberg) and finest cellars, including the historic “Spitaler “of Wuerzburg
• fabulous wine tastings, providing the perfect forum for detailed discussions with the winemakers

It is a privilege to have these appointments and anyone who has been on our trips before knows they are first-class. In short, a gem-packed tour that is both educational and fun – and an absolute treat for the senses.