The German Wine Route, one of Germany's first and best-known wine-themed routes, passes through romantic wine villages such as Freinsheim, St. Martin, Annweiler, Rhodt and Neustadt.
The scenery in the Palatinate highlands and the southwest Palatinate is hilly and varied; the area along the border with France has dense forests, lush meadow valleys – and other attractions such as Flammkuchen (pizza base, cream, onions and bacon) and Federweisser (new wine).
Local people tend to do things doucement (quietly and calmly), and their relaxed approach makes a trip to this region of vines and almond blossom that extra bit special.
Neustadt an der Weinstraße
This wine town – the “pearl of the Palatinate” – is at the centre of the German Wine Route. It has 1,850 hours of sunshine every year, a climate in which figs, kiwis and lemons thrive. The almond blossom festival in March is truly delightful and the highlight of the wine festival season is the election of the German Wine Queen in early October.
St. Martin
Temperatures in this historical wine town and climatic health resort on the Southern Wine Route are so favourable that it is able to grow plants from the Holy Land. The romantic, historically important ruins of Kropsburg Castle grace the charming hill amid chestnut and beech trees.
Rhodt unter Riedburg
This jewel of the Southern Wine Route sits beneath the Rietburg, the highest castle ruins in the Palatinate. It has lots to offer, including Theresienstrasse which is lined by old chestnut trees and the beautiful baroque Church of St. George. 80% of the buildings in the village are listed.
Deidesheim
Here you can experience all the romance of the Palatinate. Look around this enchanting town then take a stroll in the exotic gardens where orange trees, date palms and cypresses flourish in the mild climate and convey a mediterranean feel.
