4 Best Sights in Eltville, The Rhineland

The former Cistercian monastery is idyllically set in a secluded forest clearing 6 km (4 miles) northwest of Eltville. Its Romanesque and Gothic buildings (12th–14th century) look untouched by time—one reason why the 1986 film of Umberto Eco's medieval murder mystery The Name of the Rose was filmed here. Pick up an English-language leaflet and take a stroll around, seeking out highlights like the vast medieval Monk's Dormitory and the beautiful Klosterkirche, both of which are regularly used for concerts because of their superior acoustics. The manor house-style Monk's Dining Room is also worth a look.

The monastery's impressive collection of old winepresses bears witness to a viticultural tradition that spans nearly nine centuries. The wines can be sampled year-round in the atmospheric wine cellar (or on a roving tasting around the abbey), in the popular Klosterschänke restaurant (where you can pair the local wines with seasonal German cuisine; try the "Klosterauszeit" cold cuts platter), or in the vinothek (shop). In warmer months, you can also enjoy them outside at Kloster Eberbach's premier vineyard, the Steinberg, which is surrounded by a 3-km (2-mile) stone wall that dates from the 13th to 18th centuries.

Eltville flourished as a favorite residence of the archbishops of Mainz in the 14th and 15th centuries, and it was during this time that the castle—which now houses Eltville's tourist-information center—was built. The museum includes an exhibition commemorating Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of modern letterpress printing, who was appointed courtier here in 1465; the Count's Chamber with its impressive 14th-century murals; an observation deck with a lovely view of the city; and a dungeon that is accessed by a narrow spiral staircase. More than 300 varieties of roses grow in the castle's courtyard garden, its walls, and out along the Rhine promenade.

Built by the English aristocrat John Sutton, this beautiful villa in Kiedrich, 2½ km (1½ miles) northwest of Eltville, is home to one of Germany's leading wine estates. Its famed Rieslings can be sampled in the tasting room at no cost (but with the expectation that a bottle or two of wine is purchased afterward). For 10 people or more, an exclusive tasting including a two-hour cellar tour can be arranged in advance for a fee.

Kloster Eberbach's premier vineyard, the high-tech Steinberg, is surrounded by a 3-km (2-mile) stone wall (13th–18th century). In warmer months you can enjoy its vintages outdoors, overlooking the vines.