10 Best Sights in The Rhineland, Germany

The origins of this grand wine estate, high in the hills above (and slightly west of) Oestrich-Winkel, date from 1100, when Benedictine monks built a monastery and planted vines on the slopes below. The striking early-18th-century palace is closed to the public, but follow signs for the Weinprobierstand (wine tasting stand), where you can sample the local produce on a scenic terrace overlooking the vineyards. On the way, you'll pass by the beautiful, 12th-century parish church, notable for its suspended red cross. Elsewhere around the complex, you'll find a wine shop, which also offers the estate's gin, as well as Schlossschänke restaurant.

Between April and October, you can book a guided cellar tour and wine tasting (in German only), or throughout the year you can opt for a pricier, exclusive individual/group wine tasting (English option). Schloss Johannisberg is a 10-minute drive or 45-minute hike from the center of Oestrich-Winkel.

Built in 1211 north of town, Schloss Vollrads is the oldest of Germany's major wine estates. The tower, built in 1330 and surrounded by a moat, was the Greiffenclau residence for 350 years until the present palace was built in the 17th century. There is a popular wine shop here, and the castle's period rooms can be toured during concerts, festivals, and wine tastings—check the website for specific dates. In addition to having a meal in the somewhat pricey restaurant, you can sit outside on the patio in the warmer months and order very good flammkuchen (baked thin-crust pizza, typically with bacon and onions) and sausages from the food truck.

For a Winningen winery with a difference, take a trip to this natural, low-intervention wine producer set up by two North American expats: American Robert Kane and Canadian Derek-Paul Labelle. Take a tour of the 150-year-old cellar, where you can taste the excellent wine straight out of the barrel, or join one of the duo on a (steep) walking tour around the vineyards.

Located right underneath Trier's streets, this labyrinth of cellars, full to brimming with historic Mosel wine barrels, dates back to 1380 AD and covers around three hectares. Descend for a 60-minute cellar tour, which includes a sparkling wine reception and gift bottle of wine. You can also opt for a wine tasting in the vinothek; pre-booking is required.

Drop down into a labyrinth of cellars beneath Trier's streets or visit the estate's elegant vinothek (wine store) to sample fine Rieslings, which were built on almost two millennia of priestly tradition. Tastings are available which showcase six wines and one sparkling wine.

Just south of Wiesbaden, this 20th-century "castle" is the headquarters of the international wine producer Henkell & Co. There are regular English-language tours of the property (lasting 60, 90, or 120 minutes), which take in both the impressive Rococo marble hall and the seven-story sektkellerei (sparkling wine cellars), followed by tastings of locally-produced bubbly. For a group tour, you'll need a minimum of five people, but there's also the opportunity for self-guided tours with your phone. There are regular events held here, from art exhibitions and classical concerts to wine parties and festivals.

This winery's presence in the Mosel includes vineyards in seven different villages and a grand villa in the center of Bernkastel, where a cozy vinothek (shop) is found inside the mansion's vaulted cellars. English-language tastings are available, but groups of five or more people should call ahead to book (for a large enough group, they'll even open Monday through Wednesday). Try the light and flinty Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling.

A friendly husband-and-wife team run this winery, which has eight generations of winemaking tradition behind it. They make a special collection of Rieslings with labels designed by visiting artists, and have an unpretentious tasting room close to the river.

Only fully established in 1991, this winery is one of the newest in the region. Combining modern and traditional winemaking principles, it has succeeded as one of the finest and most interesting Grand Cru vineyards in the region. The winery's five hectares of steep vineyards grow almost exclusively Riesling grapes; try the light but complex Trarbacher Hühnerberg Riesling Spätlese.

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.

Step off the train and straight into this century-old winery. Tutored tastings allow you to discover a selection of locally grown wines while you learn about the production and harvesting process. Alternatively, simply let the wine speak for itself; take a seat in the cellar or garden and order a bottle to share.