Excursion D: Monasteries and wine tasting in the Rheingau

Johannisberg Palace; by courtesy of Rheingau-Taunus Kultur und Tourismus GmbH

Due to the combination of beautiful landscapes, vineyards, forests, historical buildings and the Rhine river, the Rheingau ("Rhine District") is one of the most important and attractive regions of Germany. Its reputation is largely based on its importance as a wine region.

Monasteries in the Cultural Region of the Rheingau

is the motto of this excursion that combines visits to historical buildings and a guided walking tour with an opportunity to sample wines at each destination.

We will stop at Eibingen Abbey (Benedictine Abbey of St Hildegard) which, while built in its present form at the beginning of the 20th century, considers itself a foundation of the Benedictine nun Hildegard von Bingen. 

From there we will drive on to Johannisberg Palace. Founded as a Benedictine monastery, it is today well known for its underground library „Bibliotheca subterranea“ - the treasure chamber of the palace with its centuries-old wine rarities.

From here, a guided walk will take us to Vollrads Palace, one of the world’s oldest wine estates.

The final destination of the trip is Eberbach Monastery, which was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks from Burgundy. Its buildings form one of the most impressive monastic sites in Germany, preserving structures of the highest quality from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. Today Eberbach monastery serves as a state winery. 

Eibingen Abbey Foto: Karl-Heinz Walther; by courtesy of Rheingau-Taunus Kultur und Tourismus GmbH

Eberbach Monastery ©JGU Mainz; Foto: Jambul Gegelia