Visit Germany's most historic Riesling estate — Schloss Johannisberg, birthplace of Spätlese wine — for a private cellar tour and seated vertical tasting with the estate sommelier. Bucket-list for any serious wine lover.
What to expect
Perched on a south-facing hill 7 km from Rüdesheim, Schloss Johannisberg has produced Riesling continuously since 1100 AD and is credited with the accidental 1775 discovery of late-harvest (Spätlese) winemaking. Your private tour descends into ancient vaulted cellars where wines still age in century-old casks, before ascending to the sunlit terrace for a curated tasting of estate Rieslings spanning Kabinett to Trockenbeerenauslese. The Rhine Valley panorama from the terrace — vineyard after vineyard rolling to the glittering river — is itself worth the journey. Pairings with regional cheeses and charcuterie are available on request.
Good to know
Take a taxi or pre-arranged car transfer from Rüdesheim (approx. 15 minutes, EUR 20–25 each way). Book private tastings directly with the estate at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Allow 2–2.5 hours total including transit. Pairs well with an afternoon cable-car gondola ride upon return to Rüdesheim.