We have participated in wine tastings and wine classes in Australia, Italy, France, New Zealand (me) and South Africa. This was our first time in Germany.

Sorry to say, the German experience was probably our least favourite. It took two hours and cost us €6 each (which is reasonable).

We did learn a little more about the German wines, despite the language barrier. Even though the group was small, most of the people were German. Dealing with these language ‘challenges’ has made me appreciate how non-English speaking people cope when they visit or move to Australia.

The wine tasting started with red wine – apparently this is traditional. Michael and I prefer the dry (trocken) wines and so chose these in each of the different varieties.

The red wine is “Pinot Noir”, although named differently over here of course. It was possibly the best wine we tried all night.

Then we were given samples of four different Rieslings – each increasing in price
1. “Quality” wine is the lowest quality white wine that is able to be sold at the moment. Although we were told that soon they will be able to sell “Table Wine or German Wine”, and this will be of a lower quality (i.e. cheaper).
2. “Kabinett”
3. “Spätlese”
4. “Auslese”

I am afraid we did not enjoy these wines.

To finish off we were offered a taste of their stronger wines (like brandy). I gave Michael mine as the grappa-like wine I chose was not to my liking.

The photos show the typical Reisling wine glass used along both the Rhine and the Mosel. You may have noticed them in earlier photos.

Also included is one shot of Cochem at night, taken on our walk home from our wine tasting.