Bernkastel Wine Region

Bernkastel, often known as the Middle Mosel, extends from Trier to Briedel. The wine appellation boasts some well-known vineyards with wine towns clustered together. The region is one of the largest in the Mosel region with approximately 5,700 hectares that focuses mostly on the Riesling grape. Bernkastel wine appellation is split into four districts: Andel and Bernkastel on Moselle's right bank, and Kues and Wehlen on the left bank. The most famous and picturesque vineyards span from Brauneberg in the south through Lieser, Bernkastel-Kues, Wehlen, Graach, Zeltingen, Ürzig, Erden, Wolf, Traben-Trarbach, and Reil.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bernkastel!

Where is the Bernkastel wine region?

Bernkastel wine appellation is located in the heart of the Mosel wine region, one of the important wine regions of Germany as well as in the wine community. The region lies in western Germany which is almost equidistant to the borders of France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The wine-growing area lies on the right bank of the river Mosel extending from the Graach to the north and Piesport to the west. Bernkastel is also known as “Mittelmosel”, meaning middle of Mosel in German, as the region is located in the center of the Mosel region. The region encompasses the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer valleys from near the Mosel's mouth at Koblenz upwards to the neighborhood of Trier in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

History of the Bernkastel wine region

Bernkastel is one of the top wine-growing regions in the world and its history of winemaking dates back to Roman times. Because importing wines from their vineyards in Italy and Gaul was impractical and difficult, the Romans began planting vines along the Mosel and Rhine to create wines. The Roman went a step further to create canals across the region for viticulture purposes. The hillsides around the Trier, one of the major outposts of Romans in Mosel, were already planted with vines in the 2nd century. The village and viticulture flourished during the middle ages which were also mentioned by the roman poet Ausoneus.

The terroir and geography of the Bernkastel wine region

Due to the proximity of the North Sea in the north, the Bernkastel wine appellation is mostly impacted by a continental climate. Major vineyards are planted on hills along the Mosel River, facing south and southwest for optimal sun exposure. The region is characterized by blue shale and slate, both of which have excellent drainage qualities. The location is endowed with abundant rainfall and bright sunlight, which assists in grape ripening. The wines from the region express their terroir with slatey mineral notes. Bernkastel is a wine appellation with 8774 hectares of vines.

Popular grape varieties from the Bernkastel wine region

The Bernkastel wine appellation predominately produces white wines that account for 91% of the total vineyard surface. Riesling dominates the area with approximately 60% of the total grape production as of 2008. Other grapes that thrive in the Bernkastel wine appellation are Muller-Thurgau, Kerner, Elbling, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Wines from this region are bold and beautifully textured with slatey mineral notes. 

Food to pair with Bernkastel wine 

Foie Gras

In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which was discovered by the ancient Egyptians. When foie gras arrived in Gaul, it quickly became a delicacy for kings and noblemen. It has since become an integral component of French gastronomy, representing culinary skill, culture, and elegance.

The foie gras is available whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It is occasionally served in terrines, pan seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. The creamy foie gras is complemented with crisp Meursault wines with a mineral taste character. The buttery mouthfeel of foie gras is enhanced by Riesling from Bernkastel.

Margret de Canard

Margret de Canard is a traditional 1950s recipe for seared duck breast which was said to be created by the French chef André Daguin. The dish was created by medium-rarely cooking a magret. Typically, the meat is thinly sliced and cooked until the inside is just beginning to become pink. The duck breast is often from the Moular duck, a hybrid between the white Pelkin and the Muscovy duck. Because the Moulard breed is cultivated for foie gras, its breast flesh has a deeper, richer, beefier flavor than that of other duck varieties. Magret de canard is well-known across France and is often available in restaurants.

Lobster a l'Americaine

Lobster a l'Americaine is a traditional French dish that can be prepared with a number of ingredients and usually include lobster flesh, carrots, celery, shallots, tomato paste, garlic, dry white wine, cognac or dry sherry, chicken or fish stock, bay leaves, olive oil, thyme, heavy cream, butter, and chopped parsley.

Before being flambéed with cognac or sherry, the lobster is cooked in the sauce. The flavor of the dinner will be increased if the lobster is cooked in its shell. It is recommended to serve it with rice on the side. The only thing known about its history is that it is a French dish; nevertheless, various reports say that it originated in the provinces of Languedoc or Brittany, while others believe it was served to first-class passengers on ships going for America, thus the name.

Places to visit in the Bernkastel wine region

Burgruine-Landshut

Burgruine-Landshut is actually the ruins of the castle which was once a fortress as well as resident for Roman knights. The builder of the castle is not found anywhere in the history but it was documented that the owner of the castle was Provost Adalbero in 993. The Boemund I provided fundings to renovate and upgrade the castle during 1268-1299 with beautiful chambers, columns, towers and parapets. The castle was underattack for several times during the middle ages, most recent in the 17th century by the Conflagration.While  you arrive at Bernkastel-Kues by land or river, your attention will be drawn to the ruins of Landshut castle , which soar above the ancient town overlooking the whole town. The castle is now open to public, thanks to the recent renovation from the locals and authorities. It is highly recommended to visit this beautiful place with fascinating panoramic views. 

Jüdischer Friedhof

Jüdischer Friedhof is a historic cemetery in Bernkastel that dates back to the 17th century. The cemetery became overcrowded and was utilized until 1866. There is now a new cemetery being built near the existing cemetery. Since the medieval ages, the Bernkastel region has had a small Jewish community, with just 35 Jews living there by the end of the nineteenth century. Until the Nazi regime was overthrown in 1933, the Jews in the region lived in total assimilation. The majority of Jews emigrated from this area, while some were sent to concentration camps. Today, there are no Jews in the neighborhood, but the cemetery stands as a reminder of the tragic truth of the past.

Frequently asked questions about Bernkastel