Durbach, Germany
Durbach is a wine town par excellence! It is very accessible from France. It lies 27 km to the east of Strasbourg, over the border in Germany. Moreover, it is situated on the verge of the northern Black Forest Mountains, just six kilometers northeast of the town of Offenburg.
Durbach has a reputation as a ‘golden wine village’ with a renowned culture of winemaking. Some even say that it is the most famous wine-growing community in Germany! It is also apparently Germany’s third largest, one of the oldest – and sunniest – wine region.
As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the long narrow settlement, surrounded by very sharply rising hills, covered in grapevines. I surprised myself by walking almost to the very top of one of the hills.
Durbach is known for its Riesling wine. Anita offered me a tasting of both Riesling and Gewürztraminer at the enormous wine growers cooperative.
The Riesling was outstanding, and at 9 euros a bottle, it is a bargain. As I was just beginning my wine walk, with a backpack, I only bought one bottle.
On the day of my visit, in mid-April, there were virtually no tourists or wine walkers, and most places were closed. I was told that, in the season, the whole town comes alive with lots of people and festivities.
For lunch, I had to resort to a Black Forest cake – this is Germany after all! Durbach is a must-return place.