Durbach in Germany
Yesterday, it was a return visit to Durbach, one of Germany’s most beautiful wine towns. I had previously visited in mid-April last year – more wintry times, when there were no leaves or grapes. This time, my Durbach was in full bloom.
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 kilometres 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, and one of the oldest – and sunniest – wine regions.
Durbach is a long narrow settlement, surrounded by very sharply rising hills, covered in grapevines. I found a road and then a trail that took me up through the hillsides and vineyards. I then followed it around, and enjoyed the stunning panoramic views over the town (see photos).
Perched on top of a hillside is Schloss Staufenberg, a castle with views over the Rhine valley and Strasbourg to the Vosges mountains in Alsace (see photo). The high walls of the Staufenberg have stood watch over the crests of the Black Forest, the Ortenau and Alsace for more than 1000 years. I did not clamber up to the castle, as I was still finding my way. That’s something for next time.
I finished the day with a visit to the enormous wine growers cooperative. Anita was still there, though she did not remember me from last time (see photo)!
Durbach is well known for its Riesling wine. In addition to tasting some excellent Riesling and Gewürztraminer, I also tasted some Pinot Noir (red wines). Although Germany does not have a great reputation for red wines, these Pinot Noirs were also excellent.