Rich in pleasure: wine terraces with the best view
Rustic wine taverns, stylish wine bars and cozy restaurants: there are many ways to enjoy culinary delights and wine in a beautiful ambience. When the sky is clear (particularly often in Rheinhessen), many people are drawn outside to the courtyards and terraces. Then the view over the green landscape and into the distance opens up another dimension of enjoyment that is also good for the heart and soul. Marina Noble has three tips for very special views.
Traditional and down-to-earth: The Potsdamer Hof - the wine tavern on the wine trail
Above the pretty wine-growing village of Bodenheim, behind the educational wine trail and the St. Alban statue, lies the Gauer Winery. Its „Potsdamer Hof“ tavern exudes a cozy atmosphere with lots of wood. Inviting tables are grouped together in the large inner courtyard - always with a view of the greenery. The view from the lounge corner in front of the vinotheque is particularly far-reaching. From the sofas, you can see the roofs of the village, then the Rhine Valley, with the Taunus and Frankfurt in the background.
Patrick and Silke Gauer represent the fourth generation of the business. He comes from a family of winegrowers, from whom the Potsdamer Hof originates. „My great-grandfather was so enthusiastic about the city in Brandenburg, hence the name,“ explains the boss. This is complemented by the suffix „The wine bar on the wine trail“.
„Our cuisine is down-to-earth, with moderate prices and no chi-chi,“ says Silke Gauer, summarizing the menu. The bestseller is meatloaf in different variations. The „Gauer wines“ include a wide range of white and red wines „with finesse and expression“. The Vinomat directly at the winery finds grateful customers from the nearby hiking and cycling routes as well as from the camping site. The Gauers can also organize events: at the „Schorlegewitter“ live music is on the program.
Stylish and fine cuisine: The Weinzuhause wine hotel
The hotel is nestled in the Mommenheim vineyards Wine at home, another real pleasure address. The grounds are lined with roses, lavender and grasses. Palm trees and oleanders exude a Mediterranean atmosphere. The restaurant is also tastefully designed with great attention to detail. „Dining room“ and the 20 cozy guest rooms.
The spacious terrace offers a true Rheinhessen panorama with a sea of vines. To the right behind Mommenheim is the famous Roter Hang. Frankfurt and the Taunus can be seen next to it on a clear day. To the left, Zornheim looks particularly picturesque when the sun goes down. „Some guests just sit there with a good glass and enjoy the view,“ observes hostess Stefanie Wild. Green dominates in summer, yellow, orange and red in fall. Even cloud formations and rainbows have their charm. Incidentally, the Weinzuhause is very close to the premium hiking trail „Hiwweltour Zornheimer Berg“, which many hikers appreciate.
The wines are produced by Stefanie Wild's brother from Winery Becker next door. Many of his vines grow within sight. During wine tastings on the terrace, it is said that this Pinot Gris comes from up there on the right. Guests can also enjoy a hearty breakfast at the outdoor tables. Snacks, such as the popular classic Spundekäs, are served during the day. In the evening, chef Keenna Harris conjures up a seasonal menu that also includes fine dining.
Unorthodox with plant-based cuisine: Trautwein - Das Winzerhotel am La Roche
Creative and unorthodox, the Winzerhotel Trautwein The entrance is greeted by a Buddha. A Buddha greets you at the entrance. Plants, some hanging in hanging baskets, and dream catchers create an atmosphere in the restaurant. „The hotel was a dream come true in 2017,“ reveals owner and trained winemaker Frank (everyone here is on a first-name basis). Today, the restaurant complements the twelve pretty country house rooms. The name Trautwein comes from the winery that Frank's grandfather founded in the 1950s. The addition La Roche stands for the location in a special red sandstone site.
The large terrace offers an impressive 180° panoramic view over the „Rheinhessen Tuscany“. The sun rises to the left of the main town of Flonheim. The Geistermühle, a historic millstead, greets you on the lower right. In between, vineyards on all levels. A former sandstone quarry looks particularly impressive when the sun goes down. The white Trulllo, a shelter „Häusje“ built by migrant workers, can be made out on the hill.
The non-everyday is also on the Menu - Everything is purely plant-based, much of it homemade. The classics are tasty soy and mushroom gyros and bowls. The delicious cashew fetaaa is served as a Gugelhupf. The cake counter is filled with goodies from Mother Margit's bakery. All „Traut wines“ are also vegan.
