Day 18 Cochem to Bernkastel

DDay 18 Chochem to Bernkastel 83 km 4:53

Today the scenery en route to Bernkastel was interesting and varied as we made our way along the Mosel with a patchwork quilt of vineyards clinging to the steep slate slopes. A Schloss was perched on a high hill around every corner and the half timbered buildings had climbing roses creeping over arches and walls in deep reds pinks and white, a beautiful sight. 

The Mosel is filled to the brim and in places has burst its banks which meant that we had to take the high road for about 10 km from Edinger to Alf.

We had a downpour at lunchtime and managed to take shelter in a restuarant until it passed. In Zelltinger 4 km before Bernkastel we stopped at Hotel Zeltinger Hof to buy a bottle of Selbach - Oster Riesling Spatslese 2009. We had requested a tasting at JJ Prumm, but unfortunately they were unable to accommodate us. They said that we would find a good selection of Rieslings from the area here.

We are staying at Weingut Peter J Hauth which is very comfortable and spacious. Pat and Andrew are staying just around the corner. 

We had a glass of the Peter - Jos Hauth 2015 Riesling in their newly opened wine tasting room, which was fresh and pleasant. WWW 6. The custom is for the wineries to open for Strausswirdschaft at 6pm for drinks and snacks much like the Heuringen Shank in Austria. 

The young winemaker, who is the seventh generation to make wine here, offered to take us around his cellar, which was really interesting. His wines are made in fiberglass tanks and then transferred to old oak barrels where they are left to develop depth and character. The barrels are 100 years old and are made from German Oak.

 After a good dinner at Pat and Andrew's Hotel Restaurant St Cues we called it a day.