Eltville am Rhein Germany Hesse
Frequently Asked Questions
At the foot of the historic centre, on the Rhine. Eltville is the first Rheingau town west of Wiesbaden, and the electoral castle stands right at the water's edge, a few steps from the landing stage.
Because roses climb the walls of the old fortress, spill out of the gardens and scent the lanes running down to the Rhine, in a town whose other wealth is Riesling. Residents celebrate their flowers each year at dedicated festivals.
The former residence of the prince-electors of Mainz, whose massive tower dominates the riverside promenade. Its courtyard and gardens are open daily at no charge and hold a rose garden planted right into the old moat.
Yes, and it is worth it: exhibition rooms follow one another and the windows frame the river between the battlements. The site also hosts temporary exhibitions.
In full bloom, from early summer into early autumn: hundreds of varieties then compose a picture visitors cross slowly, between the ramparts and the river. Outside the flowering season the courtyard and tower remain interesting, but the effect is markedly reduced.
A web of cobbled alleys behind the ramparts, lined with townhouses, winegrowers' courtyards and carefully kept half-timbered houses. Estates established within these walls for generations pour their Rieslings for tasting, sometimes in vaulted cellars several centuries old.
A former Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, a few kilometres away in the wine valleys. It preserves its Romanesque church, Gothic dormitories and monumental presses, witnesses to eight centuries of monastic viticulture: it was here that the monks helped make Riesling the region's ruling grape.
Yes, the interior scenes were shot at Eberbach Abbey in 1985 and 1986. Film enthusiasts recognise the setting at once. Under the cool vaults of the cellar, barrels stand alongside oak presses centuries old, lined up like sculptures.
Yes, the estate is still working and the visit ends naturally with a tasting of its wines. The abbey also regularly hosts concerts of the Rheingau music festival.
On the landscaped riverside promenade: plane trees, benches facing the water and a view of the slopes that made the Rheingau's worldwide reputation. In fine weather the growers set their terraces right on the bank, and you drink your glass watching the barges go by.
