Piet and two of his friends went on a boys-only short weekend to Germany, taking advantage of the last bit of summer and free agendas. They started in the Ahr valley, just south of Bonn, which is Germany’s main red wine producing area. This is a narrow valley with steep sides, which has created a micro-climate which is perfect for growing Spatburgunder (or Pinot Noir) grapes. They visited 2 wineries to stock up on a modest quantity of bottles, assisted with true German efficiency. This was followed by a pleasant walk along the Rotweinwanderweg, a hiking trail along the slope of this valley. The views were great, and the grapes were juicy, ready to be harvested. At the end of the afternoon they drove to Bad Munstereifel to a small hotel run by Russian ladies. The town turned out to have a pretty, walled medieval city centre, again frequented by the elderly, just like the Ahr valley. But good for dinner and a few beers….
The next morning they drove out to Vogelsang for a walk in the Eifel hills. Vogelsang turned out to be a massive, former Nazi training site, now being renovated by the EU into a conference centre, and a starting point for outdoor activities. The buildings are overlooking the Urfttalsperre, a reservoir created some 100 years ago. After a long morning hike around this lake and a steep climb back to Vogelsang the weekend was rounded off with a game lunch, and a drive home, listening to the football on the radio.
Spatburgunder grapes ready for harvest
Dernau, in the Ahr valley
Along the Rotweinwanderweg
Every hillside in the Ahr valley is used to grow grapes
The Eifel, view of the Urfttalsperre, with tourist boat
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