I can only review a wine tasting we attended in the vineyard itself, hosted by Rüdiger Kröber and…read morehis wife. We learned about the difficulties of horticulture on such steep slopes, the benefits of slate soil and, of course, the effects of bad (wet) weather on the vintage. Harvesting wine under these conditions takes years of experience and passion, which the Kröbers, with the whole family being involved in the business, definitely possess. The wines ranged from a sparkling wine to a sweet (white) wine - or wine from a late harvest, with the basis being the Riesling grape. Mr. Körber is very knowledgeable, and prices range from around €6 for a Rosé wine to €30 and €50 for a sweet and ice wine respectively, with most wines being very reasonably priced. You can order wine online, and book wine tastings at the vineyard (weather permitting) or in the cellars. It's a beautiful part of Germany and I can only recommend visiting, especially in autumn for the harvest festivities.

I travel often and rarely write reviews, but this is one of the most delightful wine lineups that…read moreI've had at affordable prices. The Rieslings have the signature minerality of the blue slate, limestone and volcanic loess that makes the Mosel Valley such a gem. The dry and semi-dry wines from this vintner have scored among the highest in our US wine club's history. Balance of acidity, crispness, mineral earthiness and delightful fruits are in the nose and on the palate. Their Pinot Noir was a deliciously pleasant surprise from an area known for its whites. But if you want the perfect food companion the Rieslings are what draws people to the Mosel Valley. The Schwaab's terroir, exposure and winemaking give you a taste of the best of the entire valley's capability. And, as if that is not enough, they offer mini-courses and vineyard tours that focus upon varying aspects of grape growing, wine making and the wine enjoying experience, addressing local history, geology, culture, food pairings and much more that go beyond the typical cellar tours and tastings...but they do that too. Their intimate, family operation has an interesting historical cave-cellar behind a small modern sales/tasting storefront that can accommodate up to a few dozen guests for group tastings. The small, easily accessible vineyard rises above and adjacent to the cellar. The flat section nearest the river is a gentle stroll a few yards to the east. If you're lucky enough to walk to the top, you'll be treading where the Romans once walked to the overlook the Mosel as it flows towards Koblenz and the confluence with Rhein. If you are near Koblenz or are traveling the Romantic Rhein this little jewel is the first vineyard up the Mosel and well worth calling ahead for a Wein Erlebnis. Or just stop in for a brief tasting where you can purchase some of the family's excellent wines and other wines from all over Europe that Christof Schwaab has selected for his customers' enjoyment. And while you're there step across the street to buy a bottle of refreshing fruit juice from one of Christof's brothers at Schwaab Fruchtsaft and then on the other end of the vineyard, have have a delicious meal at another brother's restaurant, Weinhaus Schwaab, where the food is incredible and affordable...I recommend the "Winzertasche" for the hearty appetite. English is spoken, too. This family is special.