Castles and abbeys along the Rhine

After our walk through the vineyards the weather was way more impredictable, but no worries, we had some wine castles and abbeys lined up to visit just south of Rüdesheim am Rhein.  

Abtei Sint Hildegard

We visited the abbey by foot during our walk through the vineyards above Rüdesheim am Rhein.  They are part of the camino de Santiago in Germany apparently and have a visitor cafetaria, a gift shop but also a guest residence etc.  

Schloss Johannisberg

After lunch we drove a few kms further to the birth place of the Riesling wine, thanks to a late arrival causing a late harvest.  The castle now belongs to the Metternich - Freixenet group.  The castle is privately owned. We arrived at the deserted castle place in the pouring rain which only got worse, so we rushed inside the shop.  

We could taste a couple of wines (and the children tasted along with grape juice) and learned about the different taste grades of the wines that depend on the location and height of the grapes on the hill. But the hill was invisible in the pouring rain.  We bought and were allowed to drive into the domain with our trunk against the shop door to avoid getting soaked. 

Schloss Vollrads

Just 5 kms further is another castle. Schloss Vollrads is a square castle/farm with a central donjon.  The complex now holds a restaurant and castle buildings for events.  There's also a wine (tasting) shop. 

We enjoyed walking around the complex in the fresh air while the rain stopped. 

Eberbach Abbey

Last stop of the day was the Eberbach abbey.  I thought we'd just find another wine shop but besides that there was an entire historic Cistercian complex to visit.   We took the tour and searched the kid's assignments in their booklet.  

We explored the courtyards, the former monk's dormer rooms , the drink fountains, the church, the eating hall, the historic wine presses and barrels etc. , the ice basements etc..

And while touring the area, the sky turned blue,  with the sun shining enthusiastically on the white historic walls. Well, we sure hadn't anticipated that this morning when buying all our rain outfits!  This day sure didn't turn out bad at all.