Kaub was made famous by the Prussian general, Blücher. At the turn of 1814, he transported his 60,000-man army and 20,000 horses across the Rhine to drive Napoleon out of Germany. The Blücher monument is a reminder of the event. Pictured: vineyards at Kaub am Rhein.

Wine tastings in the Middle Rhine

The region's wine growers are happy to offer you wine tasting and cellar tours.

The Riesling grape is the undisputed star amongst the Middle Rhine varieties.

The Middle Rhine Wine Region, with only 500 hectares under vine, is one of the smallest of Germany's thirteen wine-growing regions. – © Dominique Ketz / Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

There are traditional and modern facilities where you can enjoy the local wine.

The Riesling grape is the undisputed star amongst the Middle Rhine varieties.

The Middle Rhine Wine Region, with only 500 hectares under vine, is one of the smallest of Germany's thirteen wine-growing regions. But what the wines lack in quantity, they more than make it up for in quality.

Almost all the vines grow on steep vertiginous slopes which store the heat of the sun. Rhenish slate predominates in the vineyards between Trechtingshausen and Boppard, whilst in the north you'll find volcanic pumice-based spoils and heavy loess. This creates special and varied flavours.

Howeber, the Riesling grape is the undisputed star amongst the Middle Rhine varieties. It yields superb full-bodied wines with a crisp activity and a fine nose.

There are many opportunities to taste wine directly from the producers.

Wine growing in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is typically the domain of private, family-run wineries. There are full-time and part-time wine growers. The wine grower's year is a busy one, but there is still room for special wine farm festivals and other cultural events.