Jernie's Hub: Rheinpfalz Region

Monday, October 13, 2008

Rheinpfalz Region

Rhineland Palatinate is a German wine-growing region in the area of Bad Dürkheim, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, and Landau. It is the second largest wine region in Germany after Rheinhessen. There are about 6,800 winemakers producing around 2.5 million hectolitres of wine annually.

We were invited by Herbert's Uncle and Aunt for a day trip to this region. The weather that day wasn't really ideal for the planned trip nevertheless we had to push through with it. We drove first to the Nachterhof for a lunch in a Hunter's Guesthouse (Jäger's Gasthaus). I thought it is very interesting for my parents to try some wild dishes. We have been to this place before and we really liked it so much. Apart from the great food, the interior of the restaurant is pretty unique and interesting. From the outside, the restaurant looks small and simple but inside it's really nice and spacious.

inside the guesthouse
Chandelier made of deer horns

deers on the wall

As soon as we got settled in our table, we were served with drinks and started right-away browsing through the menu card. Choosing dishes for my parents was quite a challenge. I had to check if they are serving steamed rice, luckily they do and then chose which one among the wild dishes I think will suit my parents' taste. It took us quite longer than usual to finalise our order.

After few minutes the food was served. I was a little bit anxious if my parents would like the food or otherwise. Fortunately, they were fine with the food except for two things; the rice was cooked in butter with some spices on it which was a little bit salty for them and the serving was way too much for them. At the end of our lunch, the owner of the restaurant joined us in our table offering us the usual digestive drink called mirabellen schnapps (it's a kind of clear brandy made from fruits called mirabelle).

Wild Ragout

Wild Pig

at the back of the restaurant

After lunch, we started to drive to the town of Bad Dürkheim which is famous to be the home of the biggest wine barrel in the world. On our way, we drove through the Wine Streets (Weinstrasse), passing by the beautiful vineyards and the town of the wine producers. Though the town is small but it has a very strong cultural character, like many towns in Germany.

The Weinstrasse

family produced wines

Not long after, we arrived at the town of Bad Dürkheim. It is also known as a home to the Wurstmarkt (Sausage Market). It is also a health resort to which many visitors come for its 'grape cure' and its sodium chloride medicinal spring , spa treatment establishments and indoor & outdoor pool.

From the parking area, the Dürkheimer Fass (Dürkheim wine barrel) caught our attention. It has a capacity of 1.7 million liters or 374,000 gallons.