The wine experience in the Rural District of Rastatt

The Black Forest foothills, stretching from Sinzheim to Ottersweier, taking in Bühl and Bühlertal, enjoy a sunny climate – which makes it an ideal situation for the local wine and fruit produce and defines the Ortenau region. This charming area of rolling hills is especially popular with those whose love of food and drink accompanies their appreciation of the outdoors. Not only can the fruity wines be tasted at the fine dining restaurants and vineyard taverns, but the love of a fine vintage can also be satisfied through numerous ‘wine walks’, vineyard tours, and wine tastings.

One example is the 100 miles long ‘Ortenau Wine Trail’ (‘Ortenauer Weinpfad’), which invites hikers to enjoy the famous Ortenau wines alongside culinary delights from the region whilst taking in spectacular castles, palaces, and vantage points along the way.

Further information on the Ortenau Wine Trail: www.weinparadies-ortenau.de (German-language website)

If you’re looking for a more demanding route combining hiking and wining, check out the ‘Engelssteig’ in Bühlertal which includes an optional via ferrata section and is located on the ‘Engelsberg’ hill, one of Europe’s steepest vineyards.

Further information on the Engelssteig: www.buehlertaeler-engelsberg.de (German-language website)

And for those who’d rather explore the beauty of the Ortenau wine region by car, the ‘Baden Wine Route’ – a signposted scenic route winding through picturesque villages, beautiful towns of half-timbered houses, and vineyards between the Black Forest and the Rhine river – offers the perfect alternative.