There are few places in Germany where a stay offers such a genuine break away from everyday life. The merged village of Ediger-Eller, with its narrow lanes and quarry stone houses, is nestled on the banks of the Mosel, where it is overlooked by the Calmont, the steepest vineyard in Europe. The Springiersbacher Hof has existed here since 1299 and is one of 33 estates that originally belonged to Springiersbach Abbey, which lies just a few kilometres away in a Mosel side valley. The abbey remains a place of worship and the farmstead named after it in Alt-Ediger continues to be a working vineyard. It has been in the hands of the same family since 1806 and an ancestor of the current residents lived there as a steward of the estate as early as 1781.

Guests of Gabriele and Michael Borchert inevitably enjoy the serene atmosphere of centuries gone by. The half-timbered and baroque buildings of the listed and superbly restored winery tell their own story of river life. These are surrounded by steep slopes of heat-retaining slate, on which the finest Riesling grapes particularly thrive. Details such as beams with original engravings and the use of natural local materials create a wholesome, visually appealing feel-good ambience.

Many guests return to the Springiersbacher Hof time and time again as they appreciate staying at the property of an accomplished ambassador of wine culture. Michael Borchert’s wines have been recognised by the Eichelmann Wine Guide, and the estate has already received the Rhineland-Palatinate Honour Award twice. Wine enthusiasts, and aspiring ones, can learn about the work that takes place on the steep slope terraces and in the wine cellar during wine tasting sessions, and finish with the pleasure of a select glass of award-winning Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer wine. This can be enjoyed in the Springiersbacher Hof vinothek or in the restaurant, which offers a small but fine selection of typical Mosel and Mediterranean dishes that are inspired by the high-quality criteria of the Slow Food movement.

This relaxed, enjoyment-filled attitude to life is significantly added to by the winery’s surroundings. Guests can wander along romantic lanes and the banks of the Mosel or enjoy more sporty pursuits on the Calmont Climbing Trail, there are countless hiking and walking trails to choose from such as the Moselsteig and Traumschleifen trails, Cochem with its famous Reichsburg Castle and the unique Eltz Castle are nearby and a cycling tour along the Mosel is a definite holiday highlight. Thanks to the Mosel Guest Ticket and a train connection in Ediger-Eller, the Springiersbacher Hof is also a great holiday option for the eco conscious and those mindful of spending.