Sert Day 7

A "short" walk

Schloss Johannisberg - Eberbach Monastery - Schloss Johannisberg

Distance: 10+ Miles (On Foot)

The second and final day of the trip that the Spitfire didn't turn a wheel started with a more than ample breakfast after which, as I was determined to taste and purchase some local wine, we all headed on foot into Ingelheim.

Our local guides new exactly where to take us and we headed straight into "Weingut J. Mett's" open courtyard and shop. We were on the red side of the valley so we where immediately presented with three reds to taste. After a little swirlling, gargling, inhaling and all of that, me and Mrs VL agreed on the "2005 Dornfelder" as a bottom of the range, drink whenever alternative.. Wanting to add to the wine cellar, I also chose a "2004 Blauer Spatburgunder" which has won various prices. Obviously, given the space limitations in the car and the potential for more purchases during the day, two bottles was all we dared to take.

Back to the flat and onwards, in the car and across the Rhein towards Schloss (castle) Johannisberg. We had our lunch in the car, but as we were only going for a little stroll, we didn't take it with us.

The first thing we found at Schloss Johannisberg was more tractors, and again, the narrow version of another of the nieghbours vehicles as shown below.

After a breif stop to look at the fish, we headed onwards towards the destination of our walk, Kloster Eberbach. It quickly became apparent in my mind that this stroll was more of a walk, lunch time was approaching and passing and we were getting further from our food. I must confess to a degree of hungry consternation when we past a signpost stating that the mid point of our walk was 8Km away.

It wasn't long before spirits were raised as we came to this fantastic "Wine Fridge" open to all with a price list and an honesty box. This wouldn't work anywhere in the world, but it seemed to here on the "Rheinstig".

Refreshed, we headed onwards towards the 12 Century monestary of Eberbach. The journey was slow, not helped by the active model club at their airstrip, where yours truly had to stop and watch them flying their planes for a "little while".

When we finally arrived at our destination the question was asked if we should eat first (in the resturant) or have a look around. You can imagine the reply!! So with some local beer and very tasty grub in us we headed on for a look around the fantastic closters and grounds. Those of you who have seen the film "the name of the rose" have seen the inside of these buildings.

Not suprisingly they made wine here through the years (and still do), here are the incredible presses that they used. Just a note for "Partner in Crime", after our bumper crop of grapes this year, we might be needing one of these.... A couple of bits of Oak and a few evenings in the basement, i've got some more detailed shots!......???

More tasting and the purchase of a reisling before we set off on the quick stroll back to our Lunch (stopping at the fridge for refreshment), arriving early evening and back to the Vets flat where my inventive culinary skills were put to the test, making an acceptable Pasta sauce. Highly appropriate for the excellent red wine from the wine cellar....