Architecture + wine in the Rheingau

The Rheingau has a long cultural tradition and is famous today for its excellent wines and its vineyard landscape, in which romantic villages, castles and monasteries are embedded.

So far, the possibilities of modern architecture for upgrading wineries and the localities in general have only been used cautiously. There are currently only a few examples in the Rheingau.

One of them is the state winery Domain Steinberg. The delicate concrete architecture harmonizes with the old walls and vineyards. From the terrace you have a wonderful view of the Rheingau. The enjoyment of the landscape benefits from the fact that a large part of the wine press was built underground. This led to controversial discussions in the planning phase.

The Eberbach Monastery is in the immediate vicinity. The impressive historical complex of this first Cistercian monastery in Germany has meanwhile been superbly renovated using modern elements. Theatrical gloom can still be found in the vaults of the press or wine cellar. This attracted the makers of the film "The Name of the Rose" to shoot the interior shots with this backdrop.

Domain Steinberg - view to Rheinhessen

Are you interested in the area? We have two suggestions in particular for tours in the Rheingau:

Tasting architecture + wine

A supplementary tour, half-day, to visit Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or other sights in the Rhine-Main area. From Frankfurt you are in the Rheingau after approx. 45 minutes. Various restaurants with a wonderful panoramic view also invite you to eat there.

Restaurant on the Johannisberg

Architecture + wine + hiking

It's simple: you can go hiking or walking in the wonderful landscape and winegrowers have small samples from the cellar. Paths and winegrowers are selected in such a way that sprinkles of modern architecture can also be examined.

The approximate plan: Travel to Eltville, from there by public or rented bus to Eberbach Abbey. Here a tour of the monastery or the Steinberg domain is possible or can be requested. Both are only a 10-minute walk away from each other. From here it goes through vineyards to Hattenheim, where you can stop for short tastings at two winegrowers who also have something to offer in their rooms in terms of architectural design. Either through the vineyards or along the Rhine, the path leads to Eltville, where the tour ends with an aperitif in an architecturally remarkable vinotheque and then with a dinner in traditionally high-quality Eltville gastronomy.

For those who are interested in running and for whom the enjoyment of the landscape is in the foreground, Eberbach can also run to the Johannisberg. You don't have to go without wine tastings here either.

  • Duration: half day or full day
  • Getting around: with sturdy shoes or hiking boots, intermediate transfer by public or rented bus
  • Services: hiking-loving architect as a guide, tastings with explanations of the wine and the architecture of the vinotheque, dinner reservation on request
  • Languages: German, English, Dutch
  • Group size: 8-15 people
  • Price: as the tour offers many possible variations, we will make you an offer when the concept program is ready

On request, we also offer a complementary wine seminar.

All this information only gives a rough overview. We would be happy to provide you with further information on the range of possibilities, and tailor the level of exertion of the hike as well as the rest of the program to your wishes.

through the vineyards to Erbach

project selection modern projects

Project selection of historical places

  • Eberbach Monastery, 12th century
  • Johannisberg Castle, 18th century
  • Johannisberg basilica, 12th century - reconstruction after being destroyed in the war by Rudolf Schwarz
  • Hattenheim village ensemble
  • City ensemble Eltville
  • City ensemble Oestrich
  • Graues Haus, Winkel, 11th century
  • Domain Steinberg
  • RheinSchänke Hattenheim
Vinothek Wein- und Sektgut Barth Hattenheim Photo: Christof Mattes
  • Eberbach Monastery
  • Johannisberg Castle
View from Johannisberg to the Rheingau