I blog to provide seasoned and unseasoned travelers alike a chance to experience some personalized, active-travel options in wine regions throughout Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland. I want to share what I have been fortunate enough to experience, develop a community of interest, and hear from more active, wine-lovers.

 Many hiking or biking routes I describe are specifically wine-themed, and developed by local tourism officials or local clubs. Other routes are well-known for other reasons (like the Moselle River bike trail), but coincidentally cover a lot of wine country as well.  I have either hiked or biked (or will kayak, in one case), along these routes either in part, or in their entirety.

Each biking or hiking route has three separate posts, identified by the common regional name in each post title.

First, the Nutshell on the Trail post is a synopsis of the basic interrogatives: where to begin or end, how long, what trail marking to follow, what public transportation options exist, where to find free or long-term parking near the route trailhead, etc. I specify the type and condition of each route. Some routes are circuits, literally circles beginning and ending in the same place, ideal for travelers basing in one town, not able to devote several days to just hiking or biking, or without convenient access to public transportation. Others are trails, which can range from short (10-15 kilometers), to long (90-400+ kilometers) (My definitions of short and long.) In Europe, as in this blog, all measurements are in meters or kilometers. (Just keep in mind: A meter is 3 inches longer than a yard; A kilometer is almost two-thirds of a mile.) Most route developers segment a long trail into 18-25 kilometer long sections, ending that day’s section in a larger village or town so that bikers and hikers have lodging and transportation options readily available, which I identify. I include photos of the trail or circuit signage. Most are marked with a route-specific sign, but the frequency of the markings varies greatly. (Some routes I have navigated solely by signs, others are challenging to follow even with map, compass and navigator.)

But a caveat here: Cited difficulty levels are of course objective: I go for the “common man” standard. Most distances cited are approximate.  I don’t always activate the pedometer, or read the navigator when leaving the route. For me, “on the trail” can mean up to a half-kilometer/quarter-mile away from it. You will see what I mean when I describe a public rest-room as “on the trail”, and you might actually have to deviate from the trail a bit to reach it. Likewise for parking options: “Right on the trail” can be a bit off it. In all cases, I look for free (or low cost) public restrooms, and cost-free, off-street parking where cars may be left, and left alone, for the duration of the hike.

Then I post a narrative of my experiences on the trail, designed to give you a feel for the trail, or simply feel you have been on the trail with me. I include photos with this type of post. (Hopefully, this will encourage you to get out there and do it yourself!)

Finally, the posts identified as Wine Notes contain this non-professional wine enthusiast’s comments on the history and/or traditions of the region’s wines. These are tidbits I pick up on the way, that help me better appreciate the wine and the skills it takes to make it. I also include my impressions of some of the different wines I taste.

I navigate, photograph, taste wine, and note (or not) certain practicalities, as I go along. Therefore I am busy, and don’t notice everything. Those are my omissions, and mine alone. Also, there may be slight discrepancies. Routes change slightly over time for a variety of reasons with safety or repair being the most common. But the key points remain the same: the “Deutsche Weintor” (German Wine Tower) will always serve as the end point for the Deutsche Weinstrasse Weinwanderweg, even if the route to get there through the town of Schweigen-Rechtenbach varies slightly.

In summary, please keep in mind that the information contained in this blog is for your inspiration and general information only. While I try to keep the information current and correct, I make no representations or warranties of any sort, express or implied, about the completeness, suitability, accuracy, reliability or availability with respect to the blog or the information, services, products or related graphics contained therein. This includes the site being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond my control. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk.

In no event will I be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog.

On this blog I will offer links to other sites, which may change over time. I have no control over the content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

All opinions expressed are mine alone.

All photos are my property unless otherwise cited.  These photos may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without permission.

This blog may run advertisements and promotions from third parties. Your business dealings or correspondence with, or participation in promotions of, advertisers, and any terms, conditions, representations or warranties associated with such dealings, are solely between you and any such third party.

I hope you enjoy the blog and look forward to your comments!

– Linda