The Rhineland Palatinate’s Suedliche Weinstrasse wine district has long had a multi-faceted approach to its wine-making and wine tourism. From cooperatives to independent wine makers, from car routes to hiking and biking trails through the vineyards and towns where the production of wine takes place. These are not one-off trails. Rather they have been well-thought out, and are mutually supportive. One bicycle circuit I recently completed demonstrates these characteristics.
What I Learned
Red sandstone is one of the most striking features of the Suedliche Weinstrasse wine district. It shows up in the scenic rock formations, in the stonework of the local castles (of which there are many), and in the vineyards. This sedimentary rock gains its color from the iron oxide present in the original deposits. As a soil base for vines, it is rather good at retaining the sun’s heat. On the debit side, it is rather poor in nutrients.
Trail Name: Fassboden 6
Trail Type: Short distance circuit; almost exclusively paved, the remainder hard-packed earth; well maintained, and fairly well marked.
Length: total: 18 kilometers/ @ 12 miles (1.5 hours)
Convenient to: Landau, Germany
Marking: Green and white square sign, with white bicycle, wine barrel and number “6” in white.
Almost equidistant between Basel and Zurich, the little town of Klingnau came to my attention as the end point of a wine trail in the Aargau region. As a region, this small canton offers wine enthusiasts a surprising diversity. In addition to some good, and even some unique wines, wine culture is celebrated through festivals and learning opportunities such as wine education trails and museums.
Klingnau falls within the Upper Aargau sub-region of the Aargau wine region. Like much of the rest of the Aargau, this region lies along the Aare River. However, the hiking route began in the rolling hills to the east of the river. Because of the hilly terrain and the ample, green leaf cover this time of year, the river remained hidden from view for most of the hike. Consequently, to reach the river-side village of Klingnau, and the end of the hike, the trail covered a variety of landscapes, and several gentle ascents and descents along the way.
What I Learned
The Aargau Wine Region in Switzerland essentially follows the Aare River as it meanders toward the Rhine. Soft, rounded hills where limestone predominates, and a relatively mild climate help create the environment here that favors vine cultivation. The region is sub-divided into 7 distinct vineyard areas, mostly ranging on the south-facing hills in valleys branching off the Aare.
Trail Name: Wein Wanderweg
Trail Type: Mid-distance; almost exclusively paved or hard-packed surface, well maintained, well-marked route.
Length: total – 11 kilometers/ 6.8 miles
Convenient to: Waldshut, Germany
Marking: White rectangle with red letters: “Wein Wanderweg”
As wine tourism in Italy expands to include active options, there are more trails to hike or bike than ever before. I recently had another chance to visit Franciacorta. East of Milan, and just south of the sparkling clear waters of Lake Iseo, Franciacorta is an ideal location for a wine-themed biking vacation. The lake, in addition to being a beautiful, scenic backdrop, helps to moderate temperature; the hills shelter you and the vines from excessive wind; the wine villages are small, and charming. Best of all, it is quiet and laid-back: I encountered more people cycling than driving on some of the back roads.
What I Learned:
Franciacorta is in northern Italy. Lake Iseo to the north, the Oglio River to the west and Brescia to the east define this 2200-hectare (5400-acre) area of vineyard. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir are the most significant varietals here.
Trail Name(s): Franciacorta Pas Dose/Itinerario 2/Percorso Blu (Blue)
Trail Type: Mid-distance circuit; surfaces mostly hard-packed gravel, or paved in built up areas; well maintained and fairly well-marked.
Length: Total – 30 kilometers/18.6 miles
Marking: Brown rectangular signage with white and blue writing (“Itinerario 2 Percorso Blu”)
