Bon(n) vivants - Riesling, red wine and exquisite asparagus

The Romans are said to have brought the vines to the Rhine and it is therefore hardly surprising that there is a long-standing tradition of wine growing in Bonn. The grapevines in the Rheinaue Park, once the scene of the German Federal Garden Show (Bundesgartenschau) are still a reminder of this today. On the opposite side, the Siebengebirge (Seven Hills), which are part of the Mittelrhein wine region, there are approximately 20 hectares of vineyards with wonderful sounding names like Rosenhügel (Rose Hill), Goldfüsschen (Golden Foot) and Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock). The wine growing villages in the area, such as Niederdollendorf, Oberdollendorf, Königswinter and Rhöndorf grow mainly Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Kerner wines. The idyllic wine taverns such as the Bredershof in Niederdollendorf or Weingut Sülz in Oberdollendorf, as well as the romantic taverns in Königswinter are very popular meeting places (restaurant tips: www.bonner-illu.de).

The Ahr, a left-bank tributary of the Rhine, flows through the nearby Ahr Valley, where mainly red wine is made. This is where velvety and fiery Spätburgunder, and mild and fruity Portugieser wines are grown. On its way to its mouth at Sinzig, the Ahr digs deep into the rock and the grapes flourish in an almost Mediterranean climate in the 520 hectares of vineyards in the sheltered valley. Dedicated wine growers make some of the most exquisite wines in Germany here. The 35 kilometre Rotweinwanderweg (Red Wine Hiking Trail) through the steep vineyard terraces from Altenahr to Bad Bodendorf has been a popular hiking route for 30 years. As with the Siebengebirge, the Ahr Valley also has many a cosy wine tavern, vintner’s cottage and wine cellar run by a wine grower’s cooperative waiting for guests. The many wine festivals in the different towns from the end of July into late autumn provide those who have a thirst for knowledge with an enjoyable opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Rhine and Ahr wines. A season of events titled “Gourmet and Wine” organizes events throughout the year where excellent restaurants such as Steinheuers Restaurant Zur Alten Post, Brogsitters Historisches Weinhaus Sanct Peter, Restaurant Vieux Sinzig or Restaurant + Hotel Hohenzollern, and outstanding wineries such as Jean Stodden, the Meyer-Näkel, Deutzerhof or J.J. Adeneuer estates serve exquisite wines and culinary creations (package: www.wohlsein365.de).

The Bonn region is also worth the trip for those that love exquisite vegetables. The excellent quality of the soil and the sheltered climate mean that the foothills on the left bank of the Rhine are also one of the leading asparagus growing regions. The royal vegetable has been grown in the area around Bornheim since the 19th century. At the time, the Prussian policies replaced the thus far dominant wine growing tradition with the cultivation of fruit and vegetables for the rapidly developing cities on the Rhine. The asparagus season already attracted the Prussian Crown Prince from Bonn to nearby Alfter. Today his former favourite restaurant is called “Spargel Weber” and is one of the premium addresses for traditional dishes with the vegetable of kings. Another traditional address for lovers of asparagus is the Haus Heimatblick in Roisdorf with its fantastic view of the Rhine. But of course the delicious lilaceous king of spring is also on other menus throughout the region from the middle of April to 26th June in the land where asparagus is king. And those that want to take some home with them will find what they are looking for at Bonn’s colourful weekly market. (www.rhein-voreifel-touristik.de)