BernkastelKues
The heart of the Middle Moselle: half-timbering, Landshut castle, the Cusanus foundation — and around the town some of the most famous vineyards in the world.
Bernkastel-Kues is the heart of the Middle Moselle. The twin town lies some 50 kilometres north-east of Trier and, alongside Traben-Trarbach, is the region's most important wine centre.
01Bernkastel
Bernkastel, on the right bank, is known for its market square of half-timbered houses and the ruin of Landshut castle above the town. It has held town rights since 1291 and in the Middle Ages was a chief town of the Electorate of Trier on the Moselle — town history and aldermen's book at moselriesling.com (German).
02Kues
Kues, on the left bank, is the birthplace of the theologian and philosopher Nicholas of Cusa (1401–1464). The St. Nicholas Hospital (Cusanusstift) he endowed still exists and owns important Moselle vineyards.
03Key vineyards
- Bernkasteler Doctor — the Moselle's most famous and most expensive vineyard (moselriesling.com)
- Bernkasteler Badstube — a classic site, closely tied to the Prüm estates
- Bernkasteler Graben — a steep site of blue slate
- Bernkasteler Lay — another first-rate single vineyard
Bernkastel lies right next to Wehlen. Many Prüm estates also farm vineyards in Bernkastel — above all in the Badstube; and the related Dr. Loosen estate has its seat in Bernkastel.
Read on at moselriesling.com