How to make your own Wine Fest at home!

Sometimes you just can't go to every wine fest! Or maybe you have kids that would rather be watching Dora the Explorer in their jammies than sitting on a fest table watching you drink wine? Or maybe you just hate being around other humans?

Whatever your reason: Here is everything you need to make your own wine fest in the comforts of your own home: 

Wine: Try out different kinds. Damn you are so refined now...a living room wine fest and a wine tasting all wrapped in one. Sounds like a fan-freaking-tastic Saturday night to me.

Pretzels and Spundekäs: A must. Either hard pretzels or fresh soft ones. But who doesn't love eating those little sticks like your mouth is a mini wood chipper?

Here is a recipe for Spundekäs if you don't shop in Germany: http://fourchetteknife.com/tag/spundekas/

Cheese with a side of cheese. Try some Camembert or Brie cheese.

Grapes: Great compliment to all of the cheese you are eating. 

Dust off your best platter and: TA DA!

Normally at fests your unnecessary, drunken ravaging hunger will drag you to the Flammkuchen booth. So get one of these and you will be in thin-German-no-sauce-pizza heaven in 10 mins when cooked at 200c.

Even if you are having a wine fest at home with your friends or family... or let's be honest here... all by yourself... there is nothing holding you back to dance on your living room coffee table like a rock star!

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Rheingau Wine Week in Wiesbaden: ‘The Longest Wine Bar in the World’

Rheingau Wine Week in Wiesbaden: ‘The Longest Wine Bar in the World’

What brings people, couples, friends, towns together to rejoice with great enthusiasm? Love? Freedom? World Peace? No. The answer is: Wine Fests.
 

Every year in the middle of August, the Rheingau Wine Week is held in Wiesbaden for 10 glorious days! Located around the historic town hall, there are an impressive 120 booths of Rheingau Wineries to tantalize your taste buds. You will not leave thirsty!

This year the festival celebrated its’ 40th Anniversary. Hovering above the fest there was a beautiful wine glass made out of gold balloons and with a ‘40’ balloon hanging from it.   

The special aspects of this festival that make the Rheingau Wine Week stand out from other festivals in the area is the size of the fest and the picturesque Wiesbaden city Schlossplatz surroundings.

Every year the fest attracts over 400,000 guests and goes through 250,000 bottles of wine!

This fest is perfect for ‘stall hopping’. At this fest there are more than 1,000 different wines and sparkling wines at the 100+ different wine stalls. So using my public school math, you could sample a glass of wine at each stall if you have 10 drinks each day at the fest for 10 days. Not sure how your liver will feel after that, but it is a possible task!

If you don’t have a taste for wine, the beer lovers can visit the Ratskeller stand which is the only beer stand at the fest!

While drinking you are surrounded by beautiful tall architecture in the middle of the Parliament, the Town Hall and the Market Church. All gorgeous, inspiring, facebook-selfie-posting-worthy buildings.

If you are new to wine fests in Germany you may be surprised at the higher price when paying for your glass of wine. There is a deposit added to your drink (called a Pfand) and you will get the deposit back when you return the glass to them. If you go up for a drink with only the exact euro that is listed for the wine, then wait in line, you may be caught off guard when you don’t have enough money. Some people like to keep the glasses as a souvenir, however I am not sure how the wineries feel about this. At this winefest you can purchase your own *new* glass that is special to the Rheingau Wine Festival each year. On the glass there is always a nice design with the theme of commemorating the state capital.

There are several food stands and the selection is in keeping with the overall vibe of Wiesbaden: rich and quality. Popular dishes there are local favorites like Spundekäs cheese dip with pretzels and Flammkuchen which is similar to a thin pizza.

To really get into the Rheingau Wine Week spirit you must try one of the beautiful and delicious fruit and cheese platters! Everything on the plate compliments the flavor of the Riesling wine. 

Out of all the other wine fests in the area, this is the fest to really party at night time. While others may be a bit sleepy and refined, this fest is a perfect place to literally dance in the streets. You can dance in the street or on your fest table to 1 of the 50 different music groups playing on 3 different stages.
  

I love the motto of this fest and it is pretty much the motto of my existence. So every August I encourage you to go to the Rheingau Wine Week to: "Discover well-known and new, taste and enjoy".

Here is another motto: I Only Drink Wine on Days Ending in "Y"

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Rüdesheim’s Annual Wine Festival

Rüdesheim’s Annual Wine Festival

One of the many things I love about Europe is how villages transform their center town squares into enchanting festivals. The Annual Rüdesheim Wine Festival is a perfect example. On the cobblestone old town center, sitting on fest tables nestled under the trees, it is a delightful location to sip Riesling wine!

Since 1912, every year in the middle of August Rüdesheim holds this wonderful fest for all wine affectionados. Rüdesheim is already such a gorgeous town on the Rhine River and there are so many locations to explore, so going to this fest is just an added bonus!

During the day, on a relaxing scale from zero to ‘wild and crazy dancing on fest tables’.. it is a 2. However at night time a young crowd joins and the tempo kicks up a bit. During the day, the ambiance was so relaxing and they were playing soothing music. When I was there they were playing relaxing Celtic flute music and I could have stayed there drinking all day… and perhaps have a nap or two. After the spa music, the traditional German band started up on stage. Oom Pa Pa! 

During the day it is a very kid friendly fest!

There are many wine vendor stands located throughout the fest, but not too many where it is an overwhelming decision and you can certainly find a favorite there!

A couple of food vendors are on the outside circle of the fest. They range from tradition Rheingau favorites to exotic like the Asian noodle stand. There are no noisy rides or big flashing candy stands at this fest, but rather quality over quantity. 

We got the delicious vegetable Flammkuchen… a local fest favorite!

Tips for the fest

Try the Pinot Noir! Your taste buds will be delighted and it is a perfect drink in warm summer nights in Germany.

Bring a lot of cash! The deposit (Pfand) for a wine glass is 5 euro each. This is the most I have ever seen at a fest. Meaning you pay for your drink, then you give them 5 euro as a deposit to ensure you will bring your glass back. When you do return the glass you get your 5 euro back. So if you, your spouse and another couple get drinks, you will pay around 3 each euro for the wine, and plus the deposits, which equal 32 euro a round.

Also the flammkuchen wooden trays have a deposit of 8 euros.

Parking

I think the best parking lot is located at the street ‘An der Ringmauer’. It is inexpensive and in a great location.

This is a fest not to miss during your time here in Germany. Also what else is not to miss is trying delicious Flammkuchen. If not at the fest then in your own kitchen!

Flammkuchen is a very thin bread dough with traditionally crème fraiche, thinly sliced onions and bacon. It is served on a wood board with a handle that looks like a big paddle.

A great recipe for Flammkuchen can be found here: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173819.asp

Cheers!
 

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Mal-Werk: Pottery Painting Café in Mainz

Mal-Werk: Pottery Painting Café in Mainz

Mal-Werk is as fun as it is colorful! Let your artistic juices flow at this delightful café where you choose your ceramic and paint it to then receive a fully functional new addition to your cupboard!

With stencils, sponges, stamps, brushes and a rainbow of paint colors
you can have a cozy and creative day with your friends & family.

How it works

After you select the ceramic of your choice, which come in all different prices, you then pick out the colors you want to paint with. They have a self-service island set up in the middle of the first room where you pick out your paints and squirt it into your pallet.

Painting was so much fun! It brings you back to the all the fun you had when you took art class in school. We originally came for the kids to have fun and make some gifts for family members, but we were really into to as well!
 

There is a small play area for children, which is a great break for when they sit too long painting. I ordered a delicious, much needed, coffee on a Sunday morning and enjoyed it while a made a one of a kind bowl. 

After obsessing over every nook and cranny to ultimate painting perfection, (okay that is just what I do) then you show what you have made and pay for the items. The ceramics are left and worked on for 3 days. They will cover the art in glaze, bake it in the kiln for one day then cooled down for another day. They will tell you the day when you can pick up your masterpiece!

 

This is when the colors come alive! There is a huge difference of the color that you are painting and how it looks when it is baked. When you choose your paint you see the way the color looks after the time in kiln. The finished product can be used in your kitchen and it is dishwasher safe.

My items after painting
  

After the time in the kiln the ceramic come out colorful and glossy!

Painting Tips

On the table they will provide you a big plate with some instructions and tips on it. For example it is best to cover the whole piece with a light color then draw with the dark colors. Also they show the difference with three different layers of paint. I made sure I had three layers on to make it as vibrant as I could. 

Gift Ideas
It doesn’t get more personalized than to make Grandma and Grandpa a painted personalized ceramic gift from Germany! They will know that you thought of them with every brush stroke.

Make a day of it!

Remember you can bring in drinks and snacks! I plan to get some friends together around the holidays and paint some ornaments while drinking gluhwein and eating holiday cookies. How cozy!

Or for a romantic date night? Perhaps a couple that paints together, stays together!?

Birthday Parties

You can book a children’s birthday party for 11 euro per child. They have a wall of items just for birthday party children to pick from. A ceramic is a fabulous alternative ‘goodie bag’ item to take home!

Address:

Weißliliengasse 10

55116 Mainz

Parking:
Karstadt Parkhaus

Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00-6:30
Friday 8:30 Pm

Avoid disappointment, call for a reservation.

Website:
http://www.mal-werk.com

Enjoy and happy painting! (Bring wine!)


About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Barefoot Path in Bad Schwalbach: Reflexology Health for Mind Body & Sole!

Barefoot Path in Bad Schwalbach: Reflexology Health for Mind Body & Sole!


Located in the public spa park in Bad Schwalbach, there an invigorating 750m trail through the gardens with various soil textures, natural reflexology massaging, a mud basin, water pool and stream path.




Reflexology is an alternative medicine which when applying pressure on certain areas of the foot, it affects physical changes to your body. Going barefoot alone strengthens your muscles, tendons and joints. It also restores the natural beauty and mobility of healthy feet.
  

Along the trail there are several fountains with cool iron filled healing water, which feels amazing on your skin during a hot day.

When you first start there is an area where you can sit down and clean your feet. Since we did this on a very hot day, it felt really great.

Then after being cleaned, it was time to get our toes in some dirt! The next stations intent are to give you the feeling of walking on different textures like the floor of the forest. This was an amazing feeling for your senses!

Then the stations started to massage your feet with natural objects. Stepping on different stones and round wood bumps stimulate the bottoms of your feet for an overall body wellness. I never would have thought that stepping on big hard rocks would feel so good!

Next the real muddy fun starts! I have never stepped in mud like this before in my life. The closest most foot adventurous thing I have done is getting an extra wax wrap during a pedicure! Stepping into the mud basin felt surprisingly really good! I liked it so much I did it twice.

With your muddy feet you walk to the adjacent station to rinse off in the cool water! Fresh grass clippings blew into it and sprinkled the top which gave it an even more delightful natural spa feeling.

The last station was actually my favorite because you walked in a shaded cool stream! For me, this is stepping out of my comfort zone because I would never think of being in a park and start walking in the nearby stream. They have a rope set up as a handrail and you tip toe in the stream as your final obstacle.

At end you feel a sense of accomplishment and your tootsies feel so amazing!

How to find it:

Set the GPS to:

Street: Badweg

Town: Bad Schwalbach

Follow the park to the end and follow the Barfuss signs. At the end there will be a small parking along the park. Then you walk passed a mini-golf course and a lovely restaurant, then the path starts behind there.

A big wooden foot marks the start of the barefoot path!

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation

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Horse and carriage ride, castles and wine... Oh my!

Horse and carriage ride, castles and wine... Oh my!

A horse and carriage ride through the Rheingau vineyards, sipping Riesling while castle hopping, is the perfect combination for a 'pinch me am I dreaming’? or 'Am I a character in a fairytale’? moment.

Well luckily I was not dreaming and fairytale moments do come true in the Rheingau with the help of Mr Gottfried Schuth’s horse and carriage tours. You can book several beautiful wagon rides in the Rheingau region for a lovely afternoon out with your group of friends. Our tour visited two castles with wine tasting and a light snack picnic in the vineyards along on the way.

The wagon conveniently met us all in a parking lot along the Rhien River and then we were off! First stop was at the charming Schloss Vollrads, where you can sight see and also enjoy some wine tasting in their vinothek. This gorgeous castle and wine estate have been making wine for over 800 years! You can sip their Riesling while sitting next to the tower and surrounding pond. The early 14 century tower looks like right out of the German fairy tale, Rapunzel!
  

After my daydreaming of envisioning Rapunzel dropping her long golden hair out of the tower, it was time to get back on the wagon! Some members of the group bought several wines that they just sampled in the vinotek.
 

We went further into the vineyards, then the wagon stopped at a wonderful wine tasting picnic set up by Mr Schuth’s tour. His wife was there along with their third business partner, their 15 year old dog named Charly.

The stop they chose had an amazing view. We were high, in the sunshine, and the atmosphere was very calming. I thought it was interesting to be so close to all of the grapes. They looked so healthy and delicious. I look forward to drinking them when they turn into wine soon!
 

Now with a belly filled of wine and cheese, it was back on the wagon to the final stop, Schloss Johannisberg. This is a beautiful castle to visit! They have a wine shop, a great café and a breathtaking view of the Rheingau. To walk to the lookout area you pass through grape vine covered awnings and sweet smelling red rose bushes.

Schloss Johannisberg has been making Riesling for over 900 years and they are known for creating the first late harvest wine, called ‘Spätlese’.

The entire trip was a magical day and a great change from the normal road trip. Contact Mr Gottfried Schuth’s horse and carriage tours for more information to making your ordinary weekend very extraordinary!

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.