Probably the most famous and most important region in today's wine market, the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer valleys starts at the ancient Roman city of Trier and snake through the Rhineland to Koblenz where it empties into the Rhine.  The dramatic slate-covered slopes of the valley (especially in the Middle Mosel) are the keys to the region's success. As the valley is at the same northern latitude as Newfoundland, the exposure to the sun is minimal and therefore vineyards need to be on slopes with a dramatic angle.  This angle plus the heavy amounts of slate in the soil that store and reflect up the sun's heat, thereby maximizing the impact. Riesling is the most prominent grape grown here, and is found at its best around the towns of Wiltingen and Schwarzhofberg in the Saar-Ruwer district, and around Bernkastel, Piesport, Wehlen, Brauneberg, Graach, Zeltingen, and Erden in the Middle Mosel district.  Wines of the Mosel and its tributaries, the Saar and Ruwer, tend to be pale in color and light-bodied with crisp fruity acidity and have the potential to age in complexity. In warm vintages, Auslese and higher wines show the full potential of the region.  100 years ago, a good wine from the Middle Mosel 100 years ago, would have cost more than a premier cru from Médoc.  Today, though, even quality Mosel wines are under-priced due to the flood of wines, allowing wine consumers to experience phenomenal wines without spending a lot of money.  The Middle Mosel Valley consists only of the Bereich Bernkastel.  This Bereich stretches the villages from Longuich downriver to just upriver of Zell.

This list should not be considered final and complete, but rather as a starting point.  Although many small producers will happily welcome you into their winery, you may find that most of the more prominent German wine producers only accept visitors with a reservation.  It is strongly recommended that you call before going to the winery or even that you make arrangements prior to going to Germany (your local wine shop may be able to assist you with this - click here for more information).  Another option is to visit a wine shop in one of the larger towns and "schmooze" the proprietor for recommendations and (possibly) an appointment arranged by them (plan on buying at least a couple of bottles if doing this).

Trittenheim

Moselweinstraße 67
D 54349 Trittenheim
Ph: 011 49 06507 2607

Tons of complexities and flavors in their Rieslings.

Moselstraße 7-9
D 54349 Trittenheim
Ph: 011 49 06507 2300

In general, they produce wines with good quality.  Many argue, however, that they are coasting on their reputation (one to decide for themselves).

Haus an der Brücke
D 54349 Trittenheim
Ph: 011 49 06507 5011

Very full-bodied wines.  Some people like them, some don't.  Worth a try, but don't set high expectations.

Piesport

Ausoniusufer 18
D 54498 Piesport
Ph: 011 49 06507 2015

Intense fruit and richness in their Rieslings that rank among the best in the country. They are especially known for their Auslese, which have been described as "near nectar" and has received international acclaim.

St. Michel Straße 27-29
D 54498 Piesport
Ph: 011 49 06507 2498

One of the most consistent Riesling producers in the Middle Mosel, their Rieslings have very full fruit.

Brauneberg

Dusemonder Straße 44
D 54472 Brauneberg
Ph: 011 49 06534 410

One of the biggest names in the Mosel Valley, their Rieslings are in high demand.

Haupstraße 111
D 54472 Brauneberg
Ph: 011 49 06534 450

One of the best values in the Middle Mosel, these Spätlese and Ausleses are worth experimenting.

Haupstraße 118
D 54472 Brauneberg
Ph: 011 49 06534 236

A small producer whose wines make up in quality what they lack in quantity.

Bernkastel-Kues

Martertal 2
D 54470 Bernkastel-Kues
Ph: 011 49 06531 2493

Traditionally one of the big names in German wine history, this estate is quickly re-making its quality to match its reputation of old.

St. Johannishof
D 54470 Bernkastel
Ph: 011 49 06531 3426

One of the great estates in all of Germany, Ernst Loosen's wines range from Kabinett up to Auslese and are dollar for dollar consistent great values.

Gestade 15
D 54470 Bernkastel
Ph: 011 49 06531 3002

Good wines with a wine shop in town at the address listed above.  Past vintages of their Trockenbeernauslese have received rave reviews.

Wehlen

Uferallee 19
D 54470 Wehlen
Ph: 011 49 06531 3019

One of the great estates in Germany, these wines can be aged for decades and are a classic in every sense of the word.  Many consider this to be the wine to experience what the Mosel is truly capable of.  Their Auslese has flavors that can create a sensory overload while their Spätlese is equally intense, with lots of fruit and mineral flavors!

Uferallee 20
D 54470 Wehlen
Ph: 011 49 06531 2270

Although their wines don't reach the heights that JJ Prüm does, they are a consistent producer of elegant Rieslings that still maintain the Middle Mosel quality standards.

Urzig

Schanzstraße 2
D 54539 Urzig
Ph: 011 49 06532 4522

Elegant wines that have truly established the Urzig name. 

Brunnenstraße 11
54539 Urzig
Ph: 011 49 06532 4522

Rieslings that are made in a traditional manner, bearing tons of fruit.