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 Upper Mosel Valley is made up of Bereichs Moseltor, Obermosel, and Saar-Ruwer.  For the most part, the best wineries are to be found in the Saar and Ruwer River valleys.

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).

Saar Valley

Heckingstraße 3
D54439 Saarburg
Ph: 011 49 06581 2456

Phenomenal agers, the Rieslings produced here have the distinct mineral quality that goes so well with the river cuisines of Germany.  Be sure to try to get their Auslese, BA, and Eisweins.

Bahnhofstraße 3
D54439 Saarburg
Ph: 011 49 06581 2457

These wines are simple in their style, classic in their quality.

D 54455 Serrig
Ph: 011 49 06581 232

One of the must experience wines in the Saar, their wines have intense fruit added to the classic steely flavors.  Incredible Eisweins as well.

Herrenberg
D 54455 Serrig
Ph: 011 49 06581 2208

In good and excellent vintages, their wines are excellent.  Also worth trying their Weissburgunder.

Scharzhof
D 54459 Wiltingen
Ph: 011 49 06501 17232

Historically, one of the great wineries of Germany, this winery produces Rieslings that are classical in every sense of the word.  You'll need to find this wine at a shop or restaurant as they do not sell to visitors.

Dehenstraße 2
D 54459 Wiltingen
Ph: 011 49 06501 16510

One word to describe their wines - dry.  If you like dry Rieslings, you'll love them.  If you don't, then move on down the road to the next place.

Agritiusstraße 56
D 54329 Oberemmel
Ph: 011 49 06501 15384

This is another wine that is one to make sure you experience.  Not only are the wines among the best in the region, they are also among the best values.

Trier

Liebfrauenstraße 9-10
D 54920 Trier
Ph: 011 49 0651 75101

One of the largest estates in Germany, von Kesselstatt makes wines from grapes from across the Upper and Middle Mosel.

Gervasiusstraße 1
D 54290 Trier
Ph: 011 49 0651 43441

One from the ages, this is an association of three church estates that have a wide variety of wines that are light, fresh, and fruity.

Ruwer Valley

D 54318 Mertesdorf
Ph: 011 49 0651 5111

These wines are known around the world for their complexities and flavors.  None of them are sub-par.  Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday.