IrisGermany’s Mosel Valley is dotted with lush greenery, storybook castles, and endless stretches of vineyards and it is also the place where I decided to search for a bit of calm during a whirlwind tour of Europe last summer. I found myself in the little town of Cochem–the epicenter of Mosel’s tourist area; the little jewel sits in the shadow of its castle like most Mosel towns.
Strolling along winding cobblestone streets and wandering down alleyways that opened to rows of half-timbered houses was exactly what I needed. Medieval met modern in a perfect blend of old and new and the riverfront promenade boasted taverns and gastropubs and a sesselbahn (chairlift) that offers views of the valley, a hilltop restaurant, and the opportunity to hike down and enjoy the wineries below.
Speaking of wineries…
The Mosel Valley is known for its vineyards and produces some of Germany’s most renowned wines (most notably Riesling), but the town of Cochem is especially known for a sweet liqueur made from tiny red “vineyard peaches” called Roter Weinberg-Pfirsich likör. In a region overflowing with grape vineyards, how did a peach become a local star? The peaches, originally known as “Persian apples” were first brought to the area by ancient Romans and since that time, peach trees have grown alongside grapevines, barely noticeable among their more famous cousins. Every April, the valley comes alive with the colors of the blossoming peach trees and a festival honoring the tart, red peach welcomes the start of the season.
Walk into any liquor shop in Cochem and you’ll find a variety of the peach liqueur not to mention jams and chutneys made from the local delicacy. Tastings of the liqueur are available in the shops that line the narrow streets and wineries along the valley. Even I, a non-drinker, indulged in a few tastings and I agree with what everyone in Cochem already knows: the vineyard peach is, indeed, the hidden gem of the Mosel Valley.
Note: There are a number of ways to book winery tours. Click here
OMG I can’t believe it! I’ve been looking to replace this amazing bottle of incredible peach liquor for ages. I can’t believe I’ve actually found it via Twitter! Your article is a goddesssend! Now I have to find out how to order some. Thank you, so much!
Just read your comment about the peach brandy! I discovered this in 1998 and have been ordering it from my friend’s Wine and Gift shop in St. Goar Germany. His family has the vineyard and make the Brandy and other delicious wines and he sells it from his gift shop. I order from Stefan every year. Comes quickly and is alway just the way I remember it!
STEFAN’S WINE PARADISE
D-56329 ST. GOAR/GERMANY
HEERSTRADA 57
Phone # 06741-7550
http://www.giftsfromgermany.com
I always try to call when it is around 5pm in Germany. Just tell him Cherry sent you! You can also see his gift shop on Face Book.
Happy shopping!
We found this Likor while visiting Cochem, and enjoyed it so much but no one had it in their Liquor stores. Would love to order!! Thank You
Just read your comment…..I have been ordering Brandy since 1998 from my friend Stefan Kollmar who owns Stefan’s Wine Paradise in St. Goar Germany.
Give him a call. He ships whatever you want.
Stefan’s Wine Paradise
Heerstrasse 57
56329 St. Goar
Germany www,gifsfromgermany.com He is also on Face Book
Heerstradda Germany
Thank you for the tip!