Cochem - Weingut, River Cruise and Bummelzug

Our holiday began in Cochem which is at the northern end on the Mosel, just below Koblenz where the river joins the Rhine. Our descent into the town revealed some stunning views of the castle and river. 

Our Weingut guest house is just a few houses in from the river front which we found perfect as we were not troubled by late evening noise in the town bars. Weingut Haxel has a variety of accommodation, we had a first floor double room with sofa bed and ensuite bathroom with a view overlooking their premium Reisling vines. I'm amazed at how the winemakers sit on the small chair and go up the steep slopes on a rail. 

They have a super seating area under the vines where we enjoyed a bottle of their halbtocken Poesie wine. Unbeknown to us when we booked they were very busy so only opened the bar area in the afternoon, why were they busy? Well from Wednesday to Saturday the town hosted its annual wine festival ... honestly we didn't know!

As we arrived on Monday we had a few days before the festivities started. The weather was glorious but getting very hot. We decided to take a river cruise and caught the first boat out. It was beautiful sailing slowly along to Beilstein, quite a surprise when we had to pass through a large lock raising us up 7m. 

Beilstein is a small village with a ruined castle which although possible to visit we decided not to go as it was quite a way up and the day was getting hotter.

We stayed onboard for the immediate return and on our way back enjoyed a glass of Mosel wine as we passed by the steep vine slopes. It was so lovely; warm sun, great views and super wine. I can't think of a better was to spend a morning.

I managed to get a photo of the boat later in the day when we took a ride around Cochem on the land train. I know it's a tractor in disguise but I just love a Bummelzug or Petit Train ... this tour took us across the river to see the town and castle from a different view, I loved it! 

A super start to our time in Cochem.