Allow our charming and charismatic partner Erni Loosen to personally introduce you to Germany’s legendary Mosel region.
June 10-13, 2026
MOSEL
Blending Escape
With its breathtakingly steep Riesling vineyards rising up from the banks of the Mosel River and its surprisingly creative culinary experiences. Exploring like locals, we will also take in the ancient region’s fascinating culture and history, and make our own famously mineral-driven Riesling from the Loosen family’s very old vines.
WHY YOU GO
• A private Mosel river cruise with Erni Loosen as your guide, while sipping the Grand Cru Rieslings from the vineyards we are passing
• An insider’s entry into a whole new world of next-generation Riesling from family growers like Reinhold Haart as you’ve never tasted it before
•A multi-course dinner with Erni in his private dining room as he personally selects from his legendary cellar the 50+ year-old Riesling, Burgundy and Bordeaux he wants to drink with us
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, JUNE 10
WILKOMMEN
Arrive at the charming Dr. Loosen estate guesthouse, a very manageable drive from either the Luxembourg or Frankfurt airport. As you descend into the region, take in the stunning views of the river winding through steep, vineyard-covered hills.
Welcome drink and orientation tasting on the patio of the Loosen estate
Begin your journey with a glass of sparkling Riesling and a relaxed al fresco tasting on the elegant patio of the Loosen estate’s tasting room. With the vineyards rising dramatically behind you and the Mosel River sparkling in front, Erni himself will introduce you to the magic of Mosel wines. Learn how to navigate German wine labels and explore the diverse styles this iconic region has to offer.
Dinner at one of Erni’s favorite local restaurants
Take advantage of Erni Loosen’s insider knowledge as we dine at one of his top local spots. Enjoy a menu featuring regional cuisine, paired with an impressive wine list showcasing the best of Mosel’s offerings including some hidden gems. This is the perfect way to kick off our culinary exploration.
DAY 2 - FRIDAY, JUNE 11
BLENDING & BOATING
Blending session in the Loosen vinotek
Discover the art of Riesling blending with one of its true masters – Erni Loosen himself. Sample the base wines from his steep slate vineyards, each expressing unique terroir, and craft your perfect blend. This hands-on experience is both educational and unforgettable – a true winemaking masterclass.
Lunch among the Loosen vineyards
Weather permitting, we’ll gather at a communal long table set among the Loosen vineyards. Enjoy a menu inspired by Erni’s grandmother’s cherished recipes, perfectly paired with the aged Rieslings he chooses from his extraordinary cellar. Expect delightful surprises from this must-see-to-believe private collection!
Cruise the Mosel while sipping Riesling on a luxury barge with Erni
Embark on a private barge cruise along the Mosel River, sipping Grand Cru Rieslings while passing by the very vineyards where they were born. With Erni as your guide, learn the fascinating history of the region and the intricacies of winemaking in this storied area. This enlightening and scenic journey is always a highlight.
Rest and relaxation or activity
Spend your afternoon as you wish: cycle along the scenic river path with electric bikes arranged by us, wander through the charming nearby village of Bernkastel-Kues, or simply relax at the guesthouse.
Dinner upstairs in Erni’s private dining room
Begin the evening with aperitifs on the terrace, soaking in the serene river views. Then, move indoors to Erni’s intimate dining room for a beautifully prepared meal of German specialties, crafted by his private chef. Throughout the evening, Erni will share captivating stories about German wine, and you’ll enjoy rare treasures from his world-famous cellar. And the photo of the bottle lineup at the end of the night is always a wine lover’s dream.
DAY 3 - SATURDAY, JUNE 12
MORE MAGNIFICENT MOSEL
Tasting and lunch at the Marco Niepoort property
Experience the energy and innovation of Mosel’s next generation of winemakers at Marco Niepoort’s estate. Son of the legendary Dirk Niepoort of Portugal, Marco blends tradition with modern creativity. After a private tasting with Marco, sit down for a casual, fresh lunch paired with more of his remarkable wines.
Tasting at the legendary Fritz Haag
Step into the world of a true Mosel legend at Fritz Haag. Known for crafting Rieslings of unparalleled elegance and minerality, this iconic estate has earned global acclaim. Enjoy a private tasting, including aged bottles that showcase the timelessness of these exquisite wines.
Rest and relaxation or activity
Spend your afternoon as you wish: cycle along the scenic river path with electric bikes arranged by us, wander through the charming nearby village of Bernkastel-Kues, or simply relax with a good book at the guesthouse.
Dinner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Rittersturz in nearby Veldenz
Celebrate the conclusion of your Mosel journey with a spectacular farewell dinner at Rittersturz in Veldenz. Whether we dine in the cozy indoor space or on the terrace overlooking castle ruins, the ambiance will be magical. The seasonal menu highlights local wild herbs, fruits, and vegetables, all sourced from the surrounding countryside. Paired with exceptional wines, this dinner is the perfect grand finale to your Mosel adventure.
DAY 4 - SUNDAY, JUNE 13
AUF WIEDERSEHEN
Departures, or continue for further exploration.
THE DETAILS
How to arrive
Guests can fly into either Luxembourg Airport (LUX) or Frankfurt Airport (FRA), then either rent a car or The Vines will arrange transfers (not included in trip cost) to the Loosen Guesthouse.
Accommodations
The Dr. Loosen Estate Guesthouse, adjacent to the estate house in Bernkastel, where you can end the day in peace in one of seven rooms. The large terrace also invites you to linger and enjoy a glass or two of wine, while taking in the stunning view of the vineyards and the Mosel.
Winemaking – Erni Loosen of Dr. Loosen
Erni Loosen’s unwavering commitment to his philosophy — a focus on the family’s old ungrafted vines, a move toward organic farming and the use of only minimally interventionist cellar practices – allows this world-class Mosel terroir to truly shine through. His Rieslings majestically combine intensity and lightness, offering a unique expression of this regal grape. Members will use 3-4 different Riesling wines, from the family’s various steep blue slate vineyards and each made in a different winemaking style, to craft their perfectly balanced 2025 Riesling.
Maximum number of guests
14


SOME of the EXCLUSIVE WINES
YOU WILL DRINK
YOU WILL DRINK
Schloss-Lieser/Thomas Haag Riesling Goldstück Ortswein trocken 2021
Immich-Batterieberg Riesling Zeppwingert Grosse Lage 2018
Heymann-Lowenstein Rottgen Riesling GG trocken 2020
Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett feinherb 2023
JJ Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2020
Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath Riesling Sekt Brut Nature 2020
Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2012
Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling Grand Cru trocken 2022
Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Kabinett (ungrafted vines) 2023
Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Spätlese 2010
Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Auslese 2008
Heymann-Lowenstein Spätburgunder Sekt Extra Brut NV
Heinrichshof Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Emrich Schönleber Weissburgunder “S” 2018
Weingut Friedrich Becker Spätburgunder 2019
Fritz Haag Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2018
Fritz Haag Juffer Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2023
Fritz Haag Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2003
Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Spätlese feinherb 2019
Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling “Monster” Kabinett 2022
Weingut P. Stettler-Söhne “Cuvée Prestige” (Spätburgunder/Dornfelder) 2020 (AKA Greg Warland’s favorite wine of the trip)
MOSEL CRUISE WITH ERNI LOOSEN
Featuring the Grand Cru vineyards of Dr. Loosen
Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling GG 2022
Dr. Loosen Graacher Domprobst Riesling GG 2022
Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG Alte Reben 2022
Dr. Loosen Urziger Würtzgarten Riesling GG Alte Reben 2022
Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling GG Alte Reben 2022
DINNER AT DR. LOOSEN
with wines from Erni’s cellar
Perron de Mypont Meursault 2022
Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Alte Reben 2014
Dr. Loosen Erdener Prälat Riesling Reserve GG 2017
Apassionata Pinot Noir “Andante” 2017
Perron de Mypont Vougeot 1er Cru 2019
Château Leoville las Cases Saint-Julien 1979
Jean Michelot Pommard “Les Noizons” 1948
Dr. Loosen Riesling “Long Gold Cap” (Trockenbeerenauslese) 2008
PRICING INFORMATION
The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.
Please note that Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Cancellation Policy
Please review the cancellation policy for this trip on the RSVP page.
Photo Credits:
Some of the images used in this itinerary correspond to the hotels,
wineries, restaurants, and destinations that are part of this unique experience:
https://drloosen.com/en/gaestezimmer/
Fritz Haag
https://www.rendezvousmitgenuss.de/