Outstanding Vinotheks Details

For many people, the name Fritz Walter is associated first and foremost with the famous German footballer, captain of the World Cup-winning side in 1954. But that 'Fritz Walter' isn't the only outstanding performer by that name to come from the Pfalz. There's an equally distinguished player in winegrower circles too: Fritz Walter, who in 1832 founded the estate by that same name in Niederhorbach, between the Pfalz forest and the Rhein. It's a family business, now being run in its fifth generation by Eckhard Walter.

The vinothek was built by Eckhard in 1995, and then further expanded to 100 square meters in 2010 to host as many as 30 persons. If even more space is needed, a separate tasting room can hold 40 guests and another 20 can celebrate amidst the barriques in the cellar. Walter's guiding principle is clear: he was interested in preserving the tradition at one of the oldest winegrowing estates in the Pfalz, without a whiff of trend or kitsch. The walls are built from simple raw sandstone, the shelves from clean wood or steel.

Walter's vineyards cover 50 hectares of land, with some sites running right up to the French border. The vineyards around Niederhorbach are primarily planted with traditional varieties such as Riesling, members of the Pinot family and Traminer, as well as new crossings such as Dornfelder.

For those interested in learning more about this region of castles and fortresses, of the Pfalz Forest or even Alsace, and for those who love to hike and bike along the Wine Route or the Rhine Plain: Weingut Fritz Walter serves as the perfect starting place, especially the "WeinHotel" managed by Eckhard's wife Christiane. Guests have the choice of a variety of categories, from country home to winery residence or even the 'winery residence deluxe.' All are furnished to a vinophile's delight, including large photo motifs of grapes, vines and barrique casks on the walls. 18 modern rooms in a boutique hotel style are expected in 2017, including a spa area and the finest in relaxing comfort.

Fresh and fabulous dishes from the region grace the table at the connected "WeinRestaurant." The meat comes from regional family-run farms, the game from local woods, the bread from local bakeries ("Hiwwu un' Driwwe," meaning in nearby Bad Bergzabern and Alsace). The wines from the extensive wine list come from their own estate. Quite a lovely place to kick back and relax. The famous footballer of the same name would surely have enjoyed a stay here as well.