Oestrich-Winkel: Wine, History and Trails

On the banks of the Rhine stands Oestrich-Winkel’s historic wine-loading crane; the town also has historic sites, wine experiences and trails through vineyards and woodland. You can focus your stay on history, tastings, hiking or cycling, and tailor your itinerary to your interests.

Historic Sites and Visits

The wine-loading crane dates back to 1745. You can visit the interior and exhibition from April to October on the first weekend of each month between 1 and 5 pm; check the date before your visit. The Basilica of St. Aegidius in Mittelheim dates back to the 10th century, while the Gray House in Winkel dates back to the 12th century. The different dates offer a glimpse into different eras.

At the Brentano House in Winkel, you can visit the historic rooms on a guided tour led by Angela von Brentano. Open tours that do not require registration are held on selected dates. As dates vary, check the city’s current events calendar.

Wine Experiences and Changing Schedules

Winemakers and wines rotate weekly at the wine-tasting stands in Winkel by the ferry, in Oestrich by the crane and in Hallgarten. The stands are available seasonally, and the selection may vary. At Schloss Vollrads, you can taste wines at the vinotheque in the former coach house in the courtyard during opening hours, without an appointment. Schloss Vollrads also has an estate restaurant serving regional cuisine and a courtyard wine tavern. Check current operating information before your visit.

Events at Schloss Vollrads include tours for children and wine-and-food hikes. Specific events and dates may vary, so check the current calendar.

Vineyards, Cycle Routes and Woodland

The Flötenweg runs for about 10 kilometers parallel to the Rhine, above the river, through the vineyards of all the districts of Oestrich-Winkel and on to Schloss Johannisberg. For comparison, the long-distance cycle route R3 is 240 kilometers long and passes through Oestrich-Winkel. A section of the Rheingau Monastery Trail starts at Oestrich-Winkel station in the district of Mittelheim and runs through the vineyards to the rest pavilion in Honigberg, where it meets the Rheinsteig.

The woodland around Oestrich-Winkel is ideal for hiking and cycling; numerous circular trails start at the Kreistanne forest car park. The woodland provides a habitat for, among other species, wildcats, black storks, eagle owls, red deer, lynxes and wolves. So alongside the vineyards, woodland and circular trails are also options for days outdoors.

The seasonal outdoor swimming pool is located on the upper edge of Hallgarten. It has an unheated swimming pool with a water slide, a non-swimmer area and a paddling pool. Tours for children at Schloss Vollrads and the pool’s different areas give families specific activities to choose from, without limiting their stay to just one kind of outing.

The Wider Region: Rheingau-Taunus District

In the wider destination of the Rheingau-Taunus district, the cultural landscape is shaped by steep river slopes, steep-slope and terraced viticulture, numerous castles, historic townscapes and the Rhine. Through the municipalities of Rüdesheim am Rhein and Lorch, the district is part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rail connections may also be relevant when planning your trip: the right-bank Rhine railway runs from Koblenz via Rüdesheim am Rhein and Wiesbaden to Frankfurt am Main. This connects Oestrich-Winkel directly to Deutsche Bahn’s regional rail network; check timetables and services with RMV.

You can choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Idstein, Waldems, Walluf, Lorch, Aarbergen and Taunusstein.

Back to the regional travel guide: Rheingau-Taunus District.