Kelter (Wine Press)

This is an old wine press (called "Kelter" or "Weinpresse" in German) displayed in Eltville next to the rose garden. Presses like this one were used to get the juice out of the grapes. Nowadays there are machines doing that job, but these old wine presses are still nice to look at.

Old Door Handle

This is an old door handle I noticed on an old church door. They installed a new handle right next to it - I guess, the old one had not been save enough anymore.

Downtown Oestrich

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but Oestrich is the town I grew up. So here is an impression of downtown Oestrich next to the market place. The winery in the middle is the place where I took another photo previously.

Entrance to Brentanohaus in Winkel

The Brentanohaus in Winkel is home to the family "von Brentano", who in former times hosted guests like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe or the brothers Grimm. Some of the rooms in the house are still representing the feeling of that time.

The inscription above the door says "Geh fröhlich ein. Geh fröhlich aus. Und find Dein Heim in diesem Haus", meaning "enter happily and leave happily, and find your home in this house".

Sign of Johannisberg

Entering the town of Johannisberg, you'll see this sign representing all the sights of Johannisberg, as there are the castle with the basilica of the former monastery on its right, the former nunnery of Johannisberg on the left, and the church and Burg Schwarzenstein (a hotel and restaurant nowadays) above it. Also, Johannisberg has a friendship alliance with Puligny-Montrachet in France.

Rose Garden in Eltville

This is a part of the rose gardens in Eltville. There are a lot of different kinds of roses and the neat thing is that here they have little signs with their names next to them. If you have a favorite, knowing its name will help you finding the rose in a garden center then :).

Geranium

These flowers are often used for the decoration of houses in the region. There are different kinds and colors but these here are my favorite.

Stage at Sektfest in Eltville

Another photo I haven't posted yet from the Sektfest in Eltville two weeks ago. There had been several stages with live bands performing a great show!

I'm sorry for not posting on time lately - things have been superbusy over here but I try to make it up by posting photos retrospectively.

Winery Signs in Johannisberg

Driving through any village in the Rheingau, you'll notice these kinds of signs outside of houses showing that these are wineries ("Weingut"). All of them are happy to invite you for a tasting (but it's usually better to call ahead and make an appointment).

Windeck and St. Hildegard Abbey

Coming from Marienthal you can see Windeck, which is a part of Rüdesheim and another Kloster - the Abtei St. Hildegard - a nunnery dedicated to Hildegard von Bingen. While I was coming from Marienthal I only had time to take this photo, but next time I'll visit the Kloster and show you some pictures of it, promised.

Fulfilled hopes at Kloster Marienthal

People coming to Kloster Marienthal pray to Mother Mary for help. Some of them donate a marble plate, when their hope has been fulfilled, which you can find in the entrance area of the church. Since the service was going on outside, I was able to visit the church and take a photo of these plates for you.

Kloster Marienthal

Kloster Marienthal is a small monastery run by Franciscian monks and a bit hidden in a valley behind the village Marienthal. It's been a place of pilgrimage since the 14th century.

In summer, services are held outside the church (on the left of the photo). There was actually one just happening when I took this photo so I didn't want to disturb them.

Swan on golden water

Another impression from the Rhine in the evening light. These swans are not really shy anymore. Evertime someone passes by and stops to look at them, they immediately come closer and start looking for food. Sorry guys, didn't have any with me...

Wonderful Rainy Dinner

Tonight, we decided to go out for dinner and went to this place that has really nice outside seating. Our food had just arrived when it started raining, but luckily we had chosen a table underneath a large umbrella so we stayed where we were, while our neighbours on the other tables went inside. Food was yummy, wine excellent, atmosphere - unbeatable ;).

Escape the heat...

To cool down a bit today, we decided to take a walk in the forest. And it's been wonderful - the air was a lot fresher up there and we got a nice breeze. Especially getting out of my office where I've been stuck with heavy workload the past days was great! I was surprised that there were only a few other people doing the same.

Summer Rain

It's been quite hot the past few days and everyone was hoping on some clouds, wind and rain to cool the air a bit. Well, we got a little bit of rain (as you can see on the photo if you click on it to enlarge it) but it actually didn't really help it - made the air more humid instead...

Screen in Hattenheim

There are several public screens in towns and cities to watch the World Cup, like the one you see here in Hattenheim just next to the Rhine. During the day, it's a bit hot there since there are not many trees to protect you from sun but in the evenings it's really nice. Unfortunately, tonight we lost our hope that our team might be in the finals. Too bad, but oh well... the Italians did a geat job so - Congratulations!

Book Cart in Hattenheim

This is a private initiative to sell used books for a good cause next to the parking at the Rhine in Hattenheim. You can browse through the books and take the ones you like and donate some money in return. Some people also leave boxes with more books there to support the project.

Sektfest in Eltville

This weekend we had the "Sektfest" (sparkling wine/champagne festival) in Eltville. On the right you can see a stand from one of Eltville's large sparkling wine producers. The weather was perfect for the festival - mild warm summer night!

Some details that might be interesting for you:

• In Germany, you're allowed to drink alcohol in public (no paperbag needed).
• The music played until 12:30 am and most of the younger people get to the festivals between 9 and 10 pm. There are also things happening during the day, but the party happens at night.
  
• To drink alcohol in public, you must be at least 18 years old in Germany or have your parents (or someone responsible) with you.

Sunset over Winkel

Another occasion where I took the ferry to cross the Rhine. Looking back I watched the sun going down with the silhouette of the St. Walburga church in the foreground...