Open cellar days at our favorite local winery: Trenz

It is that time of year again: Open Cellar Days at several wineries in the Rheingau. When we first heard of this years back, the Californians in us were astounded to learn that local wineries would open their doors - and countless bottles of wine - to the public, usually twice a year, for free. Coming from the wine world of Napa, where tastings rarely occur without a fee, a watchful eye and a hard sales pitch, this relaxed, come and enjoy as much as wine as you can pour in our garden/tasting room/underground cellar felt like the way wine was meant to be experienced. After this most wonderful discovery, we have yet to miss one of these highly-anticipated weekends.

With our budget under lock and key for the big move to Berlin next month, we were hardly in a position to go and stock up in the manner that we tend to, but we couldn't pass up perhaps the last opportunity to spend some time in our now-favorite wine region before it's no longer just down the Autobahn. Not only does Trenz do some of the wines we reach for most often - like its Johannisberger Riesling Kabinett, Rosé Sekt and the syrupy-sweet peach wine liquor that goes perfectly splashed in a glass of bubbly - but the owner is as un-stuffy and approachable as his wine. Michael Trenz's floppy hair, smiling eyes and well-worn Chucks are perhaps the last thing you would expect from a successful German winemaker, but this is what greets you as you peruse the selections out to try. In his almost California-like, laid-back demeanor, he will introduce himself and proudly explain the latest wines they have created, as well as asking how you feel about what you are drinking. His kindness and wine making skills will be greatly missed after our move. Thank goodness for shipping.

As if the cool cellar, friendly atmosphere and wonderful wine weren't enough, Trenz also has a really great restaurant. Falling somewhere between traditional German and modern cuisine, the menu boasts offerings beyond the usual, heavy regional fare and rotates often around the seasons - though you can't go wrong with its Riesling cream soup or traditional Flammkuchen - just the kind of eating we look forward to more of in Berlin. We left the tasting weekend with happy bellies and a very reasonably-sized box of wine.

It's going to be tough not to be just down the road from the likes of these wineries anymore (other local favorites of note: Prinz von Hessen and Goldatzel), but we realize we are trading one good thing for another, with much to look forward to in Berlin. Even without something as fantastical as a fountain that flows Sekt, I'm sure that we will make room on our calendar to come back down for small wine events such as these, not to mention the amazing countryside and dear friends we will have left behind. Here's to you, Rheingau - we will miss you. Zum Wohl!



Weingut Trenz
Schulstraße 1‎
65366 Geisenheim, Germany
www.weingut-trenz.de