Ökonomierat Herber wine estate

Long ago this historic Lorraine-style house served as a hostel and livery stable.

For the past century and counting, however, this property built in 1830 has been dedicated to winegrowing.

The renowned Ökonomierat Herber wine estate is located on the Mosel as it passes through the Saarland and has been family-owned since 1919.

The winegrowing family cultivates its vineyards here at a spot where Europe feels more tangible than almost anywhere else: at the junction of Germany, France and Luxembourg, in the towns of Perl, Sehndorf and what may well be the world's most famous village, Schengen.

Twelve different grape varieties are planted on roughly eleven hectares of vineyards, all available for sampling at the estate’s guided tastings.

The focus is on dry whites and reds from the Pinot family, including the much beloved Pinot Gris.

The Herbers also grow Elbling, which has thrived on the fossil limestone soils of the Upper Mosel since Roman times.

Another insider’s tip is Auxerrois, a rare variety that is considered a regional speciality.