Luxembourg may be one of the smallest European countries, but it boasts its own wine region, and it’s a great one. The Moselle Valley stretches for approximately 42 kilometers from Schengen to Wasserbillig. This picturesque region is renowned for its terraced vineyards, charming villages, and a winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times. The area’s unique microclimate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the distinctive character of its wines. While visiting Luxembourg in winter, when many of the wineries were closed for the season, I decided to take a day trip to the Moselle Wine Region and try a few wines at the Domaines Vinsmoselle in Grevenmacher.
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Key Grape Varieties and Wines of Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Moselle region is predominantly known for producing white wines, celebrated for their elegance and freshness. Key grape varieties include:
- Riesling: Often referred to as the “king of white wines,” Luxembourg’s Rieslings are known for their vibrant acidity and mineral notes.
- Elbling: One of Europe’s oldest grape varieties, Elbling produces light, crisp wines and is also used in the production of sparkling wine.
- Auxerrois: This variety produces full-bodied wines with floral aromas and is a local favorite.
- Pinot Blanc & Pinot Gris: These grapes offer wines with subtle fruitiness and balanced acidity.
- Rivaner (Müller-Thurgau): Known for its easy-drinking nature and gentle floral notes.
- Crémant de Luxembourg: A sparkling wine crafted using the traditional method, Crémant is a testament to the region’s expertise and is ideal for celebrations.
How To Get To Moselle Wine Region
Luxembourg’s efficient public transport system makes it easy to explore the Moselle region. Buses and trains connect Luxembourg City to towns like Remich and Grevenmacher. All public transport in Luxembourg is free, making your journey both convenient and cost-effective. I took a train from Luxembourg Central Station and then a bus, and arrived in Grevenmacher in just over an hour. I used Google Maps, and everything was done on time.
Top Towns and Wineries to Visit in Luxembourg
Remich
Often dubbed the “Pearl of the Moselle,” Remich is a picturesque town that offers riverside promenades and is home to renowned wineries. Notable spots include:
Caves St Martin: Famous for its underground cellars carved into the rock, offering guided tours and tastings of their exquisite Crémants. They do not run tours in winter, so make sure to check their schedule before planning your visit. Tip: If you’ve purchased the LuxembourgPass, a complimentary tour of the winery with wine tasting (1 glass) is included.
Domaine L&R Kox: A family-run estate known for its innovative approaches to sustainable viticulture and a diverse range of wines.
Domaine Goldbierg – Benoît & Claude – Perched on top of the Remich vineyards, this small winery crafts wines with a deep respect for nature, using only first-class grapes to create characterful expressions of terroir. By collaborating with Bordeaux and Côtes de Roussillon vintners who share their passion, they ensure every bottle is enjoyed in a setting worthy of its exceptional taste.
Domaine Mathis Bastian – A family winegrower for five generations, Domaine Mathis Bastian cultivates prime vineyards in the Luxembourg Moselle region using precise pruning, green manure, and mechanical tillage to ensure vibrant, high-quality grapes.
Through integrated viticulture, they strike a balance between economic viability, social sustainability, and a reduced environmental footprint to create exceptional wines.
Grevenmacher
This town is home to several esteemed wineries:
Caves de Grevenmacher: This is the oldest site of the Domaines Vinsmoselle cooperative, offering tastings and insights into traditional winemaking. They are open all year round, and this is where I enjoyed my wine tasting.
Caves Bernard-Massard: Luxembourg’s leading producer of sparkling wines, offering insightful tours and tastings. This is a 5th-generation winery. When I visited at the end of January, only the store was open.
After having visited both Caves de Grevenmacher and Bernard Massard, I sat down at Bistro Quai for a lovely lunch by the river and enjoyed a glass of Chardonnay from the Bernard Massard winery.
A Closer Look at Domaines Vinsmoselle: A Pillar of Luxembourg’s Wine Heritage
Established in 1921, Domaines Vinsmoselle is Luxembourg’s premier wine and Crémant producer. As a cooperative of over 170 wine-growing families, it accounts for more than 60% of the country’s wine production. The cooperative emphasizes sustainable viticulture, holding the prestigious Fair’n Green certification.
Key Locations to Visit:
Caves de Grevenmacher: The oldest site of the cooperative, offering tastings and insights into traditional winemaking.
Caves de Wellenstein: The largest facility, providing guided tours and showcasing the cooperative’s expansive production capabilities.
Caves du Sud in Remerschen: Situated in the heart of the vineyards, it is an ideal location for tasting and learning about Luxembourg’s wine culture.
Caves Poll-Fabaire in Wormeldange specializes in the production of Crémant de Luxembourg and offers tours of its Art Deco-style winery.
Each location offers unique experiences, from cellar tours to tastings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
The Wines I tried at Caves de Grevenmacher:
Charta Schengen Prestige – Pinot Noir 2020 – red cherry on the nose, fresh acidity, and low tannins.
Les Vignerons Gewürztraminer 2022 – hints of rose on the nose, sweet lychee—a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
Les Vignerons Rivaner 2023- aromas of ripe pear on the nose, stone fruit, and white flowers. Good acidity.
Vignum Auxerrois 2023 – fruity wine with honey and smoky aromas, and pleasant acidity.
Vignum Crémant – a blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, partly matured in oak barrels.
Vignum Pinot Blanc 2020 – A Grand Premier Cru with pear and vanilla aromas and floral notes. Matured in oak barrels with woody notes.
Vignum Riesling 2021 – minerality and flinty, ripe lemon and liquorice aromas. Perfectly balanced wine.
Vignun Pinot Gris 2023 – aromas of dried fruit and honey, smoky and fruity on the nose.
There are various wine tasting packages available; I opted for the Wine Lover Package, which costs € 16 per person. Please check the winery’s opening hours before you visit.
Ahn
Ahn is a quaint winegrowing village celebrated for its rich viticultural heritage and scenic beauty. Despite its modest size, Ahn boasts a concentration of private wineries, making it a notable destination for wine enthusiasts.
The village is renowned for its Palmberg vineyards, which produce distinctive Rieslings with floral aromas. These vineyards are situated on limestone-rich slopes, contributing to the unique terroir that defines Ahn’s wines.
Beyond its wines, Ahn offers picturesque landscapes and a serene ambiance. The “Traumschleife Palmberg” trail is a popular hiking route that meanders through vineyards, boxwood groves, and orchid meadows, offering panoramic views of the Moselle Valley.
Domaine Viticole Häremillen – Small, family-run estate producing award-winning Riesling and Crémant.
Maison Viticole Schmit-Fohl – Located in the heart of Ahn, one of the Moselle’s most charming villages, the Schmit-Fohl Winery is now in its seventh generation. In 2021, Nicolas and Mathieu took over the 14.5-hectare estate, continuing the family’s rich winemaking tradition with their own personal touch and vision.
Domaine Viticole Max-Lahr & Fils – At the village entrance, Max-Lahr et Fils welcomes you with its inviting, salmon-colored building and serene elegance—a perfect reflection of the winery’s philosophy of crafting authentic, characterful wines.
A Unique Experience: MS “Princesse Marie-Astrid” River Cruise
For a fresh perspective on the Moselle Valley, step aboard the MS “Princesse Marie-Astrid”, a majestic and luxurious river cruise ship built in 2010 to accommodate up to 500 passengers. Designed with comfort in mind, this elegant vessel pays homage to the grandeur of historic liners of the past.
As you enjoy the excellent onboard cuisine, you’ll glide past vineyards, picturesque villages, and rolling hills, all while immersed in the tranquil beauty of the Moselle landscape. However, the experience is also steeped in history—on the predecessor of this ship, the Schengen Agreements were signed in 1985 and 1990, which have shaped modern Europe.
From Easter to September, the MS “Princesse Marie-Astrid” follows a set schedule, while private charters are available for special occasions outside this period. It’s a must-do experience for anyone wanting to savor the romantic charm and storied past of the Moselle region from an entirely new angle.
Although most wineries in the Moselle region remain closed during winter, I would advise visiting during the warmer months to get the full experience. However, I did still enjoy my visit.
