Hunny Holidays

When people ask me what my favorite winery was during our trip through Germany, I have to pause for a moment. We visited some incredible vineyards, each with its own personality and story. But there was something undeniably magical about Schloss Johannisberg—recently ranked the No. 2 winery in the world by The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025, an international ranking that recognizes the world’s top wine tourism destinations based on the overall visitor experience, including wine, hospitality, history, architecture, and setting. It’s easy to understand why it earned such an impressive distinction.

Even before we arrived, we knew we were in for something special.

The drive took us through a quiet little village, the kind that makes you slow down just to take it all in. Then, almost unexpectedly, the road opened up to reveal the magnificent estate perched high above the vineyards. The view literally stopped us in our tracks. Rows of vines stretched across the hillside below, framed by the Rhine Valley beyond. It was one of those travel moments where you instinctively reach for your camera—and then quickly put it back down because you simply want to enjoy the view.

The setting alone would have made the visit worthwhile.

Then the tasting began.

If you’ve ever been to a wine tasting in the United States, you’re probably used to a host juggling several groups at once. Schloss Johannisberg was the exact opposite. Our wine ambassador spent an entire hour focused solely on us. It felt less like a tasting and more like being welcomed into someone’s home for an afternoon of stories, history, and exceptional wine.

His knowledge was astonishing.

As we sampled one Riesling after another, he didn’t just pour wine—he told the story of Schloss Johannisberg. He explained how vines were first planted here in 817, how the estate became the world’s first winery devoted exclusively to Riesling in 1720, and how it later gave the wine world the famous Spätlese, Auslese, and Eiswein classifications that Riesling lovers know today.

Every glass connected to another chapter of the estate’s remarkable history.

And the wines…

They just kept coming!

By the end of the tasting we’d sampled eleven different Rieslings, each expressing the grape in a completely different way. Dry. Fruity. Elegant. Rich. Mineral. Complex. Every time I thought we must be finished, another bottle appeared with another fascinating story behind it.

It was one of the most enjoyable—and generous—wine tastings I’ve ever experienced.

What impressed me even more than the wines was the impeccable service. Our host never rushed us. Every question was answered thoughtfully, and every pour came with another piece of history or insight. It was the kind of experience that reminds you that great wine is about much more than what’s in the glass.

After our tasting, we weren’t quite ready to leave.

Fortunately, Schloss Johannisberg has a wonderful restaurant overlooking the valley, so we settled in for lunch with one of the best vineyard views imaginable. We happened to be the very first guests of the day, which made the peaceful setting feel even more exclusive. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of Riesling, overlooking centuries-old vineyards bathed in sunshine, was one of those travel moments I’ll remember for years.

The meal was every bit as wonderful as the wine.

Unfortunately, dessert took longer than expected, and we eventually had to leave to make our reservation at the next vineyard. I still wonder what I missed—it looked delicious—but sometimes that’s just part of traveling. There’s always one more reason to come back.

Looking back, Schloss Johannisberg wasn’t simply another winery on our itinerary.

It was an experience.

From the spectacular arrival and breathtaking views to one of the finest private tastings I’ve ever enjoyed, every detail reflected centuries of dedication to producing extraordinary Riesling. Knowing we were standing where the world’s first dedicated Riesling vineyard began only made every sip that much more meaningful.

If your travels ever take you to Germany’s Rheingau wine region, put Schloss Johannisberg at the very top of your list. Take your time. Book a tasting. Stay for lunch. Wander the grounds. Soak in the history.

Trust me—you won’t regret it.

Hunny Holidays Tip: Make reservations for both the tasting and lunch. Plan to spend at least three hours here. Between the world-class Rieslings, the fascinating history, and the breathtaking Rhine Valley views, you’ll want to savor every minute.

Source for ranking: The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025, which named Schloss Johannisberg the No. 2 winery in the world and the top winery in Europe.