Great Vineyard Route Forst

The Great Vineyard Route 
starts at the parking lot of the Felix-Christoph-Traberger Hall. Cross the street at the pedestrian traffic light. At the wine tasting stand, turn right for a short distance parallel to the street. Turn left into Wassergasse and follow it to the junction with Weinstraße (Dorfstraße). Walk past the church to the northern end of the wine village. Directly at the last house, take the path slightly uphill and follow it in the direction of the Palatinate Forest. Now the route goes between the vineyards Pechstein (5) and Jesuitengarten (2) to the vineyard Ungeheuer (4) and on to Musenhang (7). There a small path to the left leads to the Forster Madonna. Here is a beautiful view of Forst and the Forster vineyards as far as the Odenwald. Take the somewhat inconspicuous stairway (right of the Madonna) downhill again through the vineyard Forster Ungeheuer (4) and back to Freundstückweg crossing Dorfstraße to the starting point at the Felix-Christoph-Traberger Hall.

Tip: There is no designated circular trail signage on site. Therefore, it is best to download or print the route. 

Description of the Forst/Wstr. vineyards

1) Forster Kirchenstück (3.67 ha)
The Forster Kirchenstück is one of Germany's most renowned vineyards. Its special feature is the combination of an exposed southeast location, high sun exposure, and soil composed of weathered Buntsandstein with basalt components. This site produces Rieslings distinguished by power, elegance, and great aging potential.

2) Forster Jesuitengarten (6.2 ha)
The Forster Jesuitengarten lies directly north of the Kirchenstück and was formerly owned by several Jesuit monasteries. The soil consists of sandstone debris, sandy loam, and basalt. The Rieslings are balanced, finely structured, with a harmonious interplay of fruit and minerality.

3) Forster Freundstück (3.5 ha)
Freundstück is one of the smallest individual vineyards in Germany, with just under 3 ha and a special microclimate. Sheltered from the wind, it has a high basalt content in the soil. The name originally came from the term "Am Frienacker." The Rieslings from this site are particularly refined, elegant, and have good ripening potential.

4) Forster Ungeheuer (33 ha) The vineyard’s name probably comes from an owner named Johann Adam Ungeheuer. The soils are characterized by Buntsandstein, calcareous sandstone debris, and basalt. The Rieslings are delicately fruity with excellent minerality and great richness.

5) Forster Pechstein (17.1 ha) The Pechstein site owes its name to the high proportion of black volcanic rock (basalt) in the soil. The wines from this site are distinguished by pronounced minerality, depth, and longevity. The aromas recall citrus fruit and flint.

6) Forster Elster (7.7 ha)
The Forster Elster lies on the southern edge of the village. The name is unrelated to the bird but derives from a settlement designation. The soil consists of Buntsandstein and clayey sandy loam. The wines are fruit-forward with harmonious, rounded acidity. Rieslings and Pinot Noir are grown here.

7) Forster Musenhang (18 ha)
The Forster Musenhang lies at the foot of the Haard edge. The name derives from "Musehelde." The soil consists of clayey sand and calcareous sandstone debris. Due to the cooler microclimate, the grapes here ripen slightly more slowly, resulting in elegant, fresh Rieslings. Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Dornfelder are also grown here.

8) Forster Stift (48 ha)

The name of the vineyard Forster Stift goes back to the St. Guido Foundation in Speyer, dating from 1231. The soil consists of clayey sand and sandy loam. The wines are fragrant and floral.

9) Forster Bischofsgarten (43 ha)
The Forster Bischofsgarten lies northeast of the village. Originally, the bishops of Speyer owned vineyards here. The soil is light, sandy to loamy. Rieslings, Pinot Blanc, Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, and Portugieser are grown here.

Germany | Rhineland-Palatinate | Palatinate | German Wine Route | Holiday region Deidesheim | Forst an der Weinstraße