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While crafting my Guide to the enchanting town of Bernkastel-Kues, I stumbled upon a truly one-of-a-kind wine tour experience! The mere mention of a Roman Wine Barge gliding along the stunning Mosel River amidst charming homes and endless vineyards left me eager to secure my spot. It's a journey that speaks for itself – a blend of history, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Trust me; you won't need much convincing to add this to your bucket list!
Introduction: Roman Wine Barge Tour on the Stella Noviomagi
Nestled along the scenic Moselle River in Neumagen-Dhron, Germany, the Roman Wine Barge Tour aboard the Stella Noviomagi offers a unique and immersive journey back in time. This charming replica of an ancient Roman wine barge takes you on a leisurely cruise through the heart of one of Germany’s most renowned wine regions. As you glide along the river, you'll learn about the region's rich history, dating back to Roman times when Neumagen-Dhron was a significant hub for wine production. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply seeking a peaceful day on the water, this tour is the perfect way to experience the cultural and historical treasures of the Moselle Valley.
Neumagen-Dhron
Neumagen-Dhron, often referred to as the "oldest wine village in Germany," is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Moselle Valley. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and lush green hills, this charming village is steeped in history, dating back to Roman times when it served as an important wine trading center. Walking through its narrow, cobblestone streets, visitors are greeted by beautiful half-timbered houses, quaint wine taverns, and ancient Roman relics, including the famous stone carving of a Roman wine ship. The village’s peaceful riverside setting and vibrant wine culture make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore authentic German winemaking traditions while soaking in the serene beauty of the Moselle River. Whether you're sampling the local Rieslings or exploring its historical sites, Neumagen-Dhron offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Pertinent Details
Website
Dates
Tours are run during the months of April - October.
Winery
I heard there was an option for a winery tour and other activities, but we didn’t have the time to explore those during our visit. Unfortunately, I didn’t look into that option further!
Booking Information
Click below to see the full document with all details. ⬇️
One is in German, and the other has been translated.
Calling wasn't an option for me, so I sent them an e-mail at touristinfo@neumagen-dhron.de to book my spot. Once my reservation was confirmed, I completed the payment via IBAN transfer.
Note:
Communicating in both English and German is important for courtesy and to increase your chances of receiving a timely response.
IBAN Payments
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardized system of identifying bank accounts across international borders. It is commonly used for payments within Europe, particularly for cross-border transfers within the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) zone. The IBAN system helps facilitate seamless and secure transactions between banks, reducing errors and enhancing the speed of payments.
An IBAN is a unique identifier that includes several components: a country code, two check digits, and a Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN), which typically includes the bank's identifier and the individual’s account number. For example, a typical IBAN format in Germany might look like this: DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
When making a purchase in Europe, you may be asked to provide your IBAN. This allows the payment to be processed directly from your bank account to the recipient’s account, similar to a domestic bank transfer but streamlined for international use. Many European businesses accept IBAN payments for transactions as they are cost-effective and efficient, often incurring lower fees than traditional wire transfers.
If your bank does not support this capability, please contact them directly for assistance. They can guide you on the available options for making the payment and inform you of any specific requirements or procedures needed to complete the transaction.
Parking
We weren't sure where to park, so we parked a bit up the street at a random parking lot, but this one is closer, and I believe it was open on the day of.
Meetup Location
Location Link:
Transportation
There isn’t a direct train route to this area, so I highly recommend driving for the best experience. While you could take a combination of train and bus, it’s not the most efficient option. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help!
As for the meeting point, it’s hard to miss! We were running a bit behind schedule (during my visit), but the long, obvious line of people made it clear we were in the right spot.
The boat was decently packed, with only narrow wooden benches. I'd suggest coming in pairs of two, so you don't have to share with a stranger!
Note:
We did not have the option of rowing. I was slightly hoping we would be given oars.
Lodging
If you would like to make this a weekend or overnight trip, here are some suggested lodgings in the area:
If you book through these links, you’ll be supporting me directly as part of my Booking.com affiliate program! I earn 4% from everything you book, so feel free to reach out anytime for a supporting link if you're planning to book through Booking.com. Your support means a lot to me and helps me to continue doing what I love!
Keep in mind that many German hotels and guesthouses may offer a different experience compared to what you're used to in the U.S. Air conditioning is not as common, especially in smaller or traditional accommodations, so be prepared for that, particularly in the warmer months. Beds in Germany also tend to be firmer, often with only one pillow per person, and you may find twin beds pushed together with a noticeable separation down the middle rather than a single large mattress.
That said, it's all part of the charm! Knowing these differences ahead of time ensures you’ll have a more comfortable and enjoyable stay. You might also want to bring extra amenities like a travel fan or additional pillows if you prefer softer sleeping arrangements.
What to Bring / Wear
We were fortunate to have stunning blue skies and ideal weather.
That said, don't forget to wear sunscreen! If you opt for a hat, ensure it's snug enough to handle the wind or has a strap. I’d also highly recommend bringing sunglasses and, depending on the conditions, a wind-resistant jacket to stay comfortable.
Amazon Affiliate Links to My Favorites:
Just a reminder: if you purchase items through my Amazon Affiliate Store, you’ll be directly supporting me with your purchase!
It was a peaceful scenic ride upriver with spectacular views.
Roman Winepress Stop
A little over halfway, we stopped at the ruins of a Roman wine press!
The Roman Wine Press in Neumagen-Dhron is a fascinating archaeological site that gives a glimpse into the ancient winemaking traditions of the region, dating back to Roman times. Located in the heart of the Moselle wine region, this well-preserved wine press showcases the sophisticated techniques the Romans used to produce wine over 2,000 years ago.
The wine press itself is a large stone structure with a shallow basin where grapes were crushed. In ancient times, grapes would have been pressed using heavy beams, allowing the juice to flow into collection basins. The site reflects the importance of wine in Roman culture and highlights how the Moselle region, known for its fertile land and favorable climate, was a key area for viticulture even back then.
We explored the remains of the press and imagined how Roman winemakers operated on a large scale, supplying wine for local consumption and export. We also learned not only about the winemaking process but also the rich Roman history that shaped the Moselle Valley. The tour encompassed both the natural beauty of the region and the ancient traditions of wine production that still influence the area today.
There, we were given our first glass of wine!
We stopped there for approximately 30 minutes before resuming our journey.
Bring a Little Cash
Be sure to have some cash on hand! We were offered an additional glass for about 3 to 4 euros.
Conclusion
That just about sums up this charming little excursion! The entire experience lasted around 2 to 3 hours, with most of the time spent relaxing and soaking in the beautiful scenery. While the tour was primarily conducted in German, they did provide English translations for us, which was a nice touch.
If you're looking to extend your day, the surrounding area offers plenty of activities: from hiking trails and vineyards to cozy restaurants, castles, and historical landmarks. German river towns never fail to impress!
And don't forget, Trier and Bernkastel-Kues are only a short distance away, offering even more to explore.
Please enjoy this short little video below! ⬇️
Amazon Affiliate Links for Recommended Items in Germany:
Compact Windproof Umbrella (fall/winter/spring = rain in Germany)
Reusable Folding Tote Bags (always keep one on you in Europe)
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