Explore Germany's Ahr Valley

As you hike up the forested path, the air fills your lungs with a vibrant energy. As you crest the hill, a breathtaking panorama opens before you.

Steep terraced vineyards lead down to the river valley, a scene that seems to stretch endlessly. The sun bathes everything in a warm, golden glow, and you pause to take in the beauty that surrounds you.

You continue on, the path leading you to a charming village nestled in the heart of this rugged land, where you'll taste with winemakers whose families have been making wine for centuries.

Each step brings something new, from the vibrant flavors of the local cuisine to the rich, expressive wines that tell stories of the land's heritage. The afternoon is alive with possibilities, each moment an invitation to connect, to share, and to experience something truly extraordinary.

You'll experience a region very few North American wine lovers visit and taste with top producers of the region. Through authentic local experiences, you will get to know the people, culture, food and wine of the Ahrtal and you will feel you have truly explored this corner of the wine world.

• Hike the Rotweinwanderweg—the Red Wine Hiking Trail—through vineyards of some of the world's best Pinot Noir.

• Savor local cuisine paired with exceptional wines from the region.

• Stroll through a medieval walled village, visit a cold war-era bunker and marvel over the remains of a Roman villa.

• Travel with like-minded guests that enjoy experiencing a place through authentic connections with locals excited to share their home.

• Lace up your hiking shoes again and head out on the trail again to explore more of the vineyards of the Ahr Valley and the Red Wine Hiking Trail.
• Enjoy flammkuchen, a delicious traditional specialty originating from the Alsace region (on the French-German border), paired with a German beer.
• Stop by two more top producers in the region, and taste their award-winning Spätburgunder.
• Step back in time and visit a former bunker of the federal government, which has opened its nuclear blast-proofed gates as a museum.

Nights 1 & 2

Altenahr

We spend our first two nights at this boutique hotel in the center of Altenahr. Modern and spacious, the hotel has been in the same family since 1870 and is located on the banks of the Ahr River.

It's the perfect place to start your journey on the Ahr Valley's Rotweinwanderweg (Red Wine Hiking Trail) through one of the best wine growing areas of Germany. Post-hike, relax on the outdoor terrace, or enjoy a rejuvenating sauna session.

Night 5

Arhweiler

We'll spend our last night at Hotel & Restaurant Eifelstube, a cozy, traditional family hotel in the center of the beautiful old town of Ahrweiler. Run by the fourth generation of the family, this charming hotel combines traditional Ahr Valley hospitality with modern comfort.

Surrounded by medieval walls, Ahrweiler delights with its narrow, picturesque streets and historic half-timbered houses.

• Travelers who like to experience the region like a local and those who want to incorporate all the things they love about travel—being active, delectable food, exciting wines, and getting to know the local culture and people of a region.

• Active travelers. We will be hiking 3-5 miles a day (with wine tastings in-between). While there are a few steep inclines and descents, it will mostly be moderate hiking.

• Adventurous eaters. The food is delicious and very high quality; however there are typically limited menus, that include fish and game.

• We highly recommend packing light (carry-on + personal item). Not only is this helpful for avoiding lost luggage, it also allows a checked item to bring home wine!

• While we have selected hotels that have larger than normal standard European rooms, beds, and baths (and that are historic and some of the best in the region), not all are the same size as we may be used to.

• All meals (five breakfasts, six lunches, five dinners).
• Wine pairings are included with all dinners.
• Beverages are included with lunch and breakfast, with a limit of one beer or wine per person at lunch (liquor is not included on this trip).
• Accommodation (five nights).
• Wine tastings.
• Entrance fees to attractions.
• Activities and local guides.
• Pickup and van transfer from our meeting location in Frankfurt at the beginning of the trip, as well as transfer back at the end of the trip.
• Van shuttles throughout the trip.
• Comprehensive pre-trip information.
• Private guided tours in English at wineries, historic sites, and other attractions.
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants.
• Baggage transfers and porterage.
• Small group of like-minded travelers.

We had an absolutely incredible week-long hiking trip in the stunning Ahr red wine region of Germany, and we cannot recommend it enough! The natural beauty of the area, with its picturesque vineyards and scenic trails, was simply breathtaking. Jill and Jeff were fantastic—knowledgeable, welcoming, and incredibly organized. They made the entire trip run smoothly from start to finish.

One of the highlights was meeting the local winery owners, who were not only passionate about their craft but also made the experience so much richer with their stories and insights. The meals and wines were exceptional, showcasing the flavors of the region, and the accommodations were top-notch.

Everything was thoughtfully arranged, and we felt completely taken care of throughout the entire trip. We will absolutely sign up for another adventure with Jill and Jeff without hesitation. A truly unforgettable experience!

– Rick & Patty

Being in the wine business, we were hoping this trip would be able to elevate our knowledge and broaden our vision of the wine world. WOW, did it ever! From first-class accommodations, great wine and food pairings, and the beautiful countryside. This trip was by far more than we could have ever expected!! Highly recommend!

– Tony

A winemaker and an active travel guide walk into a bar...or maybe a winery.

Jeff Murphy is the winemaker for the oldest estate winery in New York, advises customer wineries, and judges international wine competitions.

Jill Bornand worked as a trip leader and regional expert for one of the world's largest active travel companies. 

A mutual love of travel, exploring, food, and wine led to Undiscovered Wine Tours. Undiscovered Wine Tours is an active travel company that leads small group tours to wine regions you may not be familiar with. Through tastings with local winemakers, seasonal food and wine pairings, private tours of cultural attractions and more, Undiscovered Wine Tours gives you the very best of each wine region.

Interested but want to know more? We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to email us at [email protected].

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