Now to the fun stuff. The Aachen Christmas Market or the Weihnachtsmarkt (German) is considered one of the most picturesque markets in Germany. The market extends to several squares across the city center. Come hungry and with your shopping list! There are plenty of stalls offering gifts, food, and of course drinks! We started with a warm mug of Glühwein (mulled wine). Served in an adorable boot-shaped mug, it makes the perfect souvenir to take home. When you purchase the Glühwein, you also pay for a deposit. Just in case you don’t want to keep the mug, you can return it and get your deposit back. 

Eating & Drinking at the Aachen Christmas Market

I feel that German cuisine doesn’t get the love it deserves sometimes compared to its other European neighbors. I lived in Stuttgart for a year and fell in love with the bread, cheese, and sausages. So, of course, I couldn’t resist buying a plate of currywurst, chopped sausage with a tangy curry-laced tomato sauce, and crispy fries. It also presents the opportunity to indulge in a proper German pilsner! Like I mentioned before, bring your appetite because there are plenty of treats at the Aachen Christmas Market! You can’t leave without a warm apple strudel, and there are plenty of stalls selling cookies, chocolates, and candies you can bring home. 

Practical Tips for the Aachen Christmas Market 2021

I highly recommend coming on a weekday. We went on a Wednesday night by car from Brussels, and it was a pretty smooth ride. However, we hear there can be horrible traffic getting into the city on the weekends, arriving by train may a better option. We could find parking easily at a parking garage just a twenty-minute walk from the Aachen Christmas Market. Make sure to bring cash since some vendors don’t accept cards! Also, don’t forget your ID, COVID vaccine information, your mask, and most importantly, your appetite! Be safe & have fun! 

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Where to Stay

Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are two of the best neighborhoods to stay for a weekend in Berlin. Both have ample dining and drinking options and are in close proximity to the sites you will want to see. Berlin has loads of airbnbs and small hotels, so finding a place to rest your head will be easy. I would spend as little as possible; Berlin has so much to see and do you will be spending very little time at your hotel/airbnb!

What to Do

Where do I even begin? A weekend in Berlin is not enough to see it all, but you can get quite a bit accomplished!

• Berlin Wall Memorial: Visiting the site where the wall once was, as well as the open air exhibits that document the construction of the wall, life from 1961 – 1989 when the wall was in place, and the aftermath of the fall of the wall, is essential to any visit to Berlin.
• Berlin Stasi Museum: To learn about the period after WWII when German communists, under the guidance of the Soviets, developed the Ministry of State Security, i.e. the secret police or Stasi, this is the place to go. Learning about the dark and manipulative tactics of the Stasi was shocking and informative; we stayed for hours perusing the different rooms, which was the actual location of the Stasi operations.
• lRAW-Gelände: This cool spot is a must-see. It’s an area in Friedrichshain full of graffiti tagged walls, as well as biergartens, clubs, a swimming pool club called haubentaucher, and a weekend flea market. Wander around, admire the art, and definitely stop somewhere for a beer.
• Turkish Market: This open air market is about half a mile long, and is full of stalls selling food, tea, drinks, fabric, jewelry and more.
• Berlin River Cruise: Berlin has two rivers running through the city, Spree and Havel. You can buy inexpensive tickets for a one hour historical river cruise on one of these rivers any day of the week. See the government quarter, the Berlin cathedral, Museum Island, and other local sites.

Where to Eat

• Berlin Secret Food Tour: Because Berlin is known as such a foodie city, we kicked things off with a food tour pretty much as soon as we arrived. The tour included a stroll through different neighborhoods as well as an informative history lesson, and of course, loads of delicious fare. We sampled falafel at a Iraqi restaurant (Berlin has a significant Middle Eastern population), flammkuchen, which is a German pizza, at a local pub, a vegetarian schnitzel, local beers, and more.
• Thai Park: This was the best place I ate during my weekend in Berlin. The Prussian Park in the Wilmersdorf district of Berlin is taken over by Thai families every day, selling a bevy of homemade Thai dishes. This means everything from noodles to curry to dumplings to springs rolls to fruit juices. There are spicy dishes and sweet dishes and everything in between. Items are cheap and portions are plentiful. Fill up a plate and grab a seat in the park and stuff your face!
• The Lucky Leek: This elegant vegan restaurant is one of the best I have ever visited. Located in the upscale Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, the restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu with dishes like cucumber soup, dumplings, risotto, seitan medallions served with potatoes, a cheese course and dessert. It is ridiculously good. Be sure to pair your meal with local wines.

Weekend in Berlin: The Verdict

Berlin is a very dynamic city. From history to food to art to culture, you could spend weeks here and never get bored. A weekend in Berlin may be too short, but it will motivate you to return. It is a great place to go with friends and you could even explore. Just don’t get too hung up on running from site to site – take some time to stop, sit back, and enjoy a cold German beer.

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Beyond Riesling: Have  a German Red

Germans are known to be perfectionists at everything they do. It’s in their blood to master a craft with distinct precision. Winemaking is one of those crafts. Although the misconception is that German wine is all about Riesling, other varietals are grown and slowly gaining steam beyond Deutschland. You can sample rich reds from grapes such as Trollinger, which pair well with the rich Swabian cuisine such as sausages or stewed meats. If you have a lighter palate, a Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) may be a better choice and is equally as food-friendly. This is the red German wine most widely available in the US. It’s dry with light tannins and flavors and aromas of red berries.

Where to Travel for German Wine

Most German wines are produced in the southwest part of the country with a small exception in Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen in the east. If you want your trip to center around German wine, I suggest you fly into Frankfurt Airport, rent a car and drive along the many wine routes and rivers of the regions. The best time to go is in the late spring, summer, and fall as the winters can be snowy and frigid. Of Germany’s 13 official wine-growing regions, our favorites are Baden, Württemberg, and the Mosel Valley. More about them:

Baden & Württemberg

I admit that I am biased to the neighboring regions of Baden and Württemberg as I spent most of my time there. These are the two southernmost wine-growing regions in Germany and also border the Black Forest. Except for a few small cities and Stuttgart, the area is known for its rolling hills lined with vines that produce rich, full-bodied red wines. A great way to discover the local winemakers of Württemberg is to plan your trip around the Weindorf in Stuttgart. This annual festival is one of my favorite festivals in Europe. Wine producers descend on the city center and turn the square into wine taverns that serve local made wine and dishes. Over 500 different wines are served and in many cases by the winemakers themselves.

Baden, directly west of Württemberg extends even further south between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River and is known as Germany’s “Pinot Paradise” for the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) grown there. Travelers are drawn to the Heidelberg castle within Baden, where you can see the world’s largest wine barrel!

Mosel Valley

The Mosel (Moselle) valley is one of the most picturesque parts of Germany. You will find it following the Mosel River and its tributaries, the Saar and the Ruwer rivers, from Koblenz at its northernmost point to Trier and the Luxembourg border in the south. It doesn’t get any dreamier: the meandering river, gorgeous little villages, and towns with their cobblestone streets and typical centuries-old “Fachwerk” architecture buildings, vineyards lining the river banks on either side.

The delicious grapes are catching plenty of sunshine year-round, some heat lingering in the valley and a cool breeze passing through making for a perfect microclimate. Wander the streets of towns like Bernkastel-Kues (Bernkastel on one bank, Kues on the other), Wintrich, Trier, Piesport, and you’ll come across countless restaurants and ‘Weinstuben’ (wine bars) to enjoy the local produce and famous Mosel Riesling.

Can’t Travel? Try German Wine in the USA

Can’t hop on the next Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt? We totally understand. However, you can get your German wine fix in the United States. More restaurants, supermarkets, and wine stores are offering German wines. For example, Harris Teeter is having a series of free German Wine tastings in the mid-Atlantic this late summer until September 2. Head to the German Wine USA website to check out the tasting dates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Why should you travel for German wine: The Verdict

Gorgeous nature, refreshing Rieslings, rolling green hills, and hospitable people are the many reasons why you should visit Germany for the wine. Whether you are at a cozy winery in the Mosel valley or the Weindorf in Stuttgart, there are plenty of options to discover German wine culture. Prost!

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Wines of Germany USA. As always, opinions are my own. Seriously, go to Germany and indulge in German Wine. Taste their wines, they are amazing… along with German bread, pastries, cars… 

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About Winn Roberton

At Bourbon Steak Mr. Roberton shared some of his favorite German wines being offered at their award winning restaurant. Winn has been with Bourbon for eight years, starting as a server and working his way to sommelier. Given his experience, not only did he share his insight about the wine, but which dishes to pair them with. Here are some of his most popular offerings:

Misconceptions About Riesling

We began our tasting with Dr. Loosen, a 2013 Riesling from the Mosel region that is summer perfection. One of the misconceptions of Riesling in the United States is that they are all sweet. I recall being at a DC bar and asking a young bartender if the Riesling was dry and she looked at me as if I was crazy and said “all Rieslings are sweet”. Der Horror! Dr. Loosen was not only dry but it had a great impressive body with strong floral notes. Mr. Roberton says that it is the perfect wine to pair with a steak for those who are not red wine drinkers. The misconceptions continue to be broken…

Pinot Meunier

When Mr. Roberton introduced this wine to us, I was intrigued. Another misconception about German wine is that it is all white. There are some great reds being produced in Germany, especially in the southwestern part of the country. The Darting Pinot Meunier is proof of that. With its rich red color yet light transparency, I couldn’t help to think that if a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon had a baby, this would be it. This wine paired beautifully with my tenderloin steak but also my dinner guest enjoyed it with her roasted chicken. It’s a very versatile red wine.

Ice Wine

When many people think of ice wine, they think of Canada. I am one of them. I wasn’t aware that Germany produced ice wine. This ended up being our favorite German wine of the evening. The 2004 Peter Jakob Kühn is a delight. After a heavy dinner at Bourbon Steak, instead of diving into a starchy dessert, we indulged in this gorgeous sweet wine. Hints of honey and citrus make it a refreshing yet indulgent ending to a great dinner. On the superficial side, we loved the presentation: a small black bottle with a beer cork. Now you know what to get me for Christmas!

How to Pair German Wine

As the name implies, the menu at Bourbon Steak is a carnivore’s dream. However, there is a strong selection of dishes for those who are not steak lovers like my guest. We started with a refreshing tuna tartare that was paired with the Kabinett Riesling. This one was a bit on the sweeter side, but it paired beautifully with the tuna. I cannot stress enough to ask the restaurant’s sommelier or beverage manager for suggestions.

Eat outside the lines

I love Mr. Roberton’s suggestion about trying white wines with steak. I find that many times people force themselves to drink something they don’t like because they don’t want to break tradition or look bad in front of their guests. Know there are light reds you can pair with seafood and robusts whites you can pair with meats. Just use your imagination!

To beauty of wine is that it’s one of the most indigenous products we can taste. The terroir, the land in which the grapes are produced has such an influence in the flavor of the wine. I find this symbolically beautiful. Having a sip of the Riesling here at the Four Seasons in Washington, DC transported me to the rolling hills of the Mosel Valley. Prost, my friends!

Where to find German Wine:

Harris Teeter carries a wide selection of German wine in collaboration with Wines of Germany. You can also get more information about food pairings and where to experience German wine tastings on their WeinCraft page.

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Wines of Germany, however opinions are my own. Those who know me well, know I love all things Deutschland, especially German wine!

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During my time living in Europe, I spent six years of holiday seasons in Belgium and Germany. I instantly fell in love with how the cities came to life despite the cold. I truly enjoyed how it was all about the food, artisans, and less about the commercial influences you see in the United States. My first Christmas market experience was in the city center of Stuttgart.  I was amazed with the gorgeous decorations, beautifully set wooden shacks filled with nutcrackers, smell of the wurst cooking, and the warm, spicy taste of Glühwein (German mulled wine) on my lips.


At the Grand Place, Brussels

During my time in Brussels, I enjoyed going to Plaisirs d’Hivier, the Christmas market of  Brussels located in one of my favorite squares, Place Saint Catherine. It is not like the traditional Christmas markets you may see in Germany, but it has its own charm. It truly reflects the diversity of Brussels from the variety of the food and gift stands. Tip: While there, make sure to indulge in oysters, champagne, and warm Kriek (Belgian cherry beer). This market is for those who enjoy great food, so bring an empty stomach! For those with children, there is an ice skating rink and a Ferris Wheel to keep them entertained.

When I lived in Belgium, I loved the ease of crossing the border and being in a new country in 90 minutes.  My last winter in Belgium, I had the opportunity to go to Monschau, Germany for their popular market.  I love German villages.  I may be partial to my old Baden Würtemberg (southwest Germany), but the village is quite charming.  Although the village is small, the market is quite popular in the area.  Tip: the village has a quite organized park and ride system, which makes it easy to get into the market by bus without having to struggle for parking or deal with traffic. Once we reached the center of the market, it took me back to being a child, when I imagined what Santa’s town looked like.


The Market at Monschau

The market smelled spicy just as the Glühwein and Orangenpunsch it served.  Monschau is the setting of a fairytale: it sits on a hill, a river running through the city, and lined by beautiful cottages.. The first thing we did was rush to a wurst (sausage) stand and indulge, then we walked around the different stands and admired the beauty of a village which seems was built just to perpetuate the Christmas spirit.  The people at the stands were very friendly, just as I envisioned Santa’s helpers to be.  If you have a chance, make the drive to Monschau, it is an hour and a half drive from Brussels, it is a welcome breath of fresh air.

Stall at the Brussels Christmas Market

I wish you all a very happy holiday season and stay tuned for my holiday adventures back in Brussels, Netherlands, Budapest, and Vienna! Bonne Fêtes!
Information:
Monschau Christmas Market: http://www.monschau.de/
Stuttgart Christmas Market: http://www.stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de/
Brussels Christmas Market: http://www.bruxelles.be/artdet.cfm?id=4843&agendaid=59

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One of the things I miss most from living in Europe was the close proximity to so many different destinations.  The event I will miss traveling to the most this year is Oktoberfest.  Oktoberfest (or as it the locals call it, the Wiesn) runs for 16 days in Munich. This year, it begins September, 14th.  As a veteran for the Wiesn (5 Okotberfests, 4 Fruhlingfests), I would like to share five tips to maximize your time at the Wiesn.

5 Oktoberfest Survival Tips

Tip 1:  If you don’t have a table reservation, get there early!!!! I remember my first Oktoberfest when I had no idea how it worked and leisurely showed up at 3pm. Thankfully, we were a party of two so it was easy to cram into the outdoor tables. Keep your group to four people maximum in order to be able to get into the tents. Although the environment is a lot of fun all around, the best experiences take place inside a tent: sharing beers with perfect strangers, and singing songs in German you never knew existed.

Tip 2: Research your tents!  The Oktoberfest website gives you a great guide of the tents and what they have to offer. Some of my favorite tents are the Wildstuben, Hacker, and Weinzelt.  I love the rustic details and the traditional cuisine at Wildstuben.  The Hacker is the traditional large tent that is perfect to stand up on the tables and party!  The Wienzelt is a non-traditional tent as is serves wine. It has a great bar with lots of Sekt (German sparkling wine). I’m sad that one of my favorite tents, the Hippodrom will not be at the Wiesn this year but I am sure there is an equally fantastic tent to replace.

Tip 3: Pace yourself!! Drinking begins at noon at Oktoberfest with beer steins that hold a liter of beer!  As tempting as it sounds to have a drinking contest with your buddies, no one wants to be wasted at 3pm with so many fun afterparties to follow. Great thing about the Wiesn is that most tents have food. Delicious Bavarian filling food. Do not leave Munich without having the traditional roasted chicken and potato salad. Yum!

 Tip 4: Buy a Dirndl or Lederhosen!!! Cannot stress this enough, probably one of my top Oktoberfest survival tips!  My first two Oktoberfests I wore the normal travel uniform of t-shirt and jeans. Although both were great experiences, the fun factor was tripled when I bought a dirndl(traditional Bavarian dress for women). They are not cheap, a quality dirndl runs from 100-300 Euros but I guarantee that it is an investment piece. Please don’t be that person with a dirndl or lederhosen of cheesy material purchased from a costume shop. Bavarians take their fest seriously and so should you. There are plenty of shops in downtown Munich with beautiful dirndls and lederhosen.

Tip 5: Discover Bavaria: Southern Germany is stunning.  Once you go south of Munich you enter a magical land of alpine beauty. Go to castle Schloss Neuschwanstein. The castle is absolutely beautiful with an amazing view.  Take a day trip to Oberammergau, Germany. The village,has beautiful houses with old world paintings on their outside walls. Some have religious paintings and some have old Bavarian scenes. It was all very old world and charming.  Also taking a day trip to these beautiful places will show your friends and family that you did not only go to Munich to drink.

 Hoping to make it next year with my Dutchman to sing some Schlager songs and wear my dirndl!  What are your top Oktoberfest Survival Tips?

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