Schlossturm – Castle Tower

Read the audio guide

Schwabsburg and the international reputation of Nierstein wines

Schwabsburg nestles around its castle tower. It has been part of Nierstein since 1970. The recording portrays a small wine-growing community and mentions around 1,300 residents at the time it was made. Traces of settlement reach back to Celtic and Roman times.

A shared local history

Dexheim, Schwabsburg and Nierstein were already linked by a common administration in the Middle Ages, with the Nierstein Rittergericht, or knights’ court, playing an important role. Schwabsburg takes its name from the Hohenstaufen castle mentioned in a charter of 1257. The Castle Tower View stop offers more insight into its history.

Down to earth, authentic and occasionally a little headstrong: that is how the audio guide describes the people of Schwabsburg and their wines. This independence is part of the village’s appeal.

From Schwabsburg to the wider world

Nierstein wine has long been known beyond the region. The recording recalls three prominent examples: the Ritz hotel in New York in the 1920s, the airship Graf Zeppelin in the 1930s and the wedding of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947.

Riesling in particular helped carry this reputation abroad. The audio guide speaks of Nierstein wines reaching more than 60 countries and recalls that, around 1900, some commanded higher prices than great Bordeaux wines. Today, the choice extends from wines for everyday enjoyment to special bottles for celebrations.

Niersteiner Hipping Riesling was served again for Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. To discover the origins of wines like these, visit the Hipping stop and learn about the vineyard’s distinctive conditions.