The Place
Vineyards surround Bernkastel-Kues (in fact they grow right up to the surviving city gate, the Graacher Tor), so it is a fitting home to this wine-tavern-cum-hotel. The town sits on a bend in the Mosel, just as it arrives at the mouth of the Tiefenbach valley. The building that houses the Doctor-Weinstuben dates back to 1668 when it was built by the Duke of Trier, Caspar von der Leyen, as a collecting house for the duties payable by the farming community. The hotel is clearly proud of its heritage and its history is displayed in a sepia-coloured script on the wall where the staircase splits into two, before rising to the first floor.
The massive cellars beneath the building still house a fine collection of wines, some of which are the products of the nearby Doctorberg vineyard. Many can be sampled in the cosy restaurant with its exposed brick fireplace, vibrant red tablecloths and traditional carved booths. Another great place to dine here is in the garden, where an overgrown lilac creeps up the white tower structure that hugs the rear building. We especially like this traditional hotel; but comments from readers would be appreciated.