The Luxembourg Moselle

Along the southeastern border, where the Moselle River divides Luxembourg from Germany, lies the Grand Duchy's sunny, lesser-known wine country, one of Europe's most charming small wine regions. Steep terraced vineyards climb the riverbanks above a string of pretty wine villages like Remich and Grevenmacher. The region is celebrated above all for its crisp, aromatic white wines, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and the local Elbling and Rivaner, and, most famously, for its excellent sparkling crémant, sampled in riverside cellars and at cheerful wine festivals.

What you actually see

• The terraced vineyards - the vines climbing the Moselle banks.
• The crémant cellars - the tastings of Luxembourg's sparkling wine.
• The wine villages - Remich, Grevenmacher and their cellars.
• The river cruises - the boat trips along the vineyard-lined Moselle.

When to go

May to October, for warm weather, green or golden vineyards and the busy tasting season, culminating in the lively wine and grape festivals of late summer and autumn harvest; riverside terraces and boat trips are at their best in the sunshine. Many cellars welcome visitors for tastings.

Honest expectations

It is a small, gentle, low-key wine region rather than a famous or dramatic one, so it appeals to those who enjoy relaxed tastings, river scenery and pretty villages rather than seekers of grand vineyards or big-name wines. The crémant and crisp whites, though, are genuinely excellent and underrated, and a sunny day of riverside tasting and cellar-hopping is a delightful, easygoing side of Luxembourg.

Nearby

Luxembourg City, the Mullerthal and the German Moselle are close by.