Finally spring! When nature awakens from its hibernation and the first warm rays of sunlight bathe the Moselle Valley in a gentle light, there is hardly a more beautiful place for us to take an excursion. A very special, colorful highlight during this time of year is the famous Moselle peach blossom. To experience this natural spectacle up close, we set off on a fantastic hike from Cochem to the wine village of Ernst. Naturally, this included an enjoyable reward at the finish line!
The Perfect Start: From Cochem Up into the Vineyards
Our spring hike, under the wonderful motto “Moselle in Bloom,” started at the tourist information center in the heart of Cochem. A major plus point for anyone traveling in the spring: The themed trail “Moselle Vineyard Peach Blossom” is specially signposted at the beginning of the peach blossom season.
So, we didn’t have to constantly bother with reading maps, but could simply look out for the small directional signs as well as the pink arrows and blossoms painted on the ground.
Our tip for hikers: Even if you are visiting outside the blossoming season and the extra signage is missing, this path is highly recommended! Our tour can be easily traced on the map.
First, the route led us comfortably straight through the picturesque old town of Cochem. We strolled across the market square, admiring the beautiful, historic half-timbered houses and the imposing town hall. Finally, we reached the path that guided us upwards toward the majestic Reichsburg (Imperial Castle). However, we skipped climbing all the way to the top and stopped at the “Am Tummelchen” viewpoint.
This idyllic spot is situated in the middle of the vineyards and offers a simply stunning view of the Moselle Valley, the town, and the Reichsburg. And right here, high above Cochem, we spotted them: the first peach trees of our tour, already stretching their delicate blossoms into the spring sun.
Good to Know: The Red Vineyard Peach on the Moselle
Before we continue hiking, a brief excursion into botany: Why do peaches actually grow here?
The Red Vineyard Peach thrives exceptionally well on the Moselle, especially on the terraced slopes. For optimal growth, the tree requires a sunny, warm, and slightly wind-protected spot with permeable soils, such as loess or humus-rich sandy soils.
The trees are absolute heralds of spring and bloom very early, usually from March to April. Their pale pink to intense rose-colored floral display is not only a visual highlight but also serves as an important food source for insects like bees and bumblebees.
The harvest begins in late summer (August to October). The peaches remain rather small. Externally, they are characterized by a very firm, densely fuzzy, and often mouse-gray skin. The flesh is colored an intense red from the skin to the pit.
The vineyard peach is significantly less sweet than the peaches you typically buy. The flesh is rather hard and is rarely eaten raw. The fruit tastes tart and somewhat bitter at the same time.
Through the Forest into the Pink Sea of Blossoms in Ernst
After thoroughly enjoying the view at “Am Tummelchen,” we continued to follow the signposted path below the Reichsburg through a wooded area. It was worth looking over our shoulders every now and then: The Reichsburg repeatedly flashed picturesquely through the trees.
The route continued to climb steadily for a while, though not too steeply, until we reached another viewpoint. Equipped with a bench, this would have been the perfect spot for a picnic—had we not already been looking forward to the tasting in Ernst so much! The panoramic view over the winding Moselle is simply priceless from up here.
After this viewpoint, it was almost entirely downhill until we reached the Cochem district of Sehl. There, we kept a sharper lookout for the distinctive pink markings on the road. After passing the former Ebernach Monastery, the path led alongside numerous grapevines.
And then we entered arguably the most beautiful section of our spring hike: Countless peach trees lined the path. Since we were hiking quite early at the beginning of the bloom, many trees still bore thick buds with bright pink tips. The first blossoms had already unfolded, and the first bees buzzed around the plants in the warming sun. A true spring fairytale! We could hardly get enough of it, and our cameras never stopped clicking.
But eventually, it was time to tear ourselves away from the photo motifs! In Ernst, the culinary highlight of our tour was already waiting for us.
Pure Enjoyment: Tasting at the Göbel-Schleyer-Erben Winery
What could be better than enjoying a glass of wine after a hike? We stopped at the Göbel-Schleyer-Erben winery and enjoyed a tasting centered around vineyard peach products.
The winemaking family cultivates over 400 of their own peach trees, from which the fruits are hand-harvested and processed. We were truly impressed by the resulting variety of products:
- To drink: Fruit brandy (Edelbrand), liqueur, peach secco, and peach punch.
- For the kitchen: Fruit vinegar (including aperitif and balsamic vinegar), balsamic crema, Riesling mustard with vineyard peach, chutney, as well as jams and fruit spreads.
We started our tasting with one of the best seccos I have ever had. The peach secco immediately appealed to me: fruity, sparkling, and refreshing. We would have loved to take a whole crate home right then and there.htig, perlig und erfrischend. Am liebsten hätten wir direkt eine ganze Kiste mitgenommen.
Another highlight was the peach chutney, of which we promptly bought a jar to take home. We have since enjoyed this sweet and spicy delicacy with a good cheese platter and a glass of Moselle wine—an absolute dream!
Before making our way back from Ernst to Cochem, we couldn’t resist trying the Red Vineyard Peach brandy and liqueur. With both products, you could immediately taste, and above all, smell the peach notes.
Tasting and Purchasing Options
- Farm Shop in Ernst: There is a wine shop directly at the winery on Klosterstraße 12. It is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (or 5:00 PM), and Sundays from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Wine Shop & Wine Lounge in Cochem: There is another sales point at Moselpromenade 1 in Cochem, which is open daily from 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Wine Tastings: The winery regularly hosts guided wine tastings, which require advance registration.
- Online Shop: If you are not in the area, you can buy the entire assortment, including the delicatessen products, via the winery’s online shop.
Our Conclusion: A Perfect Spring Day on the Moselle
With wonderful impressions of the awakening nature, the glorious scent of pink blossoms in our noses, and the taste of fruity vineyard peach on our tongues, we started our journey back from Ernst to Cochem. To return to the starting point, you can either take a leisurely, flat stroll right along the banks of the Moselle or comfortably hop on the bus that regularly connects the Moselle towns.
If you are looking for a springtime excursion that perfectly combines nature, exercise, and culinary enjoyment, we highly recommend the peach blossom hike from Cochem to Ernst.
Our stay in the region took place as part of a press trip.
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