[009] Deutsche Weinstrasse with Bret Helenius

Explore Europe Deutsche Weinstrasse Podcast Episode Show Notes

In this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys, I welcome a special guest, Bret Helenius, CEO of AdvantiPro - publishers of the Find-It Guide and the Kaiserslautern American - to talk about the Deutsche Weinstraße - The German Wine Road. 

There is so much of it to explore and wine to sample that it can be hard to know where to start. Bret’s tips and insider knowledge are just the perfect place to start discovering this beautiful region of Germany, that is right on the doorstep of the KMC.

If wine drinking isn’t your thing, there is also so much more to do. Discovering old Roman Ruins, beautiful medieval castles and long walks through the perfectly planted vineyards are all fantastic alternatives to wine tasting. Or you can do both - just like the locals!

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Deutsche Weinstrasse episode: 

Deutscher Weinstraße - The German Wine Road: http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/scenic-routes/german-wine-route.htmlwurstmarkt

Another site with some more info: http://www.germanwineroute.com

Bret’s favorite local Wein Gut - Rudi Rüttiger in Neuleinigen: http://www.ruettger.de/indexen.html

Bret’s best tip for an undiscovered gem Wein Gut Gaul in Anselheim: https://www.gaul-weine.de

Tours of Wine Cellars Vin Winning in Deidesheim: http://www.von-winning.de/de/weingut/weingut.html

Bret’s top tip for a gourmet restaurant in sneakers - L.A. Jordan at Hotel Ketschauer How in Deidesheim: https://www.ketschauer-hof.com/en/restaurant/la-jordan/ambience/

Bret’s recommendation for local Pfalzisch food- Weinhaus Henniger in Kallstadt: https://www.weinhaus-henninger.de/restaurant.html

Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt - the biggest wine festival in the world - http://www.bad-duerkheim.com/duerkheimer-wurstmarkt.html

A website to find all wine festivals and wine walks in the Pfalz: https://www.pfalz.de/wein-und-genuss/weinfeste-und-events#

Auto-Free Sunday on the last Sunday in August: https://www.pfalz.de/erlebnistag-deutsche-weinstrasse/erlebnistag-deutsche-weinstrasse-2017

 

Bret' Links

Bret’s media company AdvantiPro: https://www.advantipro.de

Websites of all their publications…

The Find-It Guide: https://www.finditguide.com

The Kaiserslautern American: https://www.kaiserslauternamerican.com

Herald Union: https://www.herald-union.com

The Stuttgart Citizen: https://www.stuttgartcitizen.com

The Ansbach Home Town Herald: https://ansbachhometownherald.com

Military in Germany: https://militaryingermany.com

 

Podcast Conversation Timeline

00:01 - Michelle gives Bret Helenius a massive welcome to the Explore Europe Podcast

00:53 - But, what exactly is Bret doing in Germany and what does he do with his time?

2:12 - Learn all about the amazing ‘Find-It Guide’ and how it can help you settle into life overseas

3:14 - Bret explains how he balances being an American and living like a local in Germany

4:01- Michelle and Bret talk about the pros and cons of living in a non-American part of Germany

6:09 - So, what attracted Bret to the Weinstrasse? (spoiler….yes…it has to do with wine!)

8:11 - Bret gives his best recommendations for vineyards in the area

11:21 - Bret’s insider tip for a a vineyard that has won the best Pinot Noir Award!

12:08 - Find out all the best wine tours of The Weinstrasse with Bret’s hotspots

12:50 - Can you just turn up and take a tour of the vineyards? Or is it best to book in advance?

14:17 - Here we go, Explore Europe’s favorite section. It’s food time! What type of fare is on offer in the Weinstrasse?

15:49 - Bret’s insider tips for dining at the Weinstrasse

20:00 - You’ve heard of the beer festivals in Germany but what about wine festivals? Bret gives us all the lowdown on local wine festivals, including the biggest of them all!

20:28 - What NOT to wear to a wine festival in Germany

21:48 - What about local wine festivals?

22:53 - Are the festival's family-friendly?

23:46 - What about pets? Are pets welcome?

24:12 - Can you use your debit/credit card at the wine festivals or is cash REALLY king?

25:42 - The beauty of using public transport to get to the Weinstrasse and the festivals

26:51 -  What is Auto-Frei Sonntag and has Bret ever experienced it?

28:47 - What does the future hold for Bret in Germany?

29:17 - Where else can you find out more about Bret?

31:02 - Michelle’s sustainable travel tip

 

Are you planning to visit the Deutsche Weinstrasse? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

 

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