Viniculture museum & wine paths
As one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, wine of course has a long and interesting history.
And since the planting, the cultivation, the refinement and finally the finishing ("making the wine") is based upon long and sometimes truly sour experiences, one can and should be acquainted with this history.
In many locations in the region, there are old, at times historic wine presses, whereas most of them today no longer are used for their original purpose.
Instead, other uses have been found for these constructions which at times are several centuries old.
Sometimes larger, sometimes smaller, but however always with many details and still more enthusiasm, some have become viniculture museums which offer an overview of the history of viniculture in the region or the affected location. Old devices, must scales, pots and trophies, large, larger and giant barrels with beautiful, hand carved floors prove the great importance of wine.
The enormous press beams (with which the grapes were pressed earlier) create pressure of many tons and offer an impression of the physical work which was needed for the wine. Pictures and stories of persons or events give you an impression of life back then and the many devices and aids command your respect for the work of the Wengerter (wine gardeners) and their helpers.
The most recent history, at times only a few decades old, is told here. Each community which has such a museum is proud of its own unique history.
You can hear many anecdotes and stories everywhere pertaining to wine and the Wengerter and often it is the old wine gardener families which take care of the museums and receive the visitors and thus like to tell some of these old stories. History and stories really to "grab". Viniculture is then usually comprehended literally just outside of the old presses. These presses stood and still stand near the vineyards. Thus with the harvest the grapes could be quickly brought to be further processed.
In some communities, especially in the past years, viniculture teaching paths have been set up near the presses and there they show the different grapes of the region, at times there are more than 100 different types of grapes which can be compared (e.g. in Fellbach). At times these teaching paths are self-explanatory, that is, equipped with explanations, and make possible a walk alone, at times however there are also guided walks. You will find these details at the relevant museum or at the city or community administration of the respective location.
At any rate, these teaching paths in the middle of the vineyards are set up very attractively and often offer splendid panoramas and views of the town and the surroundings, which are characterized by wine.
Then it is not a surprise if after so much theory a G'lüschtle starts, an appetite for one or the other wine not only as a grape but also in the liquid form. Then you will certainly find a cozy wine tavern close by where you will be happily served one or another Viertele from the vineyard which you have just visited.
You will have earned it then and as is well known wine always tastes best in its native environment.
