Experience the wine town of Siefersheim in Rheinhessen from its most beautiful side. The Bänkelches wine trail gets its name from the numerous benches that invite you to rest along the route. Thanks to the bank!
Our highlight of the tour is the Winzer-Alm. From here you have a magnificent panoramic view over the vineyards. It is not for nothing that this place was awarded the most beautiful wine view in Rheinhessen 2016 by the German Wine Institute.
From Sandgasse to the Ajaxturm
I start the Bänkelches wine trail in the center of Siefersheim and walk up Sandgasse. The wine vending machine from Weingut Sommer cannot be overlooked. A great way to stock up on chilled wine, grape juice and water. Turn left once and it now goes directly into the vineyards with a wonderful view over the small wine town of Siefersheim. The Siefersheim Bänkelches route is well signposted. I just always follow the sign with the bench and wine glass.
My first milestone is the Ajaxturm, Siefersheim’s landmark. One last look over the vineyards and Siefersheim, then it goes down to the Wonsheimer Hölle rest area. Then I pass the Wingertsheisje Geißberg (vineyard cottage) and watch the hard-working workers in the vineyards. One drives the vineyard tractor briskly through the vines to combat pests. Another tractor drives quickly up and down through the many rows of vines. He uses the mower to prune the densely overgrown vines in order to bring more sun and energy to the many grapes.
Rest at the Ajaxturm
The Ajaxturm is visible from afar and of course has its own history. She tells of an unhappy love and a dog named Ajax. With up to 39 degrees Celsius on this hot summer day, I enjoy a rest and a cold beer on the shady bench (I apologize for the break in style with the beer).
From the Ajaxturm to the Winzer-Alm
Refreshed, we continue to the actual destination – the Winzer-Alm. I pass the bank in Eckelsgrund, which is particularly striking with a Christ cross. My gaze wanders over the vineyards down to Neu-Bamberg.
The next highlight of the Bänkelches route is already waiting: On the Horn, the highest point of the hike, there is an interesting heath landscape and, of course, another bench. The path through the heath offers an interesting sight with the birch trees and the boulders. And suddenly it’s in sight – the Winzer-Alm. A great vantage point, which was rightly awarded the most beautiful wine view in Rheinhessen 2016 by the German Wine Institute.
Winzer-Alm and back to Siefersheim
After a good time at the Winzer-Alm, the circular hiking trail takes you back towards Siefersheim. On a different route, of course, which again leads past a romantic vineyard cottage. Another great view is from the Biggsestick rest area and wine bar. Then the descent begins back to Siefersheim. Arrived back in the Sandgasse, the circular hiking trail closes.
The robotics of the modern wine vending machine fascinates me. I watch enthusiastically how the mechanism moves up and down and back and forth and finally serves me a well-chilled bottle of grape juice with interesting noises. Yes – it was very hot today, but also very nice on the Bänkelches route. And I definitely deserve the sweet grape juice that I enjoy straight away.
End of a beautiful wine hiking route
The thermometer rose to 39 degrees Celsius that day. I follow the recommendation of my wine hiking guide and visit the Zimmermann winery. After all, they also run the Winzer-Alm. Even though it’s closed, the boss immediately offers me something to drink. I’m still thirsty, so I enjoy a light, cool wine spritzer, or Sommerspritzer, as they call it in Vienna. The boss is very hospitable and even takes the time for a nice chat in the Mediterranean-style covered courtyard.
Finally, I make a quick visit to the Sommer winery, where I am also given a friendly welcome by the boss. As a souvenir of the beautiful day of hiking, I take a bottle of Sommer Huxelrebe Spätlese with me. Another beautiful day of wine hiking through romantic wine landscapes is coming to an end.
Suggested Route
The route of the Bänkelches tour is easy to describe: just follow the signs with the wine glass and the bench on it. In the town center there are also boards with the various hiking routes. The route of the approx. 8 km long Bänkelches tour is shown here in orange.
