German Wine Towns to Love: Bernkastel-Kues

I swear, Germany just oozes cute towns...and I've got another adorable one to share with you guys! Bernkastel-Kues is one of those towns that you'd probably never know about unless someone mentioned it to you. Heck, we didn't find out about it until I asked a friend if she knew a fun wine town to visit. Nestled into the hills of the Mosel River Valley, Bernkastel-Kues is quite unsuspecting just driving by it along the river road. At first glance from the river, Bernkastle looks a bit lackluster...but as you make your way through the winding cobblestone streets and pop out at the city's quaint Marktplatz, you'll be transported into half-timbered heaven. Like most towns along the Mosel River, wine is its main economic staple (and thank the Lord for that!). You can find local vintners and their signature bottles on just about every street corner. We spent the morning popping in and out of various winery stores, sipping their grape and stocking up on bottles to ship back to the states with us. We also had some beyond delicious Italian food at a little restaurant right on the Marktplatz called Pizzeria Italia Badstube (great pizzas and baked pastas!). Just before leaving Bernkastel, we decided to wander across the river to see if anything fun caught our eye. It was a leisurely Saturday after all. We stumbled upon the greatest wine-lover's paradise just a short walk from the bridge. More on our divine wine find to come! :)