Gemütlichkeit among the vines.
***
Ahead of Montmartre's own Fête des Vendanges that begins next week - and to avoid Oktoberfest madness - as an overture we decided to head to Germany's Schwarzwald (Black Forest) to savor regional wines (including seasonal Federweisser*) and local dishes, hike through forests and vineyards (there were "Schnaps fountains" on trails and organized "Schnaps hikes"!) while getting in a bit of Gemütlichkeit surrounded by flower-draped Fachwerkhäuser, half-timbered houses. - BPJ
October newsletter
Below: market day in Offenburg; memorable last night w/German beer, Riesling-laced Swiss fondue, local charcuteries including Black Forest ham - and the ultimate Schwarzwald experience, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in the heart of the Schwarzwald!
(click to enlarge)
PARIS - STRASBOURG
3 hours (or less) from Paris
Recommended: train/drive
Train (1-hr 45 min) + car rental at station (45-min drive into Black Forest region)
* Federweisser a.k.a. Neuer Wein are late September's lightly fermented, fizzy young wines made from freshly harvested grapes. Often served w/savory Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) or Krapfen (a jam-filled fritter), their innocent lightness can conceal an unexpected punch.
