Deidesheim

The immaculately preserved half-timber houses and historical facades lining its narrow streets fit perfectly with Deidesheim's reputation as one of the most renowned wine towns in the Pfalz. The grapes have made winemakers here a great deal of money over the centuries, and it shows: despite its size, it's a town that boasts Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class hotels owned by each of its biggest wine producers, Bassermann, Buhl, and Bürklin-Wolf. Sites of interest include the Gothic Church of St. Ulrich, the Rathaus, and the elegant Hotel Deidesheimer Hof. In August, the Deidesheim Weinkerwe (wine festival) begins at the Marktplatz, and in December, it's the site of a lively Christmas market. The main reason to visit, however, remains the opportunity to taste some of the best wines the Pfalz has to offer. Most of the local Weingüter(wineries) lining the streets are open to visitors year-round.