Situated along the Mosel river between the German towns of Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach is an exceptionally long stretch of rare premium quality "Grosse Lage" (Grand cru) and "Erste Lage" (First growth) Riesling vineyards. Winemakers in the region are outraged that politicians are now going ahead with a 40-year old plan to build a 1.7 kilometre long, 160 metre high bridge and highway which threaten the vineyards of some of the world's greatest wine estates.

The planned road, named the B50, will emerge from a tunnel through the side of the famous Ürziger Würzgarten wine mountain, cross the Mosel river via a gigantic concrete bridge and continue directly along the top of the vineyards of Zeltingen-Rachtig, Wehlen, Graach and Bernkastel, with an additional slip road passing close by the village of Erden. The top winemakers in the region are very worried about maintaining the quality of their vines during the lengthy building works.

A scheme of financial compensation has already been drawn up to cover some of the expected problems. It is officially acknowledged that there will be a decrease in the quality of grapes in areas affected by building dust, debris and heavy plant activity; and when the bridge is completed, by the shade cast over some vineyards.

 

Click here to read the complete press release in pdf format.