Chalky, clay and loess soils yield mild, freshs wines in the southern half of the Rheinpfalz. In addition to its white wines, the Rheinpfalz is also known for smooth, fruity red wine made primarily from the Portugieser grape. This was the name given the first of the seven hills to be inhabited in Rome and the one on which Augustus built the first Imperial Palace. From this beginning, the word became generic for all palaces. In English, this area of Germany is called the Palatinate.
Visitors are also welcome at practically all vineyards, which offer private wine tastings.
Sauerkraut is cabbage fermented with salt. In former times they placed a layer of shredded cabbage in a deep, straight-sided barrel or stoneware container and covered it with a thick layer of salt. The process was repeated until the container was full. The contents were pressed firmly down, then covered with a board or a plate with a heavy weight on top. The preparation was then left to ferment for several weeks.