Hochstadt (Pfalz): Wine, Loess Landscapes and History

Hochstadt (Pfalz) combines winegrowing with distinctive loess landscapes and an architectural history that can be read in several buildings. When planning a stay, you can choose different focuses: explore the wineries, discover hollow ways and vineyards, or look at historic buildings. Cycling routes and rides on the draisine railway are also among the activities promoted locally.

Winegrowing and Regional Produce

The Schweder family has run its winery in Hochstadt since 1898. The estate cultivates around 19 hectares and focuses on Pinot varieties and fungus-resistant grape varieties, which grow on deep loam-and-loess soils around Hochstadt. Weingut Hörner is located on a farmstead on the western edge of the village. It cultivates around 30 hectares of its own vineyards and describes its winegrowing as modern and nature-oriented. Weingut Rummel cultivates around 16 hectares around Hochstadt with modern and traditional grape varieties. The vineyards there are on calcareous, partly sandy loess-loam soils. Acreage figures and varietal focuses may change over time.

The descriptions of the soils also differ: deep loam-and-loess soils are emphasized for Schweder, while Rummel’s soils are described as calcareous and partly sandy. This lets you compare local winegrowing profiles by looking at different growing areas and varietal focuses, without reducing them to a single style.

Obsthof Wicke’s produce range includes more than 40 varieties of apples and pears combined, as well as nashi pears, plums, mirabelles, peaches and nectarines. The selection may vary by season. The farm café serves breakfast featuring farm and regional products, as well as coffee, homemade cakes, ice cream, waffles, juices and small seasonal dishes; this offer may also change over the course of the year.

Loess Hollow Ways and Vineyard Views

A first loess hollow way in the Hochstadt land-consolidation area was restored between 1990 and 1992. In 2002, a second, larger and deeper hollow way was created in Hochstadt, alongside a south-facing loess escarpment. The hollow ways provide habitat for heat- and drought-loving plants and animals, including lizards, snails and wild bees. Landscape and habitat are closely connected here: the steep paths formed from loess provide different conditions for species than the neighboring vineyards.

Near Hochstadt stands the Houschder Winzerturm, also called the Hochstadter Turm. The Hochstadt land-consolidation participants built it in 2004 to commemorate the land consolidation of 2002. The tower is a viewpoint with sweeping views across the vineyards; visits at sunrise or sunset are considered especially worthwhile. A wine trail is also among the offerings promoted locally.

Local History and Buildings

The first known mention of Hochstadt is in a document from Lorsch Abbey dating to 776. Listed buildings include St. George’s Church on Hauptstraße: its Baroque hall church dates to 1749, while its Neo-Gothic tower was built in 1864. The Protestant Church at Hauptstraße 64 is another listed Baroque hall church, dated to 1727.

The Jewish cemetery is also part of the village’s history as a protected historic area. It contains 93 gravestones; the oldest dates to 1864. A listed Baroque half-timbered house at Friedhofstraße 7 dates from 1751. Together, these dates show different stages in the architectural and local history, from the Baroque hall church to the later Neo-Gothic church tower.

Cycling Routes, Picnic Area and Draisine Railway

The Südpfalz Cycle Route passes through Hochstadt, going by vineyards toward Klein- and Großfischlingen. The route is considered gently hilly and suitable for families with children. As the route may change, check the latest route information before setting out.

Outside Hochstadt, the “Im Rebenmeer” picnic area lies among the vineyards. It has shaded natural-wood seating for walkers, cyclists and day-trippers. The directions start at the Oberdorf cemetery car park: from there, follow the farm track for 850 metres, then turn left and continue for another 300 metres. Check the route conditions before setting out, as they may change.

The Südpfalz draisine railway runs from Bornheim via Dreihof, Hochstadt, Zeiskam and Lustadt to Westheim and back. The route covers up to 24 kilometres. Operating and booking arrangements may vary by season, so check the latest information before planning your ride.

Discover more destinations: Albersweiler, Völkersweiler, Weyher in der Pfalz, Eschbach, Rhodt Unter Rietburg, Kapellen-Drusweiler, Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach, Gossersweiler-Stein.

See the regional travel overview: Südliche Weinstraße.