Wine-lovers visiting Frankfurt should make the short trip to the Rheingau to sample Rieslings at Franz Keller’s, Die Adler Wirtschaft in Hattenheim, or the Krohnenschlösschen in Eltville. The vineyards’ Probierstuben (wine-tasting rooms) are generally open all year-round. German wine is making a comeback in export markets after decades of recession, competition from Australian whites and overproduction of sweet, supermarket brands. Now an increasing number of producers from Hesse, Rhineland and Pfalz, often operating small, family-owned estates, are once more winning international awards.

There are terrific bargains to be had

As well as Rheingau, there are the famous Eiswein of the Mosel and the full-bodied, Spätburgunder Pinot Noir from the Ahr. Look for established names like Fritz Haag, Dr. Loosen, Egon Müller, Joh. Jos. Prüm, Dönnhoff, Emrich Schönleber, Ökonomierat Rebholz, Robert Weil and Keller, or for revitalised estates such as Kuhn, Van Volxem or Clemens Busch. Germany’s much-travelled wine-route, Deutsche Weinstrasse, runs south towards France for 50 miles from the small town of Bockenheim to Schweigen-Rechtenbach.