Eat, Pray, Sleep

Kloster Eberach, a former Cistercian monastery just set outside of Kiderich offers a complete experience for people of all appetites, well beyond being only a religious sanctuary. A visit to the monastery offers a complete experience and an invitation to peek the senses. Kloster Eberach is ideally situated on a serene and well manicured forest that offers the formality of old Italy. The visual beauty and  an picturesque scenery makes for a perfect spot for photographic aficionado to practice their hobby.

The monastery’s simplistic beauty of plain plaster walls and lack of embellishments, is not only visually appealing but tells the story of monks whose life was devoted to hard work and service to their Creator. A history buff will also enjoy glancing into the past as they explore the untarnished Romanesque and Gothic buildings from the 12th-14th century.

Life for the monks also included the development of the Wine Estate of the former Cistercian Abbey. This centuries-old tradition has led the Eberbach Monastery to become the largest German estate, a tradition carried on after the monastery‘s secularization in 1803.

The monastery's impressive collection of old winepresses bears witness to a viticultural tradition that spans nearly nine centuries. Wines can be sampled year round in the Vinothek or the restaurant on the grounds. Germany is well known for their production of Riesling, however, the Kloster Eberach also had selections of other varietals including blush and Pinot Noir. I found the Pinot Noir to be a positive experience for the palate with its savory and more complex flavors opposed to the more common fruity taste of Pinot Noir. The wine bears evidence of its forest environment with its mushroom, earth, and smoky flavors.

No day would be complete without finishing off the experienced the cuisine at the Kloster Eberach restaurant. The menu offers typical German Cuisine ranging from Schnitzel with Mushroom sauce to quiche. The quiche listed on the menu actually appeared to be more like the German Pizza, Flammkuchen. Regardless it was delicious. I am embarrassed to say I ate the whole thing, guess that’s why for the last week my main meals have been composed off mostly salad and veggies.

Kloster Eberach is a place you one will want to make a habit of going again and again. It is host to many celebrations including the Easter Market and biannual wine auctions.