Sipping Wine Royalty: Schloss Lieser - A Castle Fit for a King
Exclusive riverside cinema experience offered by this high-end Moselle hotel
By Carsten K. Rath • More Info • Facebook • Twitter • WhatsApp • Email • Print • Copy Link
Welcome to my home away from home. Nestled between Germany's picturesque vineyards and the crystalline waters of the Mosel, Schloss Lieser is a luxurious haven that stirs memories of romantic fairytales.
As a native of the Mosel, I instantly feel a sense of belonging upon entering Schloss Lieser's grand halls. It's the perfect cocktail of elegance, charm, and timeless beauty that sets the stage for reminiscing and dreaming.
Wine Mastery in the Middle Mosel Region
From the moment I check in, I'm almost instantly captivated by the region's steep slopes and unique slate soil, which lends the Mosel wines their signature mineral flavor. And who better to appreciate the fruits of this labor than the Riesling Pope himself, Markus Molitor, the master vintner of the Middle Mosel?
Markus Molitor is a man of great renown, with Rieslings that are the envy of vintners around the globe. He cultivates not only Riesling but also Burgundy varieties on over 25 steep slopes, many of which are Grand Cru. It's this very wine that brought me to the doorstep of Schloss Lieser.
A Castle Fit for a King (and His Wine)
As I delve deeper into the castle's rich history, I'm regaled with tales of Eduard Puricelli, a wealthy entrepreneur of Italian descent who built Schloss Lieser in the Neo-Renaissance style during the late 19th century. Forged in the fires of the Hunsrück, the castle stands majestically, boasting architectural influence from traditional Italian Palladian villas.
In an ode to the Catholic faith, Puricelli commissioned a private chapel to serve as an intimate space for the family and traveling clergy. Today, this sanctuary stands as a romantic and evocative setting for modern-day nuptials.
An Exclusive Enclave of Relaxation
Puricelli’s castle was not only a shrine to the divine; it was also an opulent playground. From the castle's inception, every extravagance was spared, especially when it came to crafting the exquisite indoor pool that still takes one's breath away today. The very essence of luxury, it's adorned with precious marble that shimmers in the candlelight.
Around the turn of the century, Puricelli's daughter, Maria, and her husband, Dr. Clemens Freiherr von Schorlemer-Lieser, expanded the castle with a sleek Art Nouveau addition. Today, the harmonious marriage between the Neo-Renaissance main structure and the Art Nouveau addition is a delight to behold, as the same spirit permeates the castle's beautiful rooms and suites.
A Modern Makeover Without Losing Elegance
In the early 2000s, the castle was given a new lease on life by the hands of Dutch businessman Piet Killaars and his wife, Anja Killaars-Morbach. The meticulous renovation preserved the original charm of the castle, incorporating many historical artifacts, such as doors, fireplaces, and staircases. The result is a luxurious hotel with 34 rooms and 15 suites that exudes timeless elegance.
From the moment I step into my suite, I'm struck by its romantic appeal. Wood paneling, silk-lined walls, and luxurious furnishings transport me to another era. It's not hard to imagine the likes of Elon Musk and Reinhold Messner taking respite from their adventures and gazing out upon the Mosel Valley beneath.
A Culinary Journey Beyond the Vineyards
In the evening, the 101 hoteliers gather in one of the stunning salons for an unforgettable feast created by the masterful hands of Chef Miljo Weimar. His authentic cuisine, prepared with understated flair, is a testament to the riches of the region. As I savor each morsel, I'm left wondering how I ever managed to call this place home.
But the culinary delights aren't confined to the dining room. The hotel boasts an exceptional wine cellar, where guests are guided through the intricacies of the local Mosel wine region, accompanied by delightful morsels curated by the castle's kitchen.
A Global Melting Pot of Talent
One of the most surprising aspects of Schloss Lieser is its melting pot of diverse cultures. The hotel's team hails from countries far and wide, infusing the castle with a global flavor that keeps things fresh and exciting. It's a testament to the openness of the castle, its staff, and, undoubtedly, Germany itself.
Schloss Lieser is more than just a luxury hotel; it's a window into the heart of Germany's Middle Mosel region, where time seems to stand still amid the rolling verdant hills and crystal-clear rivers. It's a place where fairytales are born, in the most unexpected of ways.
About the author: As a former grand hotelier and operator of the most relevant hotel ranking in the German-speaking world, Carsten K. Rath is a tireless globetrotter. His journeys to every destination he writes about are made at his own expense.
Tip:"Schloss Lieser" is a member of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, offering its guests the opportunity to indulge in a unique home-away-from-home experience. Whether you're a fan of hiking, winery tours, or simply soaking up the sun by the pool, Schloss Lieser is an unforgettable destination that will leave you cherishing the memories long after you've returned home. Prost!
Sources:[1] Golfball.de (2021). Schloss Lieser - Die Marriott-Residenz im Weinland. [Accessed 26 August 2022].
[2] Reichs-Adler.com (2022). Schloss Lieser. [Accessed 26 August 2022].
[3] Schloss-Lieser.de (2022). Wirgenstein. [Accessed 26 August 2022].
[4] Images courtesy of Schloss Lieser, Schloss Wirgenstein, and Marriott International, Inc.
[5] BudgetYourTrip.com (2022). Schloss Lieser Expenditures - Cost of Travel in Schloss Lieser, Germany. [Accessed 26 August 2022].
Schloss Lieser, with its romantic appeal and timeless elegance, offers a unique opportunity for a lifestyle change, providing vocational training in luxury hospitality. The combination of work and relaxation, set against the backdrop of home-and-garden beauty, makes it an ideal location for a home-away-from-home experience. After exploring the vineyards and wineries of the Middle Mosel region, one could imagine taking a vacation to travel the world, utilizing the skills acquired during their vocational training at Schloss Lieser.
