Taunus , range of the Rhenish Slate Mts., W Germany, extending c.50 mi (80 km) NE from the Rhine River, N of Mainz. It rises to 2,887 ft (880 m) in the Grosser Feldberg. The Taunus is covered by forests. Its southern slopes, the Rheingau region, have famous vineyards, notably at Rüdesheim, Johannisberg, Biebrich, and Kastel. Wiesbaden, Bad Nauheim, and Bad Homburg are the best known of the many mineral spas in the Taunus. There are many ruins of medieval castles and Roman fortifications.