Choose your tipple
Germany’s wine scene is varied, vast and bursting with choice. Use the map to plan your vineyard visit…
Saale-Unstrut
Saxony
Ahr Valley
Middle Rhine
Wine Regions
Rheingau
Moselle
Nahe
Franconia
Czechia
Hessische Bergstrasse
Rhine-Hesse
Palatinate
Germany
Württemberg
France
Baden
Saxony
Saxony or Sachsen’s wine growing region also has a deep-rooted history dating back several centuries. Its soil is greatly influenced by the geology of the Elbe Valley where there is a combination of granite, mica and sandstone in its bedrock. The locals adore their wine, which is rarely found outside of not only Germany, but also Saxony. The wide array of grapes cultivated here include Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and white Burgundy. Explore Saxony’s exceptional landscape by cycling along the Elbe Route and the Saxony Wine Trail which zigzags past many viewpoints and fairy tale towns.
Nahe
You instantly know that you’ve stepped into Nahe when the topography changes dramatically from green rolling hills to dramatic, rocky outcrops. This expanse has versatile soil as it meanders past rivers, tributaries and several hamlets making it ideal to grow a wide assortment of grapes. Apart from Riesling, Nahe grows Silvaner grapes and has also witnessed a growth in red varieties such as Dornfelder and Spätburgunder. The area offers outstanding views of vineyards and quaint villages, making it an idyllic spot to go for a stroll along the Rhine-Nahe Wine Hiking Trail.
Ahr Valley
You would be forgiven for thinking that the Ahr Valley would produce zesty white wines like its neighbour Mosel, but the region is famous for its bold Pinor Noir wines and other red wines such as Portugieser. Riesling is also a significant grape in many of Ahr vineyards, but their Pinot Noir, made from the Spätburgunder grapes are definitely the star of the show at wine tastings. The flavour profile of their reds oscillates between sweet cherries to more woody and spicy notes. Guided tours can be booked at wineries such as Jean Stodden and Weingut Sonnenberg.
Middle Rhine
Most locals and boat tour companies will point travellers to this enchanting, 120-kilometre-long stretch of the Rhine as it has some of the most spectacular views of the Rhine Valley and the vineyards that surround the region. Viticulture here is a true labour of love as a majority of the wine is still cultivated by hand. Its mineral-rich soil largely grows Riesling, but other grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc also thrive. There are special wine tours that can be booked in this territory where you can combine a leisurely stroll through heritage towns like Bacharach.
Saale-Unstrut
Saale-Unstrut’s viticulture history goes back to the 10th century where monks who founded the Pforta Abbey produced wine from the Pfortenser Köppelberg vineyard, which travellers can visit and explore even today. The region gets its name as it lies on the banks of the rivers Saale and Unstrut. Despite experiencing cooler temperatures throughout the year, Saale-Unstrut also gets adequate sunshine and lower rainfall. Müller-Thurgau is widely planted throughout along with white Burgundy, Riesling and Silvaner. Explore the region via the dedicated Saale-Unstrut Wine Route or the Romanesque Road which follows the footsteps of medieval towns and the Ottonian Dynasty.
Rheingau
The Rhine District or Rheingau lies to the west of Frankfurt and is prominent for its characteristic, dry Riesling wines. The variety in its soil has also seen a surge in Pinot Noir grapes which is slowly gaining recognition as well as the naturally sweet botrytized wines which have strong hints of apricot and orange. A walk through the countless vineyards here feels like you’ve stepped back in time as you’ll spot medieval towns, castles and monasteries. You can easily spend an entire day in the area where guided wine tours include tastings of signature wines and visits to various historic sites.
Württemberg
Being Germany’s principal red wine growing region, Württemberg is also home to over 15,000 family-owned vineyards. Approximately 70% of the region grows Schwarzriesling, Trollinger, and Blaufränkisch variety grapes that produce a wide selection of bold, fruity and well-balanced red wines. Vineyards in this hilly region offer special tours throughout the year including the winter season where visitors can enjoy hearty German Christmas meals, snowy walks amidst the barebones of vine creepers and copious glasses of mulled wine.
Palatinate
Also known as Pfalz, Palatinate is one of Germany’s top-quality wine producing regions and is nicknamed as the Tuscany of Germany. Spanning roughly 23,000 hectares, Pfalz is home to thousands of vintners who rely on wine tourism as a primary source of income. Surrounded by the dense woodlands of the Haardt Mountains, several premium vineyards from Pfalz are scattered along the base of these craggy peaks. Full-bodied, white wines made with Riesling are popular and its terroir also grows the dark-skinned Dornfelder grapes, producing outstanding red wines. Many self-guided bike tours take you through the scenic vineyards, ending your bike journey with wine tasting, paired with local delicacies.
Mosele
Moselle (or Mosel in German) is both historic and interesting as the area’s winemaking regions are divided between France and Germany. It is Germany’s oldest wine growing region and its steep slopes that are dotted with vineyards have also witnessed the outbreak of phylloxera in the 19th century. Mosel’s primary grapes are Elbling, a celebrated native variety as well as Riesling, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau and even the full-bodied Auxerrois Blanc, a type of Pinot Blanc. Summer is the perfect time to partake in a relaxed wine tour as the wines from Mosel are light, crisp tasting and low on alcohol.
Hessische Bergstrasse
Known to be the smallest of Germany’s wine growing regions, Hessische Bergstrasse or Hessian Mountain Road’s wines are largely distributed within the country and seldom exported. This historic region is believed to have witnessed viticulture from the Roman times but was only recognised as a wine territory by law in the 1970s. Riesling dominates the terroir here but there are smaller fractions of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grown as well. Visitors can combine hiking tours here that pass through the vineyards, ending their hike with a refreshing glass of Riesling.
Franconia
Though Bavaria is renowned for its beer, Franconia, also known as Franken, is the region’s wine growing territory. Franconia’s viticulture mainly leans on producing white wines and it is one of the few regions where Riesling grapes are outnumbered by other local varieties such as Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau. On a wine tour, you are likely to learn about the distinctive flattened, ellipsoid bottles from the region which are called Bocksbeutal. As this bottling technique is protected by the European Union, only Franconia and the towns nearby are allowed to use these bottles for their wines along with a select few winemakers in France and Portugal.
Baden
Located in Germany’s southernmost edge, Baden sees reliably balmy temperatures and stays dry for most the year in comparison to the country’s other wine growing regions. It is also the only part of Germany that is classified under European Union (EU) wine laws as Zone B because of the warm weather, whereas all other zones have cooler temperatures and classified as Zone A. The key grapes grown in Baden are Spätburgunder, Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder that produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris respectively. Plentiful vineyard tours here offer day trips to nature reserves and natural springs after a wine tasting in the region.
Rhine-Hesse
In the heart of Germany’s wine growing region, Rhine-Hesse’s landscape is dominated by several hectares of verdant hills and the majestic Rhine River. Recognised for producing opulent and high-quality wines, the area mainly grew Müller-Thurgau grapes until the last two decades where Riesling grapes gained more popularity. Silvaner and Spätburgunder are also widely cultivated. Rhine-Hesse is on the radar for many oenophiles and viticulturists as it has witnessed a resurgence in organic wine making practices. Many vineyards also provide ‘grape escapes’ here where guided boat excursions are followed by short hikes and cellar tours.
WINE MAP
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Transcript
Choose your tipple
Germany’s wine scene is varied, vast and bursting with choice. Use the map to plan your vineyard visit…
Saale-Unstrut
Saxony
Ahr Valley
Middle Rhine
Wine Regions
Rheingau
Moselle
Nahe
Franconia
Czechia
Hessische Bergstrasse
Rhine-Hesse
Palatinate
Germany
Württemberg
France
Baden
Saxony
Saxony or Sachsen’s wine growing region also has a deep-rooted history dating back several centuries. Its soil is greatly influenced by the geology of the Elbe Valley where there is a combination of granite, mica and sandstone in its bedrock. The locals adore their wine, which is rarely found outside of not only Germany, but also Saxony. The wide array of grapes cultivated here include Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and white Burgundy. Explore Saxony’s exceptional landscape by cycling along the Elbe Route and the Saxony Wine Trail which zigzags past many viewpoints and fairy tale towns.
Nahe
You instantly know that you’ve stepped into Nahe when the topography changes dramatically from green rolling hills to dramatic, rocky outcrops. This expanse has versatile soil as it meanders past rivers, tributaries and several hamlets making it ideal to grow a wide assortment of grapes. Apart from Riesling, Nahe grows Silvaner grapes and has also witnessed a growth in red varieties such as Dornfelder and Spätburgunder. The area offers outstanding views of vineyards and quaint villages, making it an idyllic spot to go for a stroll along the Rhine-Nahe Wine Hiking Trail.
Ahr Valley
You would be forgiven for thinking that the Ahr Valley would produce zesty white wines like its neighbour Mosel, but the region is famous for its bold Pinor Noir wines and other red wines such as Portugieser. Riesling is also a significant grape in many of Ahr vineyards, but their Pinot Noir, made from the Spätburgunder grapes are definitely the star of the show at wine tastings. The flavour profile of their reds oscillates between sweet cherries to more woody and spicy notes. Guided tours can be booked at wineries such as Jean Stodden and Weingut Sonnenberg.
Middle Rhine
Most locals and boat tour companies will point travellers to this enchanting, 120-kilometre-long stretch of the Rhine as it has some of the most spectacular views of the Rhine Valley and the vineyards that surround the region. Viticulture here is a true labour of love as a majority of the wine is still cultivated by hand. Its mineral-rich soil largely grows Riesling, but other grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc also thrive. There are special wine tours that can be booked in this territory where you can combine a leisurely stroll through heritage towns like Bacharach.
Saale-Unstrut
Saale-Unstrut’s viticulture history goes back to the 10th century where monks who founded the Pforta Abbey produced wine from the Pfortenser Köppelberg vineyard, which travellers can visit and explore even today. The region gets its name as it lies on the banks of the rivers Saale and Unstrut. Despite experiencing cooler temperatures throughout the year, Saale-Unstrut also gets adequate sunshine and lower rainfall. Müller-Thurgau is widely planted throughout along with white Burgundy, Riesling and Silvaner. Explore the region via the dedicated Saale-Unstrut Wine Route or the Romanesque Road which follows the footsteps of medieval towns and the Ottonian Dynasty.
Rheingau
The Rhine District or Rheingau lies to the west of Frankfurt and is prominent for its characteristic, dry Riesling wines. The variety in its soil has also seen a surge in Pinot Noir grapes which is slowly gaining recognition as well as the naturally sweet botrytized wines which have strong hints of apricot and orange. A walk through the countless vineyards here feels like you’ve stepped back in time as you’ll spot medieval towns, castles and monasteries. You can easily spend an entire day in the area where guided wine tours include tastings of signature wines and visits to various historic sites.
Württemberg
Being Germany’s principal red wine growing region, Württemberg is also home to over 15,000 family-owned vineyards. Approximately 70% of the region grows Schwarzriesling, Trollinger, and Blaufränkisch variety grapes that produce a wide selection of bold, fruity and well-balanced red wines. Vineyards in this hilly region offer special tours throughout the year including the winter season where visitors can enjoy hearty German Christmas meals, snowy walks amidst the barebones of vine creepers and copious glasses of mulled wine.
Palatinate
Also known as Pfalz, Palatinate is one of Germany’s top-quality wine producing regions and is nicknamed as the Tuscany of Germany. Spanning roughly 23,000 hectares, Pfalz is home to thousands of vintners who rely on wine tourism as a primary source of income. Surrounded by the dense woodlands of the Haardt Mountains, several premium vineyards from Pfalz are scattered along the base of these craggy peaks. Full-bodied, white wines made with Riesling are popular and its terroir also grows the dark-skinned Dornfelder grapes, producing outstanding red wines. Many self-guided bike tours take you through the scenic vineyards, ending your bike journey with wine tasting, paired with local delicacies.
Mosele
Moselle (or Mosel in German) is both historic and interesting as the area’s winemaking regions are divided between France and Germany. It is Germany’s oldest wine growing region and its steep slopes that are dotted with vineyards have also witnessed the outbreak of phylloxera in the 19th century. Mosel’s primary grapes are Elbling, a celebrated native variety as well as Riesling, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau and even the full-bodied Auxerrois Blanc, a type of Pinot Blanc. Summer is the perfect time to partake in a relaxed wine tour as the wines from Mosel are light, crisp tasting and low on alcohol.
Hessische Bergstrasse
Known to be the smallest of Germany’s wine growing regions, Hessische Bergstrasse or Hessian Mountain Road’s wines are largely distributed within the country and seldom exported. This historic region is believed to have witnessed viticulture from the Roman times but was only recognised as a wine territory by law in the 1970s. Riesling dominates the terroir here but there are smaller fractions of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grown as well. Visitors can combine hiking tours here that pass through the vineyards, ending their hike with a refreshing glass of Riesling.
Franconia
Though Bavaria is renowned for its beer, Franconia, also known as Franken, is the region’s wine growing territory. Franconia’s viticulture mainly leans on producing white wines and it is one of the few regions where Riesling grapes are outnumbered by other local varieties such as Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau. On a wine tour, you are likely to learn about the distinctive flattened, ellipsoid bottles from the region which are called Bocksbeutal. As this bottling technique is protected by the European Union, only Franconia and the towns nearby are allowed to use these bottles for their wines along with a select few winemakers in France and Portugal.
Baden
Located in Germany’s southernmost edge, Baden sees reliably balmy temperatures and stays dry for most the year in comparison to the country’s other wine growing regions. It is also the only part of Germany that is classified under European Union (EU) wine laws as Zone B because of the warm weather, whereas all other zones have cooler temperatures and classified as Zone A. The key grapes grown in Baden are Spätburgunder, Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder that produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris respectively. Plentiful vineyard tours here offer day trips to nature reserves and natural springs after a wine tasting in the region.
Rhine-Hesse
In the heart of Germany’s wine growing region, Rhine-Hesse’s landscape is dominated by several hectares of verdant hills and the majestic Rhine River. Recognised for producing opulent and high-quality wines, the area mainly grew Müller-Thurgau grapes until the last two decades where Riesling grapes gained more popularity. Silvaner and Spätburgunder are also widely cultivated. Rhine-Hesse is on the radar for many oenophiles and viticulturists as it has witnessed a resurgence in organic wine making practices. Many vineyards also provide ‘grape escapes’ here where guided boat excursions are followed by short hikes and cellar tours.