Besides wine, Ahr offers amazing hilly landscapes, historical sites, and even a spa town (perfect to relax after some a hike on the hills). This region is a perfect place for you even if you prefer cities over nature since it is close to the beautiful Bonn and Cologne.
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0011.JPG

# German Wine Regions - Country Germany

248 experiences available

4.96/5

200 reviews

Search

Location

Location
Click to choose location

Select date

Select date

Search

Fetching location...Experiences near me

## Explore the Best Wineries in Germany

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?

Look through our collection of great wineries

Displaying 3 of 224 wineries

### Weingut Dr. Nägler

The estate where the Riesling wines from the steepest vineyards in the Rheingau is produced

### 

Ancient winery in the Moselle region producing the famous Riesling wines

### 

Leading Winery with Generations of Experience in Winemaking

# Germany Wine Country

A hundred years ago, Rieslings from Germany wine country were among the most expensive wines in the world. It was quiet for a while. Now Riesling and other German white wines are undergoing a recovery - and the red Pinot Noir as well.

Germany wine country filled with rich history and culture is home to an incredibly diverse and beautiful spectrum of wines. Despite being less recognized on the global stage than their French or Italian counterparts, German wines have a unique charm and complexity that captures the attention of wine enthusiasts worldwide.

From its iconic Rieslings to the lesser-known but equally captivating Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Germany produces a stunning array of wines that cater to a variety of palates. The country's diverse climate, topography, and soil types create a multitude of terroirs, each imparting a distinct character to the wines they produce.

This guide will take you on a journey through the enchanting world of German wines. We'll explore the rich tapestry of the country's wine history, delve into its prominent German wine regions, introduce you to the principal types of German wines, and provide helpful on wineries to visit in Germany. Additionally, we'll also share some h elpful tips on pairing these wines with food to enhance your tasting experience.

## History of German Wines

The story of German wines begins over two millennia ago. The Romans, known for their viticultural practices, are credited with bringing the art of winemaking to the region around the 1st century AD. Vineyards were established in the fertile river valleys, including the renowned Rhine and Mosel regions. This was the start of what would become an illustrious tradition of German viticulture.

## Wine Tourism in Germany

German wine regions offer breathtaking landscapes, history, and wine culture to be discovered. Wine tourism in Germany combines different activities with wine tastings and vineyard tours. If you are an active person, German wine regions offer hiking and cycling routes to explore the territories or even river kayaking. However, Germany won't leave you disappointed, if you would like to relax and enjoy local food paired with amazing wines in quaint villages and little towns. At WineTourism.com, we offer a diversity of wine experiences at our local partner wineries. Explore German wine regions with us and discover the German wine world.

## German Wine Regions

Germany, known for its exquisite wines, is a mosaic of thirteen distinct wine regions, each boasting unique climatic and geographical characteristics that influence the taste and quality of the wines produced. These German wine regions are spread across the country, from the cool northern regions to the sunnier south, producing a diverse range of wine styles that reflect their respective terroirs.

## Wine Map of Germany

When you delve into the subject of German wine regions, you'll discover landscapes that vary from steep river valleys to gentle rolling hills, each providing a different backdrop for the vineyards that grow there. The primary German wine regions are Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz, but there are ten other regions that all contribute to the rich tapestry of German wine production.

### Rheinhessen - The largest region in Germany Wine Country

There are some rare grape varieties on the fruity loess soils of the hinterland: Bacchus, Ortega, Faberrebe, Muskat, Scheurebe, Huxel, and many more. Large, dry Rieslings also come from here, and their abundance is hard to beat. But there are also many niches from which come original, high-quality wines that make the Liebfraumilch, a formerly sweet and humble droplet, be forgotten.

Winemaking in the Rheinhessen region has been carried out since the time of Roman occupation; that is why this area is home to the oldest German vineyards. The best vineyards in the area are along the steep banks of the Rhine River, which is called the Rheinterrasse.

### Palatinate - The Region of Wine Festivals

Palatinate is the best Riesling-growing German wine region. Riesling wines are produced in places such as Kallstadt, Wachenheim, Deidesheim, and Forst. But also, excellent Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, as well as Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, and Silvaner, have their origin in the beautiful landscape of the Palatinate.  Palatinate people prefer to spend their free time at the many wine festivals that can be found in every village during the summer season. The beautiful region is also known for its good, hearty food, with which the wines harmonize wonderfully.

### Rheingau - The Cradle of Riesling

Vigorous, very fine white wines from Riesling grow on the calcareous loess slopes; at Assmanshausen also fine fruity Pinot Noir. Vines grew around the well-known castle of Johannisberg and Eberbach Monastery, which invite you to beautiful hikes and visits. In the past, a bottle of Riesling from the Rheingau was paid as much as a bottle of Château Lafite. Many of the wines produced here in renowned wineries are among the great white wines in the world.

Rudesheim, Germany Wine Country Amazing view over the river Rhine from the top of the hill in Rudesheim, Germany wine country

The top-quality of the wines, from the Rheingau region, are paired with a romantic atmosphere provided by the Rhine River and the hilly landscapes all around wineries.

Visit Rheingau wine regions and immerse yourself in heritage places, landscapes indulged by the sun dotted with rustic villages and breathtaking views over the vineyards and Rhine River.

### Mosel - One of the Top German Wine Regions

With its steeply sloping vineyards, the Mosel is one of the most spectacular vineyards in the world. Delicately spicy wines with strong acidity and pronounced apple, peach, and apricot aromas are created on heat-storing slate soil. Only a third of the wines were vinified as dry wines. Most wines, especially the Spätlese, are fruity and sweet as they contain 20 - 50 grams of residual sugar.

Mosel has been among the best white wine-producing regions in Europe. The Wine Region of Mosel boasts spectacular landscapes of terraced vineyards, medieval castles, small charming towns and villages, and of course, one of the best Rieslings you can try from Germany wine country.

### Baden - Where the Sun is Always Shining

Baden is the southernmost growing region in Germany and extends from the Taubertal via Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, and Freiburg to Lake Constance. Baden consists of separate subzones, the best known of which is the Kaiserstuhl: a warm volcanic hill area, in which Pinot Noir is grown, one of the tops in Germany. But great, spicy Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris also thrive in this sunny region. Baden is also known for its excellent cuisine, which is one of the most exquisite in Germany due to the influence of nearby Alsace.

Baden region holds 16000 hectares of vineyards in an iconic L-shape that stretches along the Baden Wine Route, which is a famous attraction among wine lovers travelling here. This area is an appealing and favourable getaway offering immense luxury and rich history.

High-class wine, fresh food along with deluxe spa centers and gorgeous towns, wait for you in Baden.

### Württemberg - Red Wines of Germany Wine Country

70% of the vines planted in Württemberg are red, the majority of which is Trollinger. A formerly bland wine that has now been turned into sophisticated wine by resourceful winemakers. But the red wines also consist of Lemberger (blue Portuguese), which can result in characterful, spicy wines. But the kitchen here also has some delicacies such as cheese spaetzle and roast which go wonderfully with the red wines of the region.

Württemberg is an unusual wine region of Germany, as the majority of the production is dedicated to red varieties. The wines produced here have very little exposure in the international market but locally, the wines of Württemberg are well received and have the highest consumption in all of Germany. Württemberg is also a land of green hills, forests, and fast cars; in fact, the world-famous Mercedes-Benz and Porsche were born here.

### Ahr- The Best Pinot Noir Producer in Germany

The Ahr is one of the warmest German wine regions. Here, in the south-facing steep slopes with the heat-storing slate as the subsoil, high temperatures prevail into autumn. This is the reason that 83% of red wine is grown. From this Pinot Noir, velvety, sometimes lush wines with a sweet fruitiness are produced.

Besides wine, Ahr offers amazing hilly landscapes, historical sites, and even a spa town (perfect to relax after some a hike on the hills). This region is a perfect place for you even if you prefer cities over nature since it is close to the beautiful Bonn and Cologne.

### Franken - Vines Along the Main River

The vineyards in the Franken wine region stretch along the river Main. The soils are therefore very multifaceted: primary rock, colored sandstone, shell limestone. This diversity is also reflected in the broad range of grape varieties: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Meunier, Dornfelder, Regent. But also in the Middle Rhine Valley, the Hessische Bergstrasse, Saxony and Saale-Unstrut are famous for their wine in high quality and offer beautiful wine landscapes that invite you to wonderful hikes or biking tours.

The Saale-Unstrut is the northernmost wine region of Germany wine country and it is well known for producing high-quality wine. The name of the region comes from the two rivers named Saale and Unstrut and it is situated in between the various slopes of the rolling hills surrounding the rivers.

## Types of German Wines

### Riesling

Riesling is the star of German wines, known for its high acidity, diverse range of flavors, and remarkable aging potential.

### Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is another highly aromatic white grape variety that produces full-bodied, sweet wines with lychee, rose, and spice notes.

### Spätburgunder ( Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder, the German name for Pinot Noir, creates red wines with high acidity and moderate tannins, showcasing flavors of red fruits and earthy undertones.

## Frequently asked questions about Germany wine country

#### Is Germany a wine country?

Yes, in fact, winemaking in Germany has a long history that dates back to 100 B.C., nowadays with 102,000 hectares, Germany is considered a medium-sized wine nation. German cool climate is ideal for white wine varieties with intense minerality thanks to the wide range of different soil types throughout the country.

#### What is the most popular German wine?

Germany is called the land of riesling for a good reason. It is the most popular, the most important and the most planted wine variety in Germany. Riesling is cultivated in all of Germany's 13 wine regions and therefore there are many different varieties to the German riesling such as Trocken (dry), Classic (half-dry), Feinherb (off-dry), Liebliche or Süß (sweet). Besides from Riesling, Germany's other popular wines include varieties such as, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Silvaner.

#### What are the main wine regions in Germany?

Germany has 13 wine regions and around 103 000 hectares of vineyards planted across these wine regions. Most of the German winemaking is situated in the Southwest of the country, that's where you can find the main and biggest wine regions among which are Baden, Pfalz, Mosel, Rheinhessen and Württemberg.

#### Which is the most famous wine region in Germany?

Even though Rheinhessen is Germany's oldest and largest wine region, Mosel is one of the most renowned, especially for its high-quality Riesling wines. However, it might be the smallest wine region of Germany that is considered to be the best. Ahr wine region is one of the northernmost wine regions in Europe and is famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir and picturesque landscapes.

#### What is a German Liebfraumilch?

Liebfraumilch or Liebfrauenmilch is a style of semi-sweet white wine, which is usually produced from one or more of these wine varieties: Riesling, Silvaner, Kerner, or Mller-Thurgau. It comes from the Rheinhessen region and it can be produced only there or in Pfalz, Nahe, or Rheingau regions.

#### Where is wine grown in Germany?

German wine is primarily produced in the west of Germany, along the river Rhine and its tributaries.

#### Are German wines sweet?

While Germany is famous for its sweet wines, it also produces a wide range of dry and semi-dry wines.

#### Is Spätburgunder the same as Pinot Noir?

Yes, Spätburgunder is the German name for Pinot Noir.

#### How to serve German wines?

White German wines are best served chilled, while red wines like Spätburgunder are better at room temperature.

## Map of Wineries in Germany

Discover the locations of wineries in Germany

## Wine regions in Germany

Mosel 

#### Mosel

Pfalz Wine Region

#### Pfalz Wine Region

Nahe

#### Nahe

Rheingau

#### Rheingau

Rheinhessen

#### Rheinhessen

Franken

#### Franken

Mittelrhein

#### Mittelrhein

Baden

#### Baden

Württemberg

#### Württemberg

Hessische Bergstrasse

#### Hessische Bergstrasse

Ahr

#### Ahr

Sachsen

#### Sachsen

Saale - Unstrut

#### Saale - Unstrut

## Get your monthly boost of wine inspiration

Join our newsletter now to receive our free guide on how to plan the perfect wine tour

Subscribe

Wine Tourism Global

(559307-3066)

Stockholm, Sweden

Phone: [+1 858 298 3785](tel:+1 858 298 3785)

Menu

For Wineries

Customer Service

© Copyright 2024 Winetourism