Ancient winery in the Moselle region producing the famous Riesling wines
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Weingut Witwe Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef
Growing high-quality grapes in the most expensive vineyards of Germany.
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 helpful tips on pairing these wines with food to enhance your tasting experience.
Check out the list of the best wineries in Germany
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.
Discover some of the best wine tasting tours in Germany
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.
Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Rheinhessen and enjoy your visit to the region.
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.
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.
Learn more about Wine tasting and Tours in Rheingau to enjoy your visit to the region.
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.
Learn more about Wine tasting and Tours in Mosel to enjoy your visit to the region.
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.
Check out Wine Tastings and Tours in Baden wine region.
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.
Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Württemberg to enjoy your visit to the region.
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.
Check out the list of Wine Tastings and Tours in Ahr to enjoy your visit to the region.
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.
Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Saale – Unstrut to enjoy if you visit the region.
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?
What is the most popular German wine?
What are the main wine regions in Germany?
Which is the most famous wine region in Germany?
What is a German Liebfraumilch?
Where is wine grown in Germany?
Are German wines sweet?
Is Spätburgunder the same as Pinot Noir?
How to serve German wines?
Map of Wineries in Germany
Discover the locations of wineries in Germany
Wine regions in Germany
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