Bingen Wine Region Guide

Bingen wine region is the largest wine-growing area in the Rheinhessen region located around the town of Bingen in the Mainz-Bingen in Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany. On the southeast the bends of the Rhine river, close to the Bingen Forest, the Bingen wine appellation rises west of the town center. The region is surrounded by the Rheingau range in the north. Binigium, which means "hole in the rock" in Celtic, was the region's original name. Immerse yourself completely in the viticultural atmosphere of Bingen.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bingen!

Where is the Bingen wine region?

The region is ideally situated on the banks of the Nahe and Rhine rivers, at the confluence of three major wine-growing regions: the Nahe, Rheingau, and Mittelrhein. On the banks of bending curves of the Rhine river beside the Bingin Forest, lies most of the vineyards. The river Nahe flows in the west of the region while River Rhine flows in the Northern Territory of the Bingen wine region. The Bingen wine region is close to the city of Frankfurt in the east just 71 km via A66.

History of the Bingen wine region

Bingen was formerly known as the Binigium, which means "hole in the rock" in Celtic and refers to the shoal behind the Mäuseturm. The Celtic tribes first settled in the region in pre-roman times developing the area and viticulture. The town is well known for the story of Mouse Tower, in which the Bishop of Mainz is claimed to have been devoured by mice. Saint Hildegard von Bingen, a well-known medieval composer, was also born in the area. The location was also the starting point for the Roman route, Via Ausonia, which runs to Trier on the Mosel's banks.

The terroir and geography of the Bingen wine region

The area is essentially separated into two sections. Kirchberg is located in the northern portion of the Bingen wine appellation and faces south along the Rhine River. The soils are mostly clayey, with calcareous chalk and stones thrown in for good measure. The Hunsrück mountain range protects the vines from the harsh northern wind and frost. The Rhine has a strong impact on the climate in Bingen. The wine appellation's low ground is distinct due to extreme humidity. Because of the high iron oxide concentration, the soils of the Scharlachberg region are generally reddish. The terrain is hilly in certain parts and also faces southwest.

Popular grape varieties from the Bingen wine region

Riesling is the most favored grape variety in the region with almost 80% of the total production. Both Kirchberg and Scharlachberg area of the Bingen wine appellation is largely planted with riesling. Other grape varieties in the region include Silvaner, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Kerner. The Bingen wine region produces white wines, red wines, rose wines as well as sparkling wines. White wines from the Riesling grape are elegant that have brilliant color and aromas with notes of flowers, fruits, and minerals that completely express the terroir. The taste is lengthy that gives notes of apricot, honey, and pear.

Food to pair with Bingen wine 

Spanferkel

Spanferkel is the German equivalent of a roasted suckling pig. The piglet used in the dish should be between 2 and 6 weeks old. The piglet is frequently seasoned and covered in oil or butter. Stuffing the pig is another traditional procedure for improving the flavor of the meal. The piglet is cooked in an oven or over a fire until the pig's parts fall off. The piglet is then sliced or served whole, depending on personal choice. The meal is normally made for special occasions and holidays, but it is also offered in German restaurants on pre-order. Because of the high collagen content of the piglet, the flesh is slightly mushy. The entrée comes with a sauce, veggies, and salads. The sauce that accompanies the meal is made from the drippings of the roasting pig.

Ente in Bier

Ente in Bier is a traditional German dish made with duck and dark beer as the essential parts. Traditionally, the recipe also adds a chicken stock, garlic, butter, flour, marjoram, onions, anchovy paste, parsley, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and salt. This dish's preparation is easy and basic. The duck is first chopped into pieces and seasoned with salt. The seasoned pieces are then floured before being seared in a skillet with butter. The dark beer and extra ingredients are added after browning the duck on both sides. Cook the duck until it is soft. Simply combine flour and water in a vessel to create the gravy. The dish comes with gravy and is served hot.

Roast Goose

Roast goose is a renowned delicacy that is commonly found in China, Europe, and the Middle East. The dish is thought to have originated in China and is also a Hong Kong national treasure. This recipe has various versions and is widespread all over the world. The seasoned goose is roasted over a dry fire to ensure even cooking on all sides. The best roast goose has crisp skin that is juicy on the inside. Traditionally, roasting is done over charcoal, which adds a smokiness to the flavor. The dish is commonly presented in slices with garnishes and sauce.

Places to visit in the Bingen wine region

Niederwald Monument

The massive iron sculpture of a lady, Germania, overlooking the Rhine valley and Bingen town is often identified as the Niederwald Monument. This magnificent monument is located in Niederwald and was built in 1871 to commemorate German unification following the end of the Franco-Prussian war. The location is within the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Karl Weißbach planned the monument, while Johannes Schilling created the sculpture. The memorial has a 10.5-meter-tall center sculpture showing Kaiser Wilhelm I, as well as aristocracy, commanders, and soldiers.

Burg Klopp (Klopp castle)

Burg Klopp is a historic castle that is a significant tourist attraction in Bingen. The castle, built on a mountaintop above the town overlooking the valley, fulfilled the fortress's objective of fortifying the town. The fortress, known as Castellum Bingium, was built in 13BC by the Roman commander Tiberius Drusus. During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), the fortress was entirely devastated. The edifice was later rebuilt only to be destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. Ludwig Cron, a German industrialist, purchased the castle in 1853 and began restoring it in modern Neo-Gothic style. Today, the castle houses the municipal hall and a museum, and it has become a popular tourist attraction.

Town of Bacharach

Historically known as the main wine trading centre all over the Rhine Valley wine area, Bacharach is also a beautiful medieval town of this German wine region. Located only 16 kilometres away from Bingen wine region, this charming town offers a plethora of cosy restaurants, cobblestone streets and prominent wineries around it. Therefore, do not miss out on the chance to visit this enchanting place, when you happen to be in Bingen.

Frequently asked questions about Bingen