With regions in France and Italy, Germany doesn’t necessarily come to mind when we are talking about wine regions. However, Germany has some of the most idyllic wine regions in Europe, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
From the romantic Mosel Valley to the Black Forest, Germany will surprise you with its impressive wineries, vineyards, and interesting wine culture.
So let’s take a look at some of our Guest Editors’ favorite German wine regions!
Mosel Region
The Mosel Region is undoubtedly one of Germany’s most beloved wine regions and for good reason. With a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and valleys, the region is renowned for its picturesque beauty.
The Mosel Valley provides excellent conditions for producing mineral-rich white wines made from Riesling grapes. The high acidity and minerality of these wines make them a perfect pairing with the local cuisine, which includes dishes like schnitzel and sauerkraut.
This region is the oldest wine region in Germany, as the Romans introduced wine production here over two thousand years ago. It is home to some of the country’s oldest vineyards and wineries, offering visitors a unique experience.
Best Vineyards and Wineries
Dominikaner Weingut C. von Nell-Breuning
The Dominikaner Weingut C. von Nell-Breuning is the oldest winery in the Mosel wine region and has been owned and managed by the von Nell-Breuning family since its establishment in 1890. They mainly cultivate Riesling and Pinot Noir grape varieties.
Winery of the Dötsch-Haupt
The Winery of the Dötsch-Haupt Family is located in Kesten, near Trier. The vineyard was established in 1657 and is still owned by the same family. They specialize in producing Riesling and Scheurebe wines, which are fruity and aromatic.
Best Hotels
Schloss Lieser
The 4-star Schlosser Hotel is an exquisite 17th-century castle located in the Mosel Valley. The hotel boasts stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, as well as a garden, a spa, and an amazing restaurant.
Moselschlösschen Spa & Resort
The Moselschlösschen Spa & Resort in Traben-Trarbach has a restaurant, fitness center, bar, and garden. Additionally, it offers guests an indoor pool and hammam.
Pfalz
The Pfalz wine region is one of the warmest in Germany, making it suitable for growing red grape varieties such as Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Portugieser. The wines produced here are full-bodied and robust, making them perfect for pairing with hearty German dishes.
The famous Wine Road here is a must-visit and spans more than 40 miles, connecting over 50 wineries. Visitors can marvel at the rolling hills dotted with vineyards and enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
One of the most iconic drinks here is a Wine Schorle (Wine Spritzer), which is white wine combined with sparkling water. It’s the most popular drink here and you will find it at all the wine festivals in the region!
Best Vineyards and Wineries
Winery Werner Anselmann
You can find the Werner Anselmann Winery in Edesheim on Germany’s Wine Route. It has been owned by the same family since 1126 and still produces wine today. The winery also offers vineyard tours and tastings on its terrace, which is a great place to enjoy the sunny days of the Pfalz region.
Winery Siener
The Sienerhof Winery is located in the heart of the Palatinate Forest and has been producing wine for more than 350 years. The vineyard produces a variety of red and white wines, as well as sparkling wines. They also offer tours and tastings upon request, as well as a cozy outdoor area where one can enjoy wine and traditional dishes of the region.
Best Hotels
Kloster Hornbach
Kloster Hornbach is situated in the scenic hills of Rhineland-Palatinate, in Hornbach, which is just 1 km away from the French border. The venue features three restaurants, each with a unique theme including French cuisine, local regional-style cuisine, and a traditional tavern. During warm weather, the cloister garden transforms into a typical German beer garden.
Deidesheimer Hof
The Deidesheimer Hof, family-run since 1866, is located in the beautiful town of Deidesheim. The hotel offers rooms with views of the vineyards and a restaurant serving traditional German dishes, as well as modern cuisine and local specialties. For those wishing to sample the local wines, wine-tasting sessions are offered at the hotel.
Baden
The Baden wine region is located in the southwestern corner of Germany, nestled between the Black Forest and the Rhine River. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Germany due to its stunning views, great weather, and its many charming villages and towns.
Baden is a wine region that offers a diverse range of white, red, and sparkling wines. These wines are typically light-bodied and fruity with a hint of sweetness, but their taste may differ due to the region’s size and climate variations.
Every year, the Stuttgarter Weindorf hosts the most significant wine-related event in the region. Wine connoisseurs can sample the best wines from 100 wine merchants who come from various places.
Best Vineyards and Wineries
Winery Dr. Heger
The Dr. Heger Winery, which is in the heart of the Kaiserstuhl region, has been family-owned since 1935. The vineyard produces red and white wines, as well as sparkling wines. The winery also offers tours of its facilities and tastings upon request.
Winery Salwey
A family-owned vineyard is located in a sunny region in the southwest of Germany called Kaiserstuhl, which used to be a volcanic belt. The vineyards cover an area of 35 ha and are surrounded by the Vosges Mountains in the west and the Black Forest Mountains in the east. The climate is greatly impacted by the Rhine Valley and the warm winds from Burgundy.
Best Hotels
RIVA
RIVA is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of the Baden wine region, and it is the perfect place to stay for anyone looking to explore all that this renowned producing area has to offer. The historic seaside villa offers a heated rooftop pool, a summer terrace and boasts a 2-star Michelin restaurant.
Steigenberger Inselhotel
Located right on Lake Constance, the Steigenberger Inselhotel is a 4-star hotel and spa that overlooks the Rhine Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and picturesque towns, it is the ideal place to relax after a day spent exploring Baden’s winemaking culture. The hotel also offers activities such as sailing, golfing, cycling, and wine tastings.
Rheinhessen
Rheinhessen is a wine-growing region in the southwest of Germany and is home to some of the world’s best Riesling wines. The region has seen a revival in recent years due to its mild climate, which allows the grapes to reach their full potential.
The wine route also includes a selection of small, historic villages, such as Eltville am Rhein, Geisenheim, and Hochheim am Main. These villages are full of local culture and charm and offer an excellent opportunity to sample the region’s finest wines.
With its stunning scenery, rolling hills, and some of Germany’s best wines, Rhineland is definitely a must-visit for any wine enthusiast!
Best Vineyards and Wineries
Espenhof
Espenhof is a winery and hotel situated in the center of the Rheinhessen wine area. They have been producing high-quality wines since 1664 and offer tours, tastings, and lodging. Their most notable wine labels include Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer. Additionally, their restaurant serves authentic German cuisine that pairs perfectly with their wines.
Winery Scheffer
Winery Scheffer is located in the heart of Rheinhessen and it produces some of the finest Riesling wines in the region. They offer a range of white, red, and sparkling wines and if you visit their family-run estate, you can take part in an exclusive tour of the winery and learn more about their production process.
Best Hotels
Hofgut Wißberg
Hofgut Wißberg is a superb choice when visiting the Rheinhessen region. It is located in the heart of the region, allowing visitors to easily explore all that it has to offer. The hotel overlooks the hills and vineyards of the area and offers stunning views of the landscape. On top of that, they offer excellent food and wine pairings, as well as tastings of their own estate wines.
Weinhotel Kaisergarten
Weingut Kaisergarten is a 4-star hotel located in the village of Alzey. It offers modern rooms and suites with views of its own vineyards and riverside. Guests can also enjoy daily wine tastings at its onsite winery and take part in guided tours of the vineyard.
Germany’s Wine Regions – Final Words
Now that we have given you a rundown of our favorite German wine regions, it should be easier to get an overview of which area you should visit for the best experience. Whether it is a weekend trip to Rheinhessen’s charming villages or a luxurious getaway at one of Baden’s top hotels, whichever German wine region you choose, your taste buds are sure to be delighted.