Germany Wine

Germany’s wine regions are primarily located in the southwest, where river valleys, varied soils, and temperate climates create ideal conditions for viticulture. The country is divided into 13 official wine-growing areas, each known for distinct grape varieties and styles. From the steep slopes of the Mosel to the sun-drenched terraces of Baden, these regions showcase the diversity and depth of German winemaking tradition. For official EU-recognized wine designations and region protections, see the EU PDO/PGI wine register.

Location: Northern Rhineland–Palatinate, along the Ahr River.

Styles/Varieties: ~85% red wine, especially Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) on steep slate slopes.

What makes it notable: Northern Germany’s premier red-wine region, scenic terraced vineyards, and intimate tasting experiences.

Location: Southwestern Germany near France and Switzerland.

Styles/Varieties: Germany’s warmest region—richer Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder, Müller‑Thurgau, but also some whites.

Notable for wine tourists: Sunny climate, full-bodied reds, and proximity to the Baden Wine Route.

Franken

Location: Northern Bavaria along the Main River.

Styles/Varieties: Silvaner (dry and mineral-driven), Riesling, Pinot Noir, bottled in iconic Bocksbeutel bottles.

Tourist appeal: Medieval towns (e.g. Würzburg), centuries-old wineries, and distinctive shaped bottles.

Location: Small valley east of the Rhine near Odenwald (Hesse).

Styles/Varieties: Riesling, Silvaner, Weiss- & Grauburgunder, and Spätburgunder.

Tourist appeal: Intimate scale, scenic vineyards with spring blossoms, and local gastronomy.

Location: Middle Rhine Gorge, between Koblenz and Bonn.

Styles/Varieties: 85% whites, mainly Riesling, some Pinot Blanc and Spätburgunder.

Tourist appeal: UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, steep terraced vineyards, and castle-lined riverbanks.

Location: Along the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer rivers in Rhineland‑Palatinate.

Styles/Varieties: World-class Riesling—light, acidic, mineral; some Elbling, Müller-Thurgau, and increasing Spätburgunder.

Tourist appeal: Dramatic steep vineyards (e.g. Bremmer Calmont), Riesling heritage, and riverside towns.

Location: Along the Nahe River (Rhineland‑Palatinate).

Styles/Varieties: ~75% whites, led by Riesling, plus Silvaner, Pinot Blanc/Gris, and some reds.

Tourist appeal: Diverse soils from volcanic to slate, producing a range of styles, with boutique wineries.

Pfalz 

Location: Below Haardt mountains near the French border.

Styles/Varieties: Second-largest region; Riesling, Dornfelder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, plus aromatic whites.

Tourist appeal: Sunny climate, extensive vineyards, and a blend of German–French wine styles.

Location: East of Rhine near Mainz.

Styles/Varieties: Germany’s largest region; Riesling, Silvaner, Müller‑Thurgau, Pinot Noir.

Tourist appeal: Diverse wine range, food & wine festivals, and easy access from Frankfurt.

Location: Saxony‑Anhalt and Thuringia, northeastern Germany.

Styles/Varieties: Cooler-climate wines—mostly Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris/Noir .

Tourist appeal: Historic eastern estates, scenic river valleys, and less crowded vineyards.

Sachsen

Location: Along the Elbe River near Dresden.

Styles/Varieties: Small-scale region with Riesling, Pinot Blanc/Gris, Pinot Noir .

Tourist appeal: Charming terraced vineyards close to cultural cities like Dresden and Meissen.

Location: Southwest Germany near Stuttgart.

Styles/Varieties: Primarily red grapes—Lemberger, Trollinger, Spätburgunder .

Tourist appeal: Swabian taverns, red wine trails, and hearty local cuisine.

Germany’s vineyards are home to a mix of indigenous and international grape varieties shaped by cool-climate conditions and diverse soils. White grapes dominate, led by world-renowned Riesling, but red varieties like Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) are gaining ground, especially in warmer southern regions. Each grape reflects the distinct terroir of its region, contributing to Germany’s reputation for precision, balance, and aromatic complexity in wine.

Germany’s flagship white: highly aromatic, crisp acidity, and versatile from dry to sweet or sparkling. Widely grown in Mosel, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Nahe, and more.

Rivaner

A Riesling cross, early-ripening, mild and fruity; common in Rheinhessen, Baden, Franconia, Mosel.

Weißburgunder

Smooth and elegant, used in dry or sparkling wines; found in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden.

Grauburgunder

Richer style with peachy notes; increasing presence in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Mosel.

Earthy, mineral-driven, especially in Franconia; often blended or made into dessert wine too.

Aromatic with blackcurrant and grapefruit notes, ideal for sweet styles though also dry; grown in Rheinhessen and other regions.

Bacchus, Kerner, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Elbling, and Huxelrebe are niche whites used in varietal or blended wines across various regions.

Spätburgunder

Germany’s top red: elegant, sometimes oak-aged, best from Baden, Ahr, Rheinhessen, Württemberg, Rheingau.

Deep-colored, fruity red developed in Württemberg; popular in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, and suited to oak aging.

Light, fresh red typical of Württemberg.

Lemberger

Structured red with spice notes, grown primarily in Württemberg.

Schwarzriesling

Light red/rosé grape, found in Württemberg.

Portugieser, Regent, Merlot, St. Laurent, and Cabernet varieties are gaining traction in blends and varietal reds across Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden.