Scenic wine routes abound
Across Germany, you can find countless ways to enjoy a fantastic wine tour: 13 distinct wine regions contain over 10,000 wineries and 100,000 hectares of vineyards! If wandering through picturesque vineyard landscapes sounds like your idea of a perfect escape, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.
The Moselle’s steep vineyards
The Moselle valley, one of the country’s oldest wine regions, is known for its uniquely steep slopes. Green vineyards as far as you can see and enchanting villages with a wealth of history and impressive castles make the Moselle and its surrounding area one of the most memorable river landscapes. Of the many ways to explore this area, one of the most remarkable is the 365-kilometer-long Moselsteig Trail. The route switches from hiking in forest and meadow, occasionally climbing short, rocky paths, to strolling between the vines along wide paths. After such an unforgettable hike, there’s no finer reward than sipping a crisp wine at a charming riverside tavern.
Wine trails in Eastern Germany
Centuries of tradition have shaped the stunning landscape of the Saxon Wine Route, with its sloping vineyards, magnificent historical buildings, and small wine taverns in picturesque villages. The trail leads along the Elbe through Dresden’s surrounding countryside to beautiful vineyards, in six stages of 15-18 kilometers.
A bit further lies another gem for wine enthusiasts, Germany’s northernmost winegrowing area. The captivating Saale-Unstrut region captivates visitors with its vast vineyards, steep terraces, and iconic sites such as Naumburg Cathedral. Thanks to their proximity, the Saxon Wine Route and the Saale-Unstrut region easily combine to offer a perfect blend of scenic hikes and cultural treasures.
Franconia’s river views
Franconia is one of the most modern viticultural regions, featuring state-of-the-art wineries and producing fine wines appreciated worldwide. The region around Würzburg stretches from Aschaffenburg along the Mainschleife to Bamberg and also includes the steep slopes of the Steigerwald. A leisurely trip along the River Main Cycle Route offers a fascinating insight into the countryside dotted with no end of historical villages. Hikers are treated to spectacular views as they make their way along the panoramic tracks on foot.
In addition to the many scenic hiking trails, a visit to one of the numerous local wine festivals offers an authentic cultural encounter. During spring and fall, traditional wine festivals are held throughout the wine-growing regions. Fun side note: traditional wine taverns go by different names. In a Besenwirtschaft (broom inn), a Häckerwirtschaft (pick inn), Maienwirtschaft (May inn) or Straußwirtschaft (bouquet inn), wine is sold directly from the producer and enjoyed along with traditional dishes. It’s great fun! You’ll eat and drink well and meet a lot of friendly people — no matter which of the 13 wine-growing regions you plan to visit!
