Wine Tourism in Germany

While most people know Germany for its beer but oenophiles around the world are aware of Germany’s wines and its many varieties.  Wine is usually produced in the western German region along the Rhine as well as its tributaries. Most quality wine is produced in the Rhineland- Palatinate region of Germany.

Germany ranks eighth in wine production and more than half of its wine production is white wine. On one hand Germany is known for its high class white wines which are a connoisseur’s delight on the other hand it also produces and exports cheap sweet wine meant for the masses.

Mosel, Rhein and Nahe are popular regions for wine enthusiasts and the best way to explore all the villages and towns of these regions is by hiring a car. A car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace as you enjoy the scenery, but one must be careful about drinking and driving. German laws on drinking and driving are very strict therefore it is essential that one is aware of it. The German public transport system in the area is also quite good.

If you plan to stay in one of the main wine villages during the peak tourist season, it will be best to book in advance. Otherwise there can be problems of accommodations later on. There are usually plenty of accommodations available around the year. Almost every hotel has its own website therefore booking should not be a problem.

Most guest houses in Germany even have a small winery attached to it. Therefore one can enjoy the tasting the wines of different wine villages. Those traveling in a group might want to opt for self catering accommodation which is termed as Fereinhaus. These perhaps are the best accommodation for those traveling in groups of four or more, but they are usually in great demand as well.  Campsites as well as caravan and motor home parks are also available. If one fails to find a good accommodation, one can approach the local tourist office for help.

Villages along the German wine route often have an ‘open cellar day’ and every village has at least a wine festival a year. One can taste a large variety of many different wines at these wine tasting events for a pittance or even for free but it is considered polite to purchase a bottle or two from such wine tasting.

Most wine festivals are held from the month of March to October. Some of the well known wine festivals in Germany are Wurstmarkt in Bad Durkheim which is held in September, German wine harvesting festival in Neustadt an der Weinstrabe in October, Wine festival in Freinsheim in July, Deidesheim wine festival in August and the Almond Blossom Festival in Gimmeldingen is usually the first wine festival which is held in March depending on when the flowering starts.