All About Wines from Germany
Germany is one of the largest wine-producing countries in Europe, which is quite remarkable given its northern location. Yet for centuries, Germany has proven that top-quality wines can thrive even in cooler climates. The country produces around 9.3 million hectoliters of wine annually, of which approximately 65% is white and 35% red. About 20% of that is exported—mainly to wine lovers who know that German wine is much more than just sweet and cheap.
Wine Regions in Germany
The main quality wine regions are located in the west and southwest of the country. Here you’ll find well-known areas like Rheinhessen, Baden, and the Mosel, where terroir and tradition go hand in hand. In the north of Germany, mostly table and country wines are produced.
Germany has about 102,000 hectares of vineyards in total. Many of these are planted on steep slopes, which offers advantages: better sun exposure during the day and less risk of night frost. In addition, the slate soil (Schiefer) provides ideal conditions, especially for the Riesling grape. Big names like Günther Steinmetz and Joh. Jos. Prüm show with their expressive Mosel wines just how brilliant Riesling from this terroir can be.
Wineries such as Dr. Bürklin-Wolf and Schloss Johannisberg – regarded as the cradle of Riesling – rank among the absolute top in Germany. These icons are not just historical greats; they continue to produce world-class wines to this day.
Germany’s Top Regions and Grape Varieties
Baden: Sun, Soil, and Pinot
Baden, in southern Germany, is considered one of the country's—and Europe’s—best wine regions. Thanks to its mild climate and fertile soils, grape varieties like Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) thrive here. Riesling and the local specialty Chasselas (Gutedel) are also important varieties. One of the most renowned names from this area is Franz Keller, known for his elegant, Burgundy-style wines. With over 15,000 hectares, Baden is Germany’s third-largest wine-growing region.
Rheinhessen: Largest and Most Versatile
At number one in terms of surface area is Rheinhessen, with 26,300 hectares of vineyards. The region is famous for its white wines, with Riesling as the undisputed star. Still, the red wines here are also impressive: Spätburgunder from Rheinhessen ranks among Germany’s finest reds.
Mosel: Steep Slopes and Crisp Acidity
No overview of German wine is complete without the Mosel. Here, 90% of the production is white wine. Alongside the well-known Riesling, you’ll also find Elbling—an ancient grape variety with a light and fresh character. The red wines from this region, including Regent, Dornfelder, and Spätburgunder, are rarer but definitely worth trying. Some of the most sought-after wines from the Mosel come from producers like Egon Müller, world-renowned for his noble sweet Rieslings, and of course Joh. Jos. Prüm.
VDP vs. the Official Wine Classification: What’s the Difference?
Germany has two systems to define wine quality: the official German wine classification, based on grape ripeness (such as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese), and the VDP classification, which focuses on terroir and origin. The VDP is an association of elite wineries that adhere to stricter standards than required by law. Want to learn more? Read our in-depth blog on the differences between the VDP and the official German wine classification.
