German Wine Basics

From world-class Riesling and elegant Pinot Noir to effervescent Sekt, lovers of all kinds of wine – white, red, rosé, and sparkling – can find a variety and style from Germany to please any palate.

The wines of Germany are shaped by the climatic and soil conditions of some of the world’s northernmost wine growing regions, creating vibrant and concentrated expressions that are enjoyed around the globe. Take a virtual tour of each unique area.

Germany’s viticultural tradition dates from Roman times, and all 13 regions are rich in cultural and historical treasures. Follow in the footsteps of monks and princes as you tour our historical timeline from Teutonic tribes to the first Spätlese harvest and beyond.

The path from vine to bottle involves many working steps, and the winemakers’ work – pruning and training the vines, soil care, and harvest techniques – combined with Germany’s unique climate and soil diversity contribute to exceptional wines. Glimpse a year in the life of a German winemaker and find out how all these factors impact our favorite beverage.

Everything you need to know about a German wine is outlined on the label. While some producers are moving towards more modern designs, typically you will be able to find the winemaker, grape, style, quality, classification, and origin right on the bottle. With a quick lesson on putting the pieces together, German wine labels are organized, clear, and helpful.