Germany – key wine regions

Being located at the latitudes of 47 to 54 degrees north, the wine regions of Germany are among the coolest grape growing areas in the world. Production volumes vary largely by the annual climate, but the recent growth of red wine varieties is remarkably high as temperatures increase at these latitudes.

Many of the vineyards are situated close to a river which improves grape ripening by keeping the continental climate mild.  Sunlight and heat are reflected by the river onto the vineyards creating a stable temperature during the day while the vineyards often have stones and slate soils which absorb the heat during day and release again at night.  In autumn, fog comes from the river and protect the vineyards from cold air but with the risk of Nobel Rot. All these factors mitigate severe growing conditions in Germany where grape harvest takes place relatively late in the season. Due to the latitude, even in the autumn the sun rises early while setting late which gives long days with lots of sunshine, and, despite the rather low temperature, grapes can ripen slowly and steadily.