How To Explore Stuttgart’s Wine Trail
Stuttgart, the capital of South West Germany in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, may be best known as the home of the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz ‑both of whom have their own impressive museums, but it’s also home to an array of rolling vineyards that produce world-class Rieslings and top notch, Trollinger.
Curious to know more? Here’s the low-down on Stuttgart’s celebrated wine trail.
Esslingen’s Weinwandertag (May)
Be sure to seek out Stuttgart in May when Esslingen’s Weinwandertag – a wonderful annual wine hike – takes place.
Wander through the vineyards from one wine stall to the next and sample a selection of incredible wines from the region with a glass hanging around your neck.
The vineyard walk starts at Esslingen Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), close to the market square.
Stuttgarter Weindorf (August/September)
Oenophiles won’t want to miss Stuttgart’s annual Stuttgarter Weindorf, also known as Stuttgart Wine Village, which is one of the city’s most anticipated events.
Held at the end of August/early September, this 12-day wine extravaganza takes over the entire city. Attendees have the chance to sample more than 500 exquisite wines from the south of Germany, plus Swabian specialities such as Maultaschen (filled pasta squares), Käsepätzle (noodles with cheese) and Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) with sauerkraut in cosy alcoves.
Besenwirtschaften (October/March)
If you’re in Stuttgart between October and March, don’t miss Besenwirtschaften, when temporary wine bars pop up in the front room of people’s homes to serve Swabian home cooking washed down with the season’s vintage.
To spot a Besenwirtschaften, simply look for a broom above the door which indicates that the tavern is open for business.
The Stuttgart Museum of Viniculture
Want to learn more about the wine culture in and around Stuttgart? Make for the Stuttgart Museum of Viniculture.
Housed in a historic former wine-press building in the wine-growing village of Stuttgart-Uhlbach, this can’t‑miss museum tells the story of over 2,000 years of wine-growing in this region through interesting exhibits and displays (which are presented both in English and German).
Can’t make it for a festival? Stuttgart has many hiking routes that circle through local vineyards and wine growing regions – and can be explored at any time of year – so lace up your hiking boots and get going.
There’s a trail for every ability from seasoned trekkers to occasional hikers, pretty much all of which affords fine views, with guides available from September-October.
Keen to discover more of the city? Don’t miss our listing of the best bars in Stuttgart.