Introducing the Stuttgart Wine Region
In the centre of the city and yet only 15 minutes away from the vineyards in the countryside - that is the wine city of Stuttgart. This unique mixture is reflected in the entire wine region: idyllic charm of half-timbered houses and vibrant city life, gentle Swabian Alpine foothills and the picturesque Neckar valley come together here.
The Stuttgart wine region is centred around the state capital and merges seamlessly with the surrounding wine-growing areas. The region ranges from the Schalkstein vineyard in the Württemberg lowlands to the Hohenneuffen vineyard near Metzingen and combines urban flair with traditional viticulture. Stuttgart is in the centre: around 423 hectares of vineyards characterise the cityscape, some of which are located directly in the city centre.
Diversity and tradition: viniculture under ideal conditions
Protected by the heights of the northern Black Forest and the Swabian Alb, the mild climate offers ideal conditions. The river Neckar favours hot summers and sunny autumn days, which benefits famous vineyards such as the Cannstatter Zuckerle or the Untertürkheimer Mönchberg. A wide variety of red and white wines thrive in the region. Classic varieties such as Lemberger, Pinot Noir and Trollinger dominate the scene, while international grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are becoming increasingly popular due to the dry, sunny autumn climate. White wines are dominated by Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Kerner and Sauvignon Blanc, supplemented by an increasing number of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay vines.
The majority of wine producers are organised in cooperatives; there are five well-known ones in Stuttgart alone. The municipal winery is also interesting - the only one in a major German city. In addition to the cooperatives, there are numerous private wineries: from renowned VDP wineries to small, family-run wineries that serve their wines in cosy wine taverns.
Steep slopes, dry stone walls and vineyards - a landscape with history
The steep, terraced vineyards along the Neckar bends, for example in Bad Cannstatt, Besigheim or Esslingen, are characteristic of the landscape. With gradients of up to 50 per cent, manual labour is required here - mechanical cultivation is hardly possible. These steep slopes are not only a source of identity for the winegrowers, but also an attraction for visitors. But of course the gentle vineyard hills beyond the steep slopes are in no way inferior.
A special feature are the historic dry stone walls that run through the terraces. Some of them are over 1000 years old, as on the Neckarhalde in Esslingen, and tell of the long tradition of viticulture. In addition to their practical use as erosion protection and water regulators, they provide a valuable habitat for lizards, insects and rare plant species - an impressive interplay of nature, history and viticulture.
Earlier, as the sparse soils were unsuitable for agriculture, many farmers favoured viticulture. This was so successful that in the 14th century, the expansion of vineyards was banned in order to secure the food supply. Nevertheless, wine remained in abundance - a chronicle from 1386 tells us that it was even used to mix mortar in Württemberg. In the 16th century, Württemberg was one of the most important wine-growing regions in the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations. At the wedding of Duke Ulrich in 1511, wine flowed from a fountain in Stuttgart, from which over 4.5 million litres are said to have been drunk.
Experience wine: From museums to wine festivals
If you want to experience wine up close, visit one of the museums of viniculture in Stuttgart-Uhlbach or Metzingen or take part in a guided tour, a tasting or a wine walk. An even better way to discover the wines is by the glass - whether in a rustic wine tavern, a modern wine bar or directly in the winegrower's vinotheque. The convivial atmosphere of the region is particularly noticeable at the numerous wine festivals, especially the famous Stuttgart Weindorf.