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Hessische Bergstrasse: Wines you should know

The Hessische Bergstrasse is Germany's second smallest wine-growing region. With its rich history, unique geography and special climatic conditions, this small region with its variety of wines can hold its own even among the big players. What follows is a plea for the multifaceted growths of the Hessische Bergstrasse.

The wine-growing tradition on the Hessian Bergstrasse goes back a long way into the past. The Romans probably began cultivating wine along the so-called “Strata montana” (mountain road) around 2,000 years ago. However, the first documented mention of viticulture in this region was not found until the 8th century in the Lorsch Codex (Codex Laureshamensis).

Interestingly, the Hessische Bergstrasse has only existed as an independent wine-growing region since 1971. Prior to this, it formed the “Bergstrasse” wine-growing region together with the Badische Bergstrasse. The separation was due to a new wine law that made restructuring measures necessary in Baden. The southern part of the Bergstrasse, which lies within the borders of Baden, was added to the Baden wine-growing region, while the northern part became the Hessische Bergstrasse.
With a vineyard area of just 462 hectares, the Hessische Bergstrasse is the second smallest wine-growing region in Germany. This comparatively small area is characterized by a remarkable diversity, both in terms of grape varieties as well as soil types and microclimates. So let's take a closer look at all this.

Topics in this article

Hessische Bergstrasse: Geography and climate

The Hessische Bergstrasse stretches along the western foothills of the Odenwald. The vineyards nestle on the slopes that form the gateway to the Odenwald, with around 25 percent of the cultivated areas being steep slopes. This geographical location not only gives the area its name, but also its unique climatic conditions.

The climate of the Hessische Bergstrasse is exceptionally mild, which has earned it the nickname “Germany's Riviera”. The region benefits from an early spring and late fall, resulting in a long growing season. On average, the area enjoys around 1,600 hours of sunshine per year with relatively little rainfall.

Another important factor for the mild climate is the Odenwald, which protects the vineyards from cold northerly and easterly winds. It also inhibits the flow of cold air at night into the vineyards below, which ensures a stable microclimate.

The soils of the Hessische Bergstrasse are extremely varied, which leads to a great diversity in the wines. The geological history of the region has left behind a complex soil structure characterized by glacial deposits and different types of rock. You can find here:

  • Shallow, very coarse, dry, mostly lime-free soils
  • Medium and deep, coarse-textured, loamy, dry to fresh, mostly lime-free soils
  • Deep, coarse, loamy, fresh, base-rich, mostly lime-free soils with little coarse soil
  • Loamy-clayey, partly coarse-textured, often waterlogged, mostly lime-free soils
  • Deep, only occasionally coarse-textured, silty, occasionally sandy-loamy, dry to fresh soils 

This diversity of soil types enables winegrowers to produce a wide range of wine styles that reflect the uniqueness of each individual vineyard.

Hessische Bergstrasse: Good to know

 

Total vine area

Big sections

Single sections

Important wine-growing locations

Annual production

462 hectare

3

23

Bensheim, Auerbach, Heppenheim

⌀ 32.000
 hectolitres

Wine styles of the Hessische Bergstrasse

The majority of viticulture is concentrated in the area between the towns of Heppenheim and Zwingenberg. Very different styles of wine are produced here, which we would like to take a closer look at.

Riesling wines

With a share of 36.4%, Riesling is the dominant grape variety in the region. Riesling wines from the Hessische Bergstrasse are typically characterized by their freshness, minerality and elegance. The different soil types lend the wines different nuances, from fruity-floral aromas on lighter soils to more complex, mineral notes on the stonier sites.

Pinot noir wine

As the most important blue grape variety with a share of 10.8%, the Hessische Bergstrasse also produces remarkable red wines. The Pinot Noirs benefit from the warm, sunny slopes and often develop a beautiful fruitiness with fine tannins.

Wines from other grape varieties

Ruländer (Pinot Gris), Müller-Thurgau and Grüner Silvaner also play an important role on the Hessische Bergstrasse. These grape varieties contribute to the diversity of the wine palette and produce wines that range from light and fresh (Müller-Thurgau) to full-bodied and complex (Ruländer).

Steep slope wines

The wines from the steep slopes are often characterized by a special intensity and minerality. The poor soils and optimal sunlight lead to concentrated grapes that produce wines with great depth and complexity.
The diversity of soils and microclimates in the Hessische Bergstrasse enables winegrowers to produce a wide range of wine styles, from light, fruit-driven wines to complex, storable growths.

Hessische Bergstrasse: wines in detail

 

Grape varieties Area

Grape varieties Prestige

Climate

Climatic influences

Soils

Riesling (168 hectares), Pinot Gris (59 hectares), Pinot Noir (50 hectares)
 

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

temperate-continental

Rivers (Neckar, Rhine, Main), Odenwald

Weathered rock and loess

Hessische Bergstrasse: Wine as an economic factor

Viticulture on the Hessische Bergstrasse is an important economic factor for the region. In 2024, the winegrowers produced around 32,000 hectoliters of wine, which represents a significant contribution to the local economy. Admittedly, this volume is of little relevance internationally. Nevertheless, the wines of the Hessian Bergstrasse are suitable for import worldwide, because as a niche product they can appeal very specifically to discerning wine lovers who are looking for the exotic in the familiar. As one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Germany, the Hessische Bergstrasse offers wines with a special character. This uniqueness can be used as a selling point in the wine trade, especially for wine lovers looking for special discoveries.

Many winegrowers in the region rely on sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation methods. This meets the growing consumer demand for organically produced wines and can also be used as a sales argument in the trade. Although the cultivation of steep slopes is complex and cost-intensive, it often results in wines of special quality and character. These can be marketed in the premium segment. The limited production can lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices, especially for wines from particularly renowned sites. So it is well worth taking a closer look at the Hessische Bergstrasse.

Your selling points for wines from the Hessische Bergstrasse

  • Wines in every price segment, so that many different customers can be targeted with them
  • Full-bodied dry white wines and fine Trockenbeerenauslese wines
  • Mostly excellent value for money
  • Wide range of different styles
  • Very good accompaniment to food
  • Interesting for the international wine trade because the wines can be sold well as a niche





 
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