You find yourself with a day to spare in Frankfurt and you would like to explore vineyards nearby? Options for wine tours from Frankfurt are abundant – here are 5 regions to explore:
Rheingau Wine Tour – historic wine region close to Frankfurt
Get ready for a scenic journey to the picturesque Rheingau region, just 60 km west of Frankfurt. It is famous for its world-class Riesling wines and historic estates like Monastery Eberbach, Schloss Johannisberg, and Schloss Vollrads. You will roam charming vineyards, visit historic villages, and enjoy tastings of exquisite wines while taking in the beautiful views of the Rhine River.
Why: Rheingau has it all—history, culture, sightseeing—and it is very close to Frankfurt.
Why not: Rheingau can get a bit busy during tourist season.
Getting there: Take the train from Frankfurt to Rüdesheim – a ride of just over 70 minutes, with the last 30 minutes offering stunning scenic views of the Rheingau Region. Or book a private tour to Rheingau with a pickup in Frankfurt.
Rheinhessen Wine Tour – charming hills and new players
Take a journey to the Rheinhessen wine region, located about 50 km southwest of Frankfurt. This region is known as the land of the “Thousand Hills” and offers diverse vineyards and wineries. You’ll find a wide range of grape varieties, including Riesling, Pinots, Silvaner, and more. Start your tour from the towns of Ingelheim or Mainz and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of this charming wine region.
Why: Rheinhessen has come a long way in the last 20 years, building a name for top-quality wines at reasonable prices, plenty of variety and cool winemakers.
Why not: Rheinhessen is spread out and with that only selected vineyards can be reached by public transport.
Getting there: Hop on the train to Great Wine Capital Mainz, with travel times ranging from 40 to 50 minutes from Frankfurt. From here take a guided wine tour – unless you’re up for driving yourself (not recommended).
Franken Wine Tour – the Bavarian surprise
Head 50 kilometer east to the Franconia (Franken) wine region. Meander along the Main River and explore this region famous for its unique odd-shaped Bocksbeutel wine bottles, and exceptional wines made from Silvaner. Make sure to visit the charming city of Würzburg, where you can enjoy curated tasting experiences at Bürgerspital and Juliusspital. If you have time, consider exploring Rothenburg ob der Tauber or the remote and gorgeous wine villages like Iphofen and Castel.
Why: This is a must-visit region for wine enthusiasts keen on a deep dive into German wine (no pun intended)! Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Silvaner, a lesser-known German wine variety that’s as versatile and expressive of terroir as Riesling.
Why not: If you wish to explore beyond visiting Würzburg, you’ll need to travel by car, public transport will be limited.
Getting there: Würzburg, the capital of Franken, is just an hour away by high speed train ICE, running hourly from Frankfurt. Contact BottleStops for individually curated private tours from Frankfurt to Franken.
Mosel Wine Tours – dramatic scenery, long history
Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mosel Valley, located 150 km west of Frankfurt. This region has been renowned since Roman times for its steep vineyards and excellent Rieslings. Depart from Frankfurt and embark on a journey through this enchanting area, specifically targeting the historic township of Bernkastel-Kues in the Mittelmosel, also known to be the heart of the Mosel winemaking region. Here, you can visit vineyards and wineries. Consider visiting renowned wineries like Molitor, Dr Loosen, Schloss Lieser, and many more. Additionally, the Mosel has recently started producing exceptional Pinot Noirs.
Why: The Mosel is one of the most well-known wine regions in Germany, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty and a wide range of Rieslings, from dry to dessert-sweet.
Why not: Due to its distance visiting the Mosel region from Frankfurt can make for a lengthy day tour. Also the Mosel area tends to get very busy during vacation time.
Getting there: Plan for at least 1 hour and 45 minutes by car to reach Bernkastel. Alternatively, if you prefer taking the train, you can reach Koblenz, where the Mosel meets the Rhine River. Private tours with pickup in Frankfurt are available with BottleStops.
Hessische Bergstraße Wine Tour – you can’t go more local
Located just south of Frankfurt, the Hessische Bergstraße region is known for its scenic landscapes, vineyards, and cozy villages. Take a leisurely tour through this small yet beautiful wine region and make sure to arrange a tasting with the sparkling wine sensation, Sekthaus Griesel in Bensheim, or visit newly founded Schloss Schönberg and the historic Domäne Bergstrasse. Don’t forget to explore Monastery Lorch while you’re there.
Why: This is regionality at its best — this where the people of Frankfurt source their wines.
Why not: You may find the region small and the choice of renowned winemakers a little limited.
Getting there: the train from Frankfurt to Heppenheim takes approx. 60 minutes.
