Wine discovery tour in the Stuttgart Region
The landscapes of the Stuttgart Region are defined by its vineyards. In Baden-Württemberg's state capital, the vines even stretch into the centre of the city. At the Museum of Viniculture, at wine festivals or on special wine tours – wine is a special experience here at any time of year.
One of the finest views of Stuttgart's vineyards and the idyllic Neckar valley can be enjoyed from the historic hill known as the Württemberg. In the 11th century this was the site of the castle of the founders of the House of Württemberg. In 1820, following the premature death of his beloved consort, the Grand Princess Katharina of Russia, King Wilhelm I erected a burial chapel here.
Visitors to the mausoleum and walkers can refresh themselves at "Bistro 1819". The restaurant is located down below the burial chapel in the Psalmistenhaus, which is built in the style of Classicism and is part of the Burial Chapel ensemble.
At the foot of the Württemberg in Stuttgart-Uhlbach, visitors can experience 2,000 years of wine-growing history during a tour of the Stuttgart Museum of Viniculture. Original wine barrels, numerous pieces of equipment, certificates, maps and other documents are on display. A “Viertele” (quarter litre) of wine in the museum’s Vinothek is the perfect way to round off the visit. A special highlight is the “Friday Wine Tasting”, where a wine expert introduces participants to three of Stuttgart's wines.
All year round, the Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH offers a range of circular city walks and tours through the vineyards – some on foot, some in a vintage bus or on a Segway. From end of March until beginning of November the 35-minute "Stuttgart Wine Tour" has been cruising through Stuttgart’s wonderful vineyard scenery around the Württemberg. Guests can get on and off at nine stopping points in order to visit various wine estates, the Museum of Viniculture or the Royal Burial Chapel on the Württemberg. The Wine Tour can also be ideally combined with the Blue Citytour.
The “Stuttgart Wine Trail” is conceived as a circular walk, and the well-signposted route can be joined and left at any point. It invites you to discover the wonderful slopes, idyllic spots, scenic lookouts and interesting attractions on a choice of trails through the vineyards.
The "Württemberg Wine Trails" comprise the Württemberg Wine Cycle Trail, the Württemberg Wine Route and the Württemberg Wine Hiking Trail, presenting various different routes and sections. Wine enthusiasts will also find information on certified wine hotels, camper sites, places of interest and scenic lookout points on the website (www.weinwege-wuerttemberg.de).
There are many wine festivals held throughout the year, such as the Fellbach Autumn Festival, the “Night of the Cellars” in Weinstadt or the Stuttgart Wine Festival, one of Germany’s biggest and best wine festivals. From 28th August to 8th September 2024 outstanding wines from Württemberg can be sampled on the Marketplace and Schiller Square. To go with them, chefs serve Swabian specialities such as “Kässpätzle” (cheesy noodles), “Maultaschen” (filled pasta) or potato noodles with sauerkraut.
A typical feature of the wine region of Stuttgart is its “Besenwirtschaften”, or “Broom Taverns” – temporary wine taverns run by wine growers and open for only four months of the year at the most. The name derives from the broom that hangs at the door to show they’re open for business. Only the wine grower’s own wine may be sold. It is traditionally served not in a long-stemmed wine glass, but in the glasses with a handle that are typical of the region.
