Baden

The Baden region is a thin strip of flat land wedged in under the hills of the Black Forest and 400kms along the banks of the Rhine River. Wild vines grow here in the warm alpine meadows and wine production began in the Baden region in the second century A.D. The major Baden red grape, the Pinot Noirs have a velvety flavour but a bright red colouring and are also used to produce a dry rose. The main white, Pinot Gris a dry, light flavour with low acidity totally different to the Rieslings and Gewurtraminers Germany is best known for.
Many Baden wineries are run as co-operatives, with multiple growers contributing to the same wines, some of the notable cellars being Durbach, Achkarren and Sasbach. Don't miss the Carl Schmidt-Wagner winery for the dry to classic Riesling. Many of the wine merchants and cellars also have small restaurants offering the best local produce. Baden-Baden is also a spa town, so treat yourself: drink some wine then sit in a spa then grab a massage. The Rhine Valley landscape is another highlight.