The Hessische Bergstrasse (Hessian Mountain Road) is the smallest of Germany's 13 wine regions, in terms of both vineyard are and volume produced. With a little under 1100 acres (450ha) under vine, it produces less than 0.5% of Germany's total wine output.
The region is located within the federal state of Hesse, along the eastern bank of the Rhine river between Darmstadt and Weinheim. The northern part of Hessische Bergstrasse extends from the Rhine to the Hessen-Bayern border, near the river Main. The Otenwald hills and Bergstrasse-Odenwald natural park provide a broadly curving eastern boundary.
© Wikimedia/Dirk Schmidt
Although the Romans understood the suitability of this region for grape growing, and historic documents show winemaking has been well established for over 1000 years, Hessische Bergstrasse was only officially defined and inaugurated in the 1971 Weingesetz (wine law).
The region is planted to roughly 80% white and 20% red varieties, predominantly Riesling, Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) and Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder). As production is minimal (about 0.5% of German wine), Most wine produced here is consumed locally; it is highly unusual to see Bergstrasse wines outside of Germany.
The majority of the region's wine is produced by the winemaking co-operative Bergstrasser Winzer, based in the city of Heppenheim. Some 620 of the approximately 850 growers in the region are members of this organization. The state government of Hesse is the biggest single vineyard owner, with 94 acres (38ha) in the control of the Hessische Staatsweinguter Kloster Eberbach winery.
Hessische Bergstrasse is known throughout Germany as a tourist destination and is particularly popular in springtime. The climate is mild, providing ideal conditions for viticulture. The soils are mainly decomposed granite, sandstone and quartz, with loess to varying degrees.
