Palatinate
Averaging 1800 hours of annual sunshine, the Palatinate wine region (Pfalz in German) enjoys the driest, warmest weather in Germany. The Pfalz vineyards extend 85km along a narrow strip from Rheinhessen south to the French border with Alsace. 1520 wineries, 18 cooperatives and 11 producer groups make 2.5m hl of wine a year (60:40 white/red). The Palatinate is Germany’s second largest region by vineyard surface and is the world’s largest Riesling area. Dornfelder is the leading red grape followed by Spätburgunder (Pinot noir). The Palatinate wine trail (Südliche Weinstraße & Mittelhaardt-Deutsche Weinstraße) is popular for its winery tours, tastings, half-timbered inns, restaurants and... almond blossom in spring.
