Wine Regions

Exploring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland's Hidden Gems as Wine Countries

Uncorking the Best of Three Worlds

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland might not be the first names that come to mind when thinking about wine, but these countries have a long history of producing top-quality wines. Each of these countries has its own unique winemaking traditions and styles, as well as distinctive grape varieties that flourish in their respective climates and soils.

Weingut Bernhard Wachau Austria - Wine tasting - The Good Gourmet
Weingut Bernhard Wachau Austria

Germany

Germany, known for its beer, also produces some of the best Riesling wines in the world. These wines are known for their high acidity and delicate fruit flavors, and they are often made in a range of styles from bone-dry to sweet. The best German Rieslings come from steep, slate-covered slopes along the Mosel, Rhine, and Nahe rivers, where the cool climate and the slate soils provide ideal growing conditions. Other white grape varieties grown in Germany include Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Gewurztraminer.

Wine tasting experiences

Weingut Klenert - Kraichtal - Wine tasting - Germany - The Good Gourmet

Weingut Klenert

David Klenert, Bachelor of Vinculture & Oenology, is the person representing the company. During his studies, he got familiar with various wine-growing regions in Germany...

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Austria

When it comes to wine, Austria is a country that should not be overlooked. Despite the fact that much of the wine it produces never leaves the country, there is an extensive range of delicious wines to be enjoyed.

The country has a rich winemaking tradition, and one of its most celebrated grape varieties is the Grüner Veltliner. This white grape thrives in the country’s cool climate, developing unique characteristics that make it stand out from other grape varieties.

Grüner Veltliner is known for its bright acidity, which gives its wines a refreshing quality, making them an excellent choice for warm weather or as an aperitif. It pairs particularly well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.

One of the most distinctive qualities of Grüner Veltliner is the peppery note that accompanies its aroma and taste. This intriguing flavor profile is distinctive and often shared by few other wines globally. 

Wine tasting experiences

Weingut Bernhard Wachau Austria - Wine tasting - The Good Gourmet

Weingut Bernhard

We are a family operated winery in third generation. First as a mixed agriculture, later specialized on production of high quality wines.

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Weingut Netzl - Camuntum - Austria - Wine Tourism - The Good Gourmet

Weingut Franz & Christine Netzl

Together with her parents Franz and Christine Netzl, Christina vinifies profound wines with a strong character and rich in finesse from the family’s own vineyards...

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Scheiblhofer Winery - Burgenland Austria - Wine Tourisn - The Good Gourmet

Scheiblhofer Winery

The Scheiblhofer winery is located in Andau, in the district of Neusiedl am See, and with its 104 hectares of vineyards is one of the...

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In addition to Grüner Veltliner, Austria is home to other white grape varieties, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

While Austrian red wines are not as well-known as their white counterparts, they are rapidly gaining in popularity. One such red grape variety is Zweigelt, which is a hybrid of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Wine enthusiasts can expect Zweigelt wines to be medium-bodied, with delightful notes of cherry and raspberry. Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch complement meat-based dishes, especially roasted or grilled meats.

Although Austria is relatively unknown in the wine world, it’s gaining popularity due to its high-quality wines. The country has a long tradition of wine-making, dating back to the Roman times, and a unique terroir that creates wines of exceptional depth and complexity.

Wine tasting experiences

Weingut-LacknerTinnacher - Wine Tourism - Styria - Austria - The Good Gourmet

Weingut LacknerTinnacher

Boutique Weingut Lackner Tinnacher is one of the oldest estates in Südsteiermark. The foundation for the wines’ unmistakable character was planted back in the 1920s...

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Weingut Michael Opitz - Burgenland -Austria - Wine Tasting - The Good Gourmet

Weingut Michael Opitz

What makes a good wine? It must taste good to the person who is drinking it. In short, for us, there is (almost) no such...

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The country’s winemakers have perfected the art of producing wines that are refreshing, perfectly balanced, and lightly acidic, making them an ideal match for a wide range of cuisines.

Not only that, but Austrian wines are also highly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own as an aperitif or to accompany a meal.

In addition to the exceptional white and red wines produced in Austria, the country is also known for its delectable sweets, like chocolate, apple strudel and Linzer cookies. These sweets pair perfectly with the country’s dessert wines, such as the rich and luscious Trockenbeerenauslese and the crisp and refreshing Icewine.

If you’re looking to explore the wine and culinary offerings of Austria, sampling their wines and sweet delights is a must-try experience!

Switzerland

Switzerland, a country known for its stunning Alps, pristine lakes, and chocolates, may not be on the forefront of wine-producing countries, but it is no secret that the Swiss have been crafting wines of exceptional quality for centuries.

Switzerland has several wine regions that produce a wide variety of wines. The largest wine region is located in the western part of the country, in the French-speaking cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Valais.

The Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO heritage, is situated in the western region of the country, along the picturesque Lake Geneva and the Rhone River, where the terroir is conducive to producing some of the world’s most exquisite wines.

Wine tasting experiences

Cave Morges - Switzerland - Lac Leman - Vineyard Tour - The Good Gourmet

Domaine de la Ville de Morges

The Domaine de la Ville de Morges, an exceptional terroir since 1547. Overlooking the city of Morges, in a sublime environment, the 14 hectares of...

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Domaine Jean Duboux- LAvaux - Switzerland - Wine tasting - The Good Gourmet

Domaine Jean Duboux

Small family winery at Lavaux UNESCO. In 2017, Jean and Constance take over from 6 generations of passion for these lands where the Chasselas is...

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Domaine Pascal Dance - Lavaux- Switzerland - Wine Tasting - The Good Gourmet

Domaine Pascal Dance

Since 1451, the Dance family has been working the family vineyards situated in the heart of the Lavaux wine growing region. Today we cultivate 4...

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Guillod - Vully - Switzerland - Wine Tourism - The Good Gourmet

Cave Guillod

Founded in 1931, the Guillod family business has passed the baton to the 4th generation. Cédric now enthusiastically manages the estate, which was converted to...

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Valais is the most important wine-producing region, with steep terraced vineyards that rise up the slopes of the Alpine mountains. The white grape variety Chasselas is the most widely grown grape in the region, producing light and crisp wines. Other grapes grown in the region include Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Syrah. Fribourg, Zurich and Schaffhausen, also produce wines, but on a smaller scale. 

From sparkling to sweet, Swiss wines exhibit a diverse range of flavors and aromas, making it a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts. Among the grape varieties grown in Switzerland, Chasselas, a white grape, is perhaps the most famous. It is cultivated throughout the country and produces wines with a uniquely crisp and refreshing acidity, complemented by delightful stone fruit flavors.

A sip of Swiss wine is, without a doubt, a memorable experience that should be on every wine lover’s bucket list.

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Winery visits and wine tasting

In all three countries, winemaking traditions date back centuries. The vineyards in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are often small, family-owned operations where winemakers use traditional methods to produce wines of exceptional quality. These winemakers are often fiercely passionate about their craft, and they take great pride in the wines they produce.

If you’re planning a trip to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, a visit to a winery is a must. Most wineries offer tours and tastings, where you can try a range of wines and learn about the winemaking process. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample local cheeses, meats, and other foods that pair perfectly with the wines produced in these countries.