Baden & Black Forest Wine Tours: Kaiserstuhl & Freiburg
Baden and Black Forest wine tours: Kaiserstuhl Spätburgunder and Grauburgunder, Ortenau and Freiburg wine walks, Black Forest food, and how to book.
The short version: Baden, at the edge of the Black Forest, is Germany’s warmest and southernmost wine region, and its speciality is Pinot: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder and Weissburgunder. The heart of it is the Kaiserstuhl, an extinct volcano covered in terraced vineyards about 30 minutes from Freiburg. Pair the wine with Black Forest ham, Flammkuchen and, of course, Black Forest cake. Here is where to go and how to book.
At a glance
| Area | What to taste | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiserstuhl | Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder from volcanic terraces | Freiburg (30 min) |
| Ortenau | Riesling and Pinot on Black Forest slopes | Durbach, Kappelrodeck, Offenburg |
| Markgräflerland | Gutedel (Chasselas), light and fresh | South of Freiburg |
| Food | Schwarzwälder Schinken, Flammkuchen, Schäufele, Black Forest cake | Everywhere |
The Kaiserstuhl and Baden’s Pinots
Baden’s sunny climate makes it Germany’s Pinot country. The Kaiserstuhl, an extinct volcano rising out of the Rhine plain, is its warmest spot, with steep loess terraces producing rich Spätburgunder and Grauburgunder. North along the Black Forest edge, the Ortenau villages of Durbach and Kappelrodeck grow Riesling and Pinot on granite slopes; south of Freiburg, Markgräflerland is known for light Gutedel. If you know German wine mainly as Riesling, compare our Mosel vs Rhine Riesling guide.
How to taste it
From Freiburg, the easiest option is a guided wine walk on the Schlossberg above the old town, tasting Kaiserstuhl wines with views across the Rhine valley (the popular one is guided in German). Many small Kaiserstuhl wineries also sell directly from the cellar door, typically open daily in the season. Finish with a Flammkuchen and a slice of Black Forest cake.
Our pick: the Freiburg: Veni, Vidi, Vino Wine Hike and Tasting climbs the Schlossberg for four Kaiserstuhl wines and a secco with views over the Rhine valley (guided in German).
Frequently asked questions
What wine is Baden known for?
Pinot varieties: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), plus Gutedel and some Riesling.
What is the Kaiserstuhl?
An extinct volcano near Freiburg covered in terraced vineyards, the warmest wine area in Germany.
Are Freiburg wine tours in English?
Some are German-language, including the popular Schlossberg wine walk, so check the language on the listing before booking.
Book a Baden wine tour
Compare Black Forest and Baden wine tours, or see more Germany food and wine experiences.
