Wine Tasting in Munich

Germany is a great country which has made plenty of contributions to the world. It’s famous for its classical music and was home to great composers like Bach and Beethoven, fine art from notable artists like Albrecht Durer and Caspar David Friedrich. The list is endless, but it wouldn’t be complete without mention of Germany’s great beer and wines.

Today, there are 13 wine-producing regions throughout Germany which offer several varieties of grapes and labels and are exported to countries all around the world.

One of the wine regions is Franken (Franconia), the only German wine region in Bavaria. Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is a great city to explore, with all of its historical monuments alongside cafes and green parks. While most of the world knows Munich as home to the famous Oktoberfest, the city is brimming with cosy little bars where you can sip on sumptuous wine while enjoying the delightful architecture that makes this German city unique.

So, if you’re tired of German beer or want to switch to something lighter and more elegant, there’s something on for you. Let’s take a Munich wine tour and check out the best wine bars in Munich, where you’ll be able to sample an array of the country’s finest wines.

Wine Bars in Munich

There are a number of bars where you can enjoy wine tasting in Munich. In this blog we have tried to narrow down on those bars that offer an extensive German wine list. Our goal is to get you to sip the local culture…aka German and Franconian wines.

Frank Weinbar

Relax in a cosy atmosphere as you sip your way through ALL the different types of varieties found in Bavaria. Yes!! Here only wine from Franconia comes into the glass. Make sure you try – Blanc de Noir and pair it with Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese delicacy).

Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 Munich

Weinhaus Neuner

Established way back in the mid-17th century – this is the oldest wine house in Munich and has featured in the Michelin Guide. It’s located in the heart of Old Town and is an ideal place to immerse yourself in both the wine and food culture of Munich. The traditional Bavarian restaurant has an extensive list of local wine from Germany and Austria, along with fantastic wines from all over Europe. Their knowledgeable staff will help you pair the perfect local wine with your meal.

Herzogspitalstraße 8 – 80331 Munich

Pure Wine & Food

If you want to get a true taste of wines from different regions of Germany then spend an afternoon sampling different labels at Pure Wine & Food. Their wine list includes German wines and a variety of quality European wines. And like most wine bars in Munich, they offer a small menu, perfect for pairing with whatever you’re drinking.

Neureutherstr 15, 80799 Munich

Grapes Weinbar

Located in the swanky Cortiina Hotel, this is a traditional wine bar that’s exactly what you imagine when you think of a European wine bar – small, cosy, dimly-lit, and filled with people who whisper as they talk on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

With more than 1,300 wines from Germany and around the world, there’s plenty of options to choose from and they have knowledgeable staff to help you narrow it down. Above all the chefs work tirelessly to prepare dishes that pair perfectly with the wines they offer. One of the popular things about this place is the Wine Marker Night. On these nights you can participate in a regional wine tasting and learn about the winemakers as you taste.

Cortiina hotel Lederer Straße 8a, 80331 Munich

Geisels Vinothek

This is the mother of all Munich’s wine bars and a classic in every respect. It’s run by the Geisel family whose ancestor Anna Geisel established one of the first wine taverns in the beer city of Munich in the 1920s. Their 42-page wine list includes a table of contents, breaking the bottles down by region and type like – Swedish sweet, Hungarian white, Lebanese red, their aim is to please a wide range of customers.

Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but an ideal place to go for a nice dinner or a date. The decor has a Bavarian influence and features rustic wooden stools and tables, concave ceilings and cabinets full of glasses along the walls. You can pair your wines with Mediterranean dishes like homemade – pastas, prosciutto and cheese or meat dishes like beef cheeks, and fish.

Schützenstraße 11 80335 Munich

Weinwirtshaus zum Schönfärber

This is a delightful Munich wine bar that serves vintage wines you won’t find anywhere else. They offer a brilliant vintage wine selection at great prices, with a set menu at the table (2 to 3 courses), music and a relaxed atmosphere. The owner of this bar is famous for his incredible knowledge on wines, so if you happen to meet him, ask him for suggestions. He’ll tell you everything on the list you can’t afford to miss.

Kazmir Strasse 28 – 80339 Munich

Pfälzer Residenz Weinstube

This historic establishment has been serving wine since 1950. Formerly a royal Bavarian residence, the venue is spread over seven rooms and specializes in wines from the Palatinate area in southwestern Germany.

If you get a chance – visit the cellars where 60,000 cases of wine are stored. Here you’ll find a wide range of wines from cheap Schoppen wine to the finest drops of the Palatinate. And if you can’t go down to the cellars then simply enjoy the local wines listed on the menu which is a real treat.

They have a dedicated wine bar room, and a cozy outdoor section where you can enjoy your food and wine surrounded by gray medieval architecture. And if you enjoy your glass of wine, you can purchase a bottle to bring back home.

Residenzstr 1 – 80333 Munich

Hoiz Weinbistro

If gratifying food and wine pairing is what you seek then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Hoiz Weinbistro. This Munich wine bar has more German wines on its menu and a great selection of wines from other regions. They are master’s in pairing dishes with the wines; and they certainly know how to spice things up. Their food menu changes daily, which means every day of the week you can sample new dishes with any one of their open wines, and features German and French delicacies.

Sebastiansplatz 3 – 80331 Munich

Added Bonus: Are you looking for wines other than German…??

If you’re looking for wine tasting in Munich at select bars that specialize in wines from different parts of Europe. Then here are a few of the highly recommended ones:

Déjà Bu

In terms of quality, style, and overall vibes – Déjà Bu is one of the best wine bars in Munich that specializes in French wines. They source their wines straight from the wineries, so every wine tastes best and is of great quality – this sets them apart from other wine bars.

Buttermelcherstr 2A, Munich

Aquitaine Vinotheque

If you’re craving fine French wine in Munich, then head to Aquitaine. It’s a small piece of France in the heart of the city and serves a wide range of wines, spirits and champagnes, accompanied by some tasty cheese. They also host interesting activities like familiarizing wine lovers with the procedures involved in wine making. Don’t miss their wine seminar organized by local experts.

Theresienstrasse 19, 80333 Munich

Bar Comercial

A beautiful wine bar in Munich that offers delicious food and intriguing drinks in an atmosphere perfect for relaxing after exploring the city. They have a list of more than 20 wines which are mainly French and Italian varieties. The food menu focuses on authentic Italian cuisines – try the fusilli Bolognese, the pizza or the grilled pastrami sandwich.

Theatinerstrasse 16, Munich,

Taste Mulled Wine at Christmas Markets in Munich

Germany has the best Christmas markets in the world, and Munich is no exception to this rule. Most Christmas markets open in the last week of November and close by 23rd December. During this time, you’ll find booths selling traditional mulled wine, gingerbread, and grilled sausages.

There are more than 25 Christmas Markets in Munich and it can be hard to pick which one to visit. A good Christmas market is a blend of four things: lovely setting, excellent food and drink, interesting stalls, and a nice atmosphere.

We recommend visiting the medieval Christmas market on Wittelsbacherplatz. Unlike other places, this market places a huge emphasis on artisanal food and drink.

Here, you’ll find the best Glühwein (mulled wine) in the city, and the best meats and traditional foods. As it’s a medieval market, all the shop owners wear lovely traditional costumes, and you’ll find plenty of fire torches instead of electric lights. There is also a stage with live bands and performances in the evening, making a perfect setting.

Most Christmas markets in Munich open between 10 am and 11 am and close around 9 pm or 10 pm. On Sunday’s they close a bit earlier. The best time to visit is in the evening when the lights are turned on and everything just looks much prettier. A lot of locals visit the markets during this time while Saturday evenings are usually the busiest time as a lot of tourists use the weekends to visit Munich.

It’s recommended to join a wine tour Munich along with wine tasting. During the tour you’ll experience Munich’s best Christmas markets – drink a hot cup of wine and browse through festive merchant stalls. Discover the rich history and traditions of an alpine Christmas and visit some of Munich’s must-see attractions along the way.

Munich Wine Fairs and Festivals

Most people think Germany is more popular for its beer than its wine, but you’ll be surprised as Germany has an impressive, full-bodied wine industry too.

Every year in early March, the Vinessio Wine Fair is held in Munich and showcases some of the most fantastic wines for everyone, from wine lovers to industry professionals. The whole idea of the fair is to get people who love, drink, sell, buy, and enjoy wine.

The fair offers an opportunity not only to taste wines and gourmet food but also to compare and buy directly from the producer. Enjoy a huge variety of more than 1000 wines along with various delicacies. Further it provides a perfect opportunity to know winemakers personally and get first-class advice.

The fair is an annual event and is held at Munich’s Zenith Halle, Lilienthalallee 29, 80939.

At the Alter Hof near Marienplatz – get a taste of Franconian wine culture. Every year around the middle of July another wine fest takes place at the centre of Munich. Wines from the Franconia wine region are brought to Munich for celebration and tasting events. Visitors can enjoy some great wines with lots of Bavarian Street food.

Oktoberfest takes place every year in Munich. The festival begins in mid-to late-September and ends on either the first Sunday in October or October 3rd, whichever occurs later.

But did you know that Oktoberfest also includes wines?? Although Oktoberfest’s ceremonial opening begins by tapping a keg of beer and Oktoberfest visitors consume about 1.7 million gallons of Oktoberfest beer, local wine is also served at many of the beer tents. In fact, the Weinzelt tent serves only wine, wheat beer and food.

Generally, the Weinzelt tent lists German sparkling wines (Sekt), two German white wines, one German red wine and one Austrian wine.

Wine Tour Munich: Join our Wine Tasting with Old Town Private Tour

Whether you are a true wine lover seeking new taste sensations or simply enjoy a glass once in a while, a trip to Munich is one of the most delightful ways to discover the charming city and its wine culture. As they say – every vintage is different and every new wine a new sensation.

So, newcomers and veterans, Welcome to Munich and taste its wonderful wines.

See you in Munich…………….