Best German Wine Bars - Varta-Guide Deutschland 2022

The Varta-Guide Deutschland 2022 contains a list of the 10 best German wine bars. I have been to 5 of them.

Essers Gasthaus, Köln

Regional specialties and first-class wines from selected producers in Austria and Germany, that is what distinguishes the Essers Gasthaus in Cologne. The menu changes daily with the season, but also includes German and Austrian classics. The wine list is calculated fairly, the ambiance is dignified, the atmosphere informal.

Wein|Kultur|Bar, Dresden

Sommelier Silvio Nitzsche has fulfilled a very personal dream with this small corner restaurant in Dresden. The wine list - called the wine book - lists over 1000 wines, and the right accompaniment is served from a brilliant selection of cheeses. The atmosphere: pleasantly relaxed and informal. The cheese and wine tastings are also popular. 

Pictures: Silvio Nitzsche and Christian Schiller. See: WeinKulturBar in Dresden, Saxony: One of the Best Wine Bars in Germany

Heimat, Frankfurt am Main

Small, friendly restaurant in a restored 1950s oval. Contemporary, with seasonal influences and product-related - this is how Gregor Nowak cooks for you. Very good, European-oriented wine selection. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly service - people like to be guests here! Table reservation advisable.

Balthasar Ress Weinbar, Wiesbaden

This modern wine bar with lounge character is hidden behind the façade of an Art Nouveau villa from the turn of the century, where you can not only taste wines from the in-house winery, but also selected wines from friendly wineries. Selected culinary delicacies are also served.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy Wine Tours, and Dirk Wuertz at Balthasar Ress Weinbar in Wiesbaden. See: Dirk Wuertz Presented the 2012 Grosses Gewaechs Wines of Weingut Balthasar Ress, Germany

Witwenball, Hamburg

The place to go in Hamburg for everyone who likes good wine: 30 changing wines by the glass and 300 bottled wines are offered, mostly from Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal and South Africa. In addition, tasty dishes made from fresh seasonal ingredients are served. Honest and artisan production of the products offered is the focus here. 

Winelive, Meerbusch-Büderich

The Winelive is located in the Lindenhof in Meerbusch-Büderich. In the midst of the bulging shelves of the in-house wine shop, not only international dishes with German and French influences are served here, but also a selection of 450 excellent wines - 30 of them by the glass.

Laurenz, Mainz

A shimmering green lamp made from 280 wine bottles, bar tables made from vineyard sticks and wine tasting in the rustic wine cellar - that is what characterizes the Laurenz in Mainz Neustadt. Treasures from the wine rack and ambitious, regionally influenced cuisine can be enjoyed here in a simple, modern atmosphere.

Picture: Annette Schiller with Andreas Schnura of Laurenz in Mainz at Weingut Gunderloch. See:The 40 Best Wine Bars in Germany (Der Feinschmecker)

Drexlers Wein & Essen, Freiburg im Breisgau

The Drexlers in Freiburg is a modern restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The food is contemporary and seasonal. On the daily changing lunch menu, guests can choose between two reasonably priced dishes. The fine selection of wines includes around 350 items. 

Geisel’s Vinothek, München 

The restaurant in Munich is known for its excellent range of wines. Around 700 different bottled wines from all over the world are stored in the cellar. In addition, the kitchen crew offers tasty regional and Mediterranean dishes. The offer ranges from freshly sliced ​​San Daniele ham to homemade pasta and roast beef with fried potatoes. 

Weinzentrale, Dresden

400 wines with a focus on Germany and Europe are waiting to be tasted at the Weinzentrale in Dresden. Sebastian Roisch cooks here under the motto "Lecker légère from near and far". Every Monday there is a so-called "winemaker-to-guest evening" with vertical samples from classic wineries or tastings with young winemakers from Germany.