How to Explore the Munich Wine Fair
Germany may be more known for its beer than its wine, but don’t let the reputation fool you. Germany boasts an impressive, full-bodied wine industry, too.
And in early March (March 7 – 8) in Munich, the Vinessio Wine Fair Munich will take hold of the city and show off some fantastic wines for everyone, from wine lovers to industry professionals. This fair is meant as a way for people who love, drink, sell, buy, and enjoy wine to come together and let a little vineyard-inspired magic happen. Trade visitors from retail, catering, and hotel sectors, mean that this fair is going to have some top-quality, top-shelf goods.
The Vinessio Wine Fair describes itself on its website, saying: “This event offers the opportunity not only to taste wines and gourmet food but also to compare and buy directly from the producer. Discover the various delicacies and enjoy the huge variety of more than 1,000 wines. Get to know personally the winemakers and enjoy the first-class advice. On the vinessio, you can expand your wine knowledge and in addition experience a great framework program.”
The fair is an annual event, and draws the crowds in, so brace yourself. Here are the need-to-knows for tackling Munich’s wine fair.
Fair Location
The Wine Fair is held at Munich’s Zenith Halle, which is found at: Lilienthalallee 29, 80939. Just outside the city center, this venue is often used for these types of large-scale events, as well as arts happenings like concerts and more.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets for the Vinessio Wine Fair start at a mere 13 euros. A steal! You can buy your tickets on the fair website. It’s advisable to bring cash with you, too, in case you see any wine or food you want to buy to enjoy on your own after the fair.
What to Expect
There’s a huge range of wine on display (as noted above – over 1,000!), from a select group of exhibitors. And you won’t just see wines, but also champagne, brandies, as well as have an opportunity to receive that “first-class advice.”
So, if you have a question about, say, whether or not you should refrigerate open red wine bottles, as my family does, you will be met with experts who will weigh in on this hotly debated topic.
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Nibbles and Eats
Don’t worry – you won’t be sampling on an empty stomach and getting a mid-day buzz. The fair’s bistro offers delicious snacking opportunities for fair-goers. Among the delightful options include fresh tarte flambée, cakes, and coffee drinks.
Wine makes an excellent companion to a huge range of foods, most notably, though: cheese. Wine and cheese go together like PB & J, so you can also expect to find some incredible gourmet and specialty cheeses at the wine fair. Olives, sausages, pesto creations, and more, will also be on display from exhibitors.
A Bit About German Wine
There are a few different types of German wine that you may come across while at the wine fair. Most German wines are produced in West Germany, near the Rhine river. The vast majority of German wine production is done in Rhineland-Palatinate, where you’ll find many German vineyards. As Wine Enthusiast cites, Germany has a “vast world” of white wines. It’s probably what they’re best known for, when it comes to wine.
“German wine,” writes Anna Iijima “is typically associated with Riesling, the nation’s most heralded and widely planted grape. Yet, beyond Riesling’s bright glare, Germany boasts a diversity of intriguing white wines. In Rheinhessen, varieties like Silvaner, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc grow alongside Riesling. In Franken, Silvaner reigns supreme, while in Baden, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are dominant. Additionally, developments in cross-breeding have introduced varieties like Scheurebe, Müller-Thurgau and Bacchus.”
Riesling
This is the wine with which Germany is most frequently associated. The Germanic-sounding name itself gives away its origins. Riesling is a white grape variety from Germany’s Rhine region. The taste of this crisp and fruity wine is often influenced by – like most wines – the soil in which it is grown. You’re bound to see a good number of Riesling bottles at the wine fair this year
(More of a beer person? Check out our post on “How to Order a Beer in Germany”!)
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Wine Tours
If you find yourself traveling beyond Munich, and want to explore more wines, Fat Tire Tours has some exciting options for you in France and Italy.
If you’re traveling in France, the Fat Tire Tours Paris Wine & Cheese Tasting Lunch presents the opportunity to sample some amazing French wine and a variety of French cheeses (aka fromage). On this tour, you’ll also learn how to saber a bottle of champagne. If you have not yet had the pleasure of this thrilling experience, I highly recommend taking this tour for that primary reason. Additionally, for the wine lovers, you’ll have a professional sommelier at your side, teaching you about some amazing French wines. You’ll also get to sip French wine on the Paris Night Bike Tour, a beloved tour favorite, and one of our most highly reviewed excursions!
Should you find yourself in Italy, the Fat Tire Tours Rome Wine & Cheese Tasting also gives you the pleasure of tasting regional wines; this time, from Italia! Again you’ll have an expert sommelier with you, describing the wines and informing you about Italian wine customs. Cheese pairings, charcuterie, and more make this a great way to explore Italy with your mouth. And the Fat Tire Tours Milan Wine Tasting is a leisurely way to spend an afternoon on this one-hour wine tasting tour. You’ll drink at a local Milanese wine bar in the heart of the city, sampling reds, whites, and sparkling Italian wines and some Italian food.
Tours of Munich
If, after walking around and indulging in some wine at the Wine Fair, you want to get outside and see some more of the city, then join Fat Tire Tours Munich for a fun tour around town! We have loads of great options for everyone, from the newbie traveler to the seasoned globetrotters. The Munich City Bike Tour is a popular favorite. On this tour, you’ll see a wide range of the city’s highlights, like the English Garden, Hofgarten, the Isar River, the State Chancellery, and more. Oh, there’s also a stop at a local German beer garden!
Related links:
- How to Order a Beer in Germany
- 5 Hidden Gems in Munich
- Best Nightlife Spots to Check Out in Munich
- Fat Tire Tours’ Best of Munich
- 4 Culture Tips You Need to Know Before Your Visit to Germany
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