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Frankfurt is better known for its Apfelwein than for Champagne, but the city has a strong wine culture and plenty of places where you can enjoy a glass or bottle of bubbles. Champagne works just as well for an afternoon aperitif as it does with dinner, particularly around the city centre and its restaurant and wine-bar scene.
Frankfurt is also a useful stop for wine lovers because the Rheingau wine region is right on the city’s doorstep. That gives you a chance to explore local Riesling and other German wines alongside Champagne.
If you’re in Frankfurt, it’s worth getting to know Apfelwein before you leave. Also called Ebbelwei or Äppelwoi, this tart fermented apple drink is one of the defining drinks of the city. Traditionally it’s served from a stoneware Bembel into a ribbed glass, and the city’s traditional apple wine taverns are still an important part of local food culture.
The contrast with Champagne is actually part of the fun. You can have Champagne with dinner one evening and spend another evening trying Apfelwein with traditional Hessian food. Green sauce, Handkäse and Frankfurt-style sausages are some of the local specialities worth looking for.
And if you have time for wine beyond the city, look towards the Rheingau. The region is particularly associated with Riesling, and Frankfurt regularly brings Rheingau producers into the city for wine events. The annual Rheingau Wine Festival, for example, features hundreds of wines and sparkling wines from the region.
Frankfurt is a good place to mix Champagne with something genuinely local. Don’t just treat the city as a stop between flights or business meetings – try a glass of Champagne, but also make time for Apfelwein and the food culture that goes with it.
If you’re visiting in late summer, keep an eye out for wine and Apfelwein events. Frankfurt’s annual Apple Wine Festival takes place in August, while the Rheingau Wine Festival follows in September.
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Apfelwein is Frankfurt’s local drink. It’s a dry, tart fermented apple wine traditionally served from a Bembel into a ribbed glass.
Frankfurt is closely connected to the Rheingau, one of Germany’s important wine-growing regions. Riesling is particularly important there, and the vineyards are close enough to make a wine-focused trip from Frankfurt.
Look for Frankfurt Green Sauce, Handkäse and traditional Hessian dishes. Apfelwein taverns are a good place to experience the local food and drink culture together.
Yes. The Rheingau is close enough to Frankfurt for a day trip, making it an easy way to add vineyard visits and local wine tastings to your stay.
Yes, particularly if you want to combine a city break with an introduction to Rheingau wines. You can explore Frankfurt’s restaurants and wine bars, then head out towards the vineyards when you have more time.
