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Privacy policyChampagne city guide
Munich has a drinking culture that is strongly associated with beer gardens and Bavarian beer, but there is plenty happening beyond the Maßkrug. The city has a sophisticated restaurant and wine scene where Champagne can work just as well for an afternoon glass, an aperitif or a longer dinner.
It’s also a city where traditional Bavarian food and international cuisine sit side by side, so there are plenty of ways to pair Champagne with something other than the usual French classics. Munich’s Viktualienmarkt is a good example of the city’s food culture, with a wide selection of fresh and regional produce right in the centre.
Munich is a fun city for Champagne because you can make the day as traditional or as international as you like. Spend the morning around Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt, stop for a glass somewhere along the way, then head towards the English Garden or settle in for dinner.
And while Bavaria isn’t one of Germany’s main wine-growing areas, you don’t have to look far to find interesting German wines. Franconia, in northern Bavaria, is the region to know. It is particularly associated with Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau, as well as the distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle.
That makes Munich a good place to try something local alongside Champagne. If you come across a Franconian Silvaner on a wine list, give it a chance – it’s a very different expression of Germany’s wine culture from the Riesling-heavy regions further north.
Munich is perhaps at its most interesting when you mix the local traditions with the international side of the city. A Champagne aperitif followed by Bavarian food is perfectly at home here, and you can just as easily go in the opposite direction with Champagne and a more modern or international dinner.
If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest, expect a very different kind of drinking experience. Beer takes centre stage, and Champagne is unlikely to be the main attraction. For a quieter wine-focused visit, another time of year may suit you better.
And if you’re curious about what else Bavaria has to offer, consider adding Franconia to your itinerary. It’s one of Germany’s recognised wine-growing regions and offers a very different side of Bavaria from the beer halls, Alps and lakes most visitors associate with the
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Add a spotYes, although Champagne is just one part of Munich’s much broader drinking scene. The city has restaurants, wine bars and other places where you can enjoy Champagne alongside both Bavarian and international food.
You don’t have to stick to seafood or French cuisine. Bavarian food can work surprisingly well with Champagne, especially dishes where the richness is balanced by acidity or savoury flavours. For something more casual, exploring the produce and food stalls at Viktualienmarkt is a good way to get a feel for Munich’s local food culture.
Munich itself isn’t a major wine-growing area, but Franconia, in northern Bavaria, is. Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau are among the region’s key varieties, and Franconian wines are traditionally bottled in the distinctive Bocksbeutel.
Keep an eye out for Sekt and Winzersekt. If you’re particularly interested in producer-made sparkling wine, Winzersekt is the more useful term to remember.
There isn’t one single wine district to stick to. Munich’s wine and restaurant scene is spread across the city, so it makes sense to look for Champagne and wine spots close to where you’re already spending your time. Check the Champagne Hunters map before heading out, and if you’ve discovered a great place yourself, add it to the map or share what you know in the comments.
You can, although the most obvious wine destination within Bavaria is Franconia, which is further north. If you’re planning a wine-focused trip rather than simply adding a tasting to your Munich stay, Würzburg and the Franconian wine country are worth considering.
Franconia is particularly known for Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau, as well as Bacchus as a regional speciality. The Bocksbeutel bottle is another distinctive feature of the region.
