More Robust Grape Varieties in Germany

Ten per cent more new varieties under cultivation

According to the German Wine Institute (DWI), the new varieties grew by ten per cent to around 4,000 hectares in 2025 compared to the previous year. Contrary to the overall declining trend in vineyard area, these new PIWI (fungus-resistant) varieties have expanded and now account for four percent of German viticulture.

Significant gains for Souvignier Gris and Chardonnay

In 2025, the new white variety Souvignier Gris recorded the largest increase in vineyard area of all grape varieties for the second year in a row (+170 ha). With 766 hectares, it is by far Germany’s most important white Piwi variety, followed by Cabernet Blanc with 356 hectares, whose area increased by 21 hectares. Among conventional white wine varieties, only Chardonnay (+102 ha) and Sauvignon Blanc (+40 ha) saw notable increases in area last year.

More Merlot and new red varieties

Among red grape varieties, Merlot cultivation area increased against the general trend by 18 hectares, reaching a total of 981 hectares. Slight positive changes compared to 2024 were also recorded for the red Piwi varieties Satin Noir (+10 ha), Cabernet Cortis (+8 ha), and Pinotin (+6 ha).

One per cent fewer vineyards in Germany

Based on vineyard statistics from Destatis, the DWI also reports that Germany’s total vineyard area decreased by one percent last year to around 102,000 hectares. This corresponds to the level of vineyard area in 2007. The German vineyard area reached its highest level to date in 1994, at 106,000 hectares.

White and red wine vineyards are growing steadily

The reduction in vineyard area affected red varieties somewhat more strongly, with a decrease of 791 hectares, compared to white varieties, which declined by 539 hectares. White varieties now account for 70 percent of German viticulture.

Saale-Unstrut with slight increase in acreage

Among the wine-growing regions, vineyard area declined most sharply in Württemberg (-485 ha) and Baden (-312 ha). Significant decreases were also recorded in the Mosel (-158 ha) and the Pfalz (-147 ha). In contrast, winegrowers in Saale-Unstrut cultivated 868 hectares in 2025, which is 10 hectares more than in the previous year.