Almond trees, apricot trees and magnolias stand proudly alongside the vineyards in one of the smallest of Germany's 13 wine-growing regions. All visitors need to feel right at home here is a spot of venison and trout from the Odenwald hills paired with a glass of fine wine.

Situated to the south of Frankfurt, this region is divided into two distinct areas: Starkenburg, where the vineyards are initially isolated yet become more and more concentrated the closer they get to picturesque little villages like Auerbach and Bensheim heading south, and the Odenwald Wine Island around Gross-Umstadt.

The Bergstrasse Vineyard Route makes for a stunning hiking trail that meanders right through the vineyards. Visitors can learn about the art of wine-growing and different grape varieties whilst enjoying beautiful views of the distant Odenwald hills and across the Rhine plain. This is where the annual vineyard walk – complete with lots of wine-tasting stations – is held on 1 May.

Main grape varieties: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir

Explore the surroundings