The Saale-Unstrut Wine Region is Germany’s northernmost quality wine-growing region, renowned for its historic wineries, distinctive wines, and welcoming wine shops and tasting rooms. Here, you can discover a wide variety of regional grape varieties, take part in guided wine tastings, and meet the passionate winemakers who continue a tradition that has flourished for more than 1,000 years.

From our holiday apartment at The Old Vicarage in Rehehausen, many of the region’s best wineries and wine shops are just a short drive away. Whether you visit Naumburg, Freyburg (Unstrut), or the historic Kloster Pforta, you’ll find carefully selected wines, expert advice, and an authentic introduction to the unique wine culture of Saale-Unstrut. Many wineries also offer regional delicacies, guided tastings, and seasonal events.

A visit to a winery or wine shop can easily be combined with a vineyard walk, a cycling tour along the Saale or Unstrut rivers, or a visit to one of the region’s historic landmarks—making your stay at The Old Vicarage a truly memorable experience for all the senses.

Our Recommended Wineries & Wine Tastings

Kloster Pforta State Winery

Location: Bad Kösen / Schulpforte
Distance from The Old Vicarage: approx. 15 minutes by car

The Kloster Pforta State Winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the region. Wine has been cultivated here since 1137, when Cistercian monks first planted vineyards around the monastery.

Today, visitors can experience this unique combination of history and winemaking through:

Experiences

• Guided wine tastings
• Vineyard walks
• Tours of the historic wine cellars
• Tastings of regional wines

A wine tasting combined with a walk through the historic monastery grounds is especially recommended.

Our tip:
The seasonal “Wine Tasting for Everyone” tour is an excellent introduction to the vineyards, wine cellars, and centuries-old wine tradition of Kloster Pforta

Wine Shops & Tasting Rooms

Schulpforte Wine Shop

Location: Historic Gatehouse of Schulpforta

Located in the historic gatehouse, this wine shop is an ideal place to discover the diversity of the Saale-Unstrut Wine Region.

Here you’ll find:

• Wines and sparkling wines from Kloster Pforta State Winery
• Expert wine advice
• Regional specialities
• Wines available to purchase

Open daily, it makes an excellent stop during a visit to Bad Kösen or Naumburg.

Thuringian Winery Bad Sulza

Location: Bad Sulza
Distance from The Old Vicarage: approx. 10 minutes by car

One of our closest recommendations is just around the corner.

The Thuringian Winery Bad Sulza combines excellent wines, beautiful scenery, and genuine Thuringian hospitality. The vineyards surrounding Sonnenberg Hill provide ideal conditions for elegant white wines.

Especially recommended wines

• Riesling
• Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder)
• Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder)
• Traminer

Perfect combination:
Enjoy a wine tasting in the morning, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the Toskana Therme Bad Sulza.

Saale-Unstrut Wine Shop at Naumburg Cathedral

Location: Naumburg

If you would like to combine sightseeing with wine tasting, this wine shop near Naumburg Cathedral offers an excellent selection of wines from across the region.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Wines from numerous regional wineries
• Guided tastings
• Personal recommendations
• Wine purchases to take home

It is the perfect place to discover several wineries without travelling throughout the entire region.

Pawis Winery

Location: Freyburg (Unstrut)

The family-owned Pawis Winery is well known for producing high-quality wines while offering warm, personal hospitality.

Especially popular

• Wine tastings hosted by the winemaker
• Beautiful vineyard views
• Excellent Pinot Blanc and Riesling
• Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere

Our tip:
Visit in the afternoon and combine your tasting with a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Freyburg.

Freyburg-Unstrut Winegrowers’ Association

Location: Freyburg (Unstrut)

The Winegrowers’ Association is an excellent place to gain a broad overview of the wines produced throughout the Saale-Unstrut region.

Here you can discover:

• Classic regional grape varieties
• Wines across different quality levels
• Local specialities
• Wine gifts and souvenirs

Ideal for visitors who enjoy comparing wines from multiple producers.

Traditional Wine Taverns – Enjoy Wine Like the Locals

One of the region’s most charming traditions is the Straußwirtschaft.

These seasonal wine taverns are operated by local winemakers, who open their courtyards or vineyards for a limited period each year to serve their own wines in a relaxed, authentic setting.

Typical regional dishes include:

• Cheese platters
• Flammkuchen (German-style tarte flambée)
• Homemade local specialities
• Regional sausage and meat dishes

The atmosphere is informal, friendly, and authentic—making these traditional wine taverns one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the hospitality and wine culture of the Saale-Unstrut Wine Region.