Weingut Friedrich Becker: Germany Meets Burgundy

Friedrich Becker's vineyards straddle the German-French border - literally. Some of his Pinot Noir grows in Germany, some in Alsace. The result is Spätburgunder that combines German precision with Burgundian soul. His top wines regularly beat Grand Cru Burgundy in blind tastings.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Visit the Cross-Border Cellar Wine · Price: moderate

   Walk from Germany to France through vineyards.

   Book at friedrich-becker.de. The estate is in Schweigen-Rechtenbach, the southernmost village on the German Wine Route. Some vineyards actually cross into France. Ask about the Sankt Paul and Heydenreich Grosses Gewächs - these are German grand cru level wines.

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2. 2 Walk to the Deutsches Weintor Adventure · Free

   The 'German Wine Gate' marks the start of the Deutsche Weinstraße.

   Walk from Becker's estate to the Deutsches Weintor (German Wine Gate) - the arch marks the southern start of the 85km Deutsche Weinstraße. Standing here, France is behind you, Germany's wine route stretches north. A photo here marks the beginning of your German Pinot journey.

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3. 3 Taste Grosses Gewächs Spätburgunder Wine · Price: high

   Germany's equivalent to Grand Cru - the highest classification.

   Request the Grosses Gewächs (GG) Spätburgunder tasting. This is Germany's dry wine grand cru classification. Becker's top sites compete with top Burgundy - at half the price. Compare the Sankt Paul to any Gevrey-Chambertin.

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Insider tips

• Becker's vineyards literally cross the French border - true cross-cultural terroir

• Grosses Gewächs (GG) is Germany's grand cru equivalent - the highest dry wine classification

• The Heydenreich vineyard is considered Germany's greatest Pinot site

• Schweigen-Rechtenbach is the southernmost point of the German Wine Route