Rheinpfalz (or simply Pfalz) is one of Germany's most important wine regions. Located in far southwestern Germany, a bit south of the Rheinhessen district, it is the second largest wine region, trailing only the Rheinhessen in terms of acres under vine. More than 6000 vintners produce wine in this region.

This is a continental climate, one that can be rather warm during the summer growing season. Conditions are generally fine for grape growing, as winds from the nearby Vosges Mountains, situated to the west, help moderate temperatures in the Rheinpfalz. While Riesling is the leading variety planted here, it only accounts for about one-quarter of the total. There are more than twenty other varieties that flourish in this region, including Kerner, Müller-Thurgau and Sauvignon Blanc for whites, and Spatburgunder, Blauer Portugieser and Merlot for reds.

The most common wines from the Rheinpfalz seen outside of Germany are Rieslings; ranging from dry to very sweet, these are among the most terroir-driven in all the country, with expressive notes of apricot, peach and yellow spice. As with the finest examples of Riesling produced in Germany, these wines can age for many years, from five to seven (or longer) for dry wines, to more than two decades for the sweeter versions. (Wine/Appellations)