Location and structure
Neustadt an der Weinstraße is an independent city in Rhineland-Palatinate on the eastern edge of the Palatinate Forest and along the German Wine Route. The municipal area covers around 11,700 hectares, with the core city located at about 136 metres above sea level. In addition to the core city, nine wine villages belong to the municipal area: Diedesfeld, Duttweiler, Geinsheim, Gimmeldingen, Haardt, Hambach, Königsbach, Lachen-Speyerdorf and Mußbach.
Vine cultivation between forest and the Rhine plain
The wine-growing sites extend between the Palatinate Forest and the Rhine plain, from slopes at the edge of the mountains to flatter areas in the east. The particularly warm climate, with many sunny days, supports viticulture. In the foothills, cold-air drainage provides favourable conditions, while the Haardt serves as a rain barrier, reducing the risk of standing moisture. With around 2,035 hectares of vineyards under vine, Neustadt is one of the largest wine-growing municipalities in Germany and belongs to the winegrowing region Pfalz, in the Mittelhaardt–German Wine Route area.
Grape varieties and soils
Riesling is the most important grape variety of the Palatinate. In addition, Burgundian varieties such as Weißburgunder and Gewürztraminer are documented. In the Gimmeldingen district, sandstone soils occur with proportions of loam and lime. The site Biengarten features robust sandstone with inclusions of loam and chalk; lime-rich sections are used for Weißburgunder. Wines from more robust, partly lime-containing soils are described as mineral, fresh and structured.
Historical background
The present-day city developed from what was presumably a Palatinate settlement founded between 1200 and 1230. In 1230, Neustadt was first mentioned as “Nova Civitas”, and in 1275 the town was granted town rights. On 27 May 1832, the Hambach Festival took place at Hambach Castle, documented as an important event in the history of German democracy.
