When most people think of Oktoberfest, frothy steins of German beer and oversized pretzels may come to mind. But there’s no reason for wine lovers to feel left out. This fall, I invite you to swap the hops for grapes and celebrate Oktober (Wine) Fest here in Miami.
German and Austrian wines offer a fresh take on autumn sipping, with crisp whites and savory reds that pair beautifully with everything from seafood to heartier fall dishes. From the citrusy snap of Grüner Veltliner to the earthy spice of Blaufränkisch and the dry crispiness of Riesling, these wines deserve a spot at your table, and luckily, they’re becoming easier to find right here at home.
GERMAN RIESLING
Challenge your perceptions with a refreshingly dry Riesling from Germany.
Lovers of German Riesling already know what a gem it is, though it may surprise others to learn that, no, Riesling is not always sweet. In fact, Germany produces some of the most exquisite dry Rieslings in the world.
Riesling is a cold-hardy grape, which works well in Germany, home to some of the coldest-climate vineyards in the world. It is here where wine can be just as complex as the wine laws, which would require a much longer article to cover. If you are interested in a drier style of German Riesling, there are some things to look for on the label. The term “trocken” means that the wine is dry, or less than 9g/l of residual sugar. Producers are also permitted to use a visual scale on the back of the label to show you where on the dry to sweet spectrum this wine falls. Also note the alcohol level. If the wine is lower in alcohol, it can mean that it will be sweeter.
For a taste of dry Riesling, pick up a bottle of Mosel Heinrichshof Sonnenuhr Rotlay GG Dry Riesling 2023 at 305wines.com for $33.99. Or Von Winning Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken 2021 at MrDWine.com for $37.73.
AUSTRIAN GRÜNER VELTLINER
Austria’s flagship grape offers a snap of citrus and spice.
Prized for its balance of freshness, spice, and texture, Grüner is wonderfully versatile. With flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes even a hint of stone fruit layered over a crisp, mineral backbone, it’s the kind of wine that feels lively in warm weather but also intriguingly nuanced when paired with a meal. Think of it as an all-occasion white. You’ll want to keep some on hand when friends drop by and dinner needs something refreshing but not predictable.
Buy Salomon Undhof Ried Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner 2020 at 305wines.com for $37.99.
AUSTRIAN BLAUFRÄNKISCH
(Carletto Photography)
Austrian wines pair perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Meet “Blau,” your luscious, peppery accompaniment to grilled meats.
Blaufränkisch is a unique red wine that can echo the brightness of Pinot Noir or lean toward Syrah-like depth in warmer expressions. It’s deeply colored and structured, yet still elegant. Expect flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and black pepper layered with earthy spice and a tannic backbone. For us in Miami, it is a red that satisfies the season’s craving for something richer without feeling heavy on the palate. It’s a perfect tailgate accompaniment to hamburgers before football games.
Weingut Prieler Johanneshohe Blaufränkisch 2018 ($30) from the Burgenland region and other Blaufränkisch wines are available at MrDWine.com.
GERMAN PINOT NOIR
Surprise your friends with an exciting Spätburgunder from an unexpected place.
Move over, Burgundy, bring on Spätburgunder, the name for German Pinot Noir. Germany is the world’s third-largest producer of Pinot Noir, and the grape is also the most planted red variety in the country, taking up around 11% of the total vineyard area.
Considered one of the world’s rising stars of Pinot, Spätburgunder is light and elegant, with bright red berry fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice. It’s the kind of red that can be slightly chilled for Miami evenings, yet still has enough depth to pair with richer fall dishes like duck, roasted salmon, or mushroom risotto.
You can find a bottle of 2021 Enderle & Moll ‘Liaison’ Pinot Noir from the Baden region for $45 at VinoNueva.
AUSTRIAN ZWEIGELT
Hang out with a casual Austrian Zweigelt on a warm October night.
Zweigelt, Austria’s most widely planted red grape, offers a lighter, more approachable counterpart to Blaufränkisch. Bright red cherry and cranberry notes dominate, accented by subtle spice and soft tannins. Its fruit-forward nature and lively acidity make it an easy-drinking red that shines both on its own and alongside simple, comforting meals. My Zweigelt moment included buying a bottle for three euros and drinking out of plastic cups on the stairs of a church in Vienna, proving that a great Zweigelt memory can be created anytime, anywhere.
Buy a bottle of Paul Achs Zweigelt 2022 from the Burgenland region at 305wines.com for $28.
CLINK DIFFERENT RESTAURANT WEEK IN MIAMI
(Morgan Sophia Photography)
Clink Different by Morgan Sophia Photography = This October, discover the wines of Germany and “Clink Different” at various restaurants around Miami. Visit ClinkDifferent.com for more information.
This October, explore the diverse world of German wines at bars and restaurants around our city as part of Clink Different Restaurant Week, which runs Oct. 1-31. Clink Different has partnered with several restaurants and bars in Miami as part of a national campaign to celebrate the wines of Germany and Bordeaux, France. These selected restaurants will be offering by-the-glass specials, tasting flights, and more of German wines beyond the expected, along with some additional education on the regions and grapes. Each establishment will be pouring their own selection of wines, so guests can try a diverse range of German wines all month long. To find out which restaurants in Miami are participating, visit clinkdifferent.com/events/florida.
For a taste of Austrian wines while dining out, check out the wine list selection at Michael’s Genuine, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Miami, or COTE Miami in the Design District.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast, and founder of BYOBMiami.com.
Jacqueline Coleman