As we cling to the hopes of everlasting summer, we can’t ignore the signs nature is presenting of an eventual season change. Leaves that have spent all their energy harvesting sunlight will begin to fade and some will even fall as we know that the cooler months are upon us. And with that, we know we are that much closer to Oktoberfest and all the great traditions, food, and drink of the early fall season. Having been to Germany several times on wine exploration adventures, I have found that the people, food, wines, and the challenges faced by the growers farming the steep hillsides on which the best grapes are grown, are simply mesmerizing. Here are some of our favorite wines at the moment to taste with your own Oktoberfest celebration, along with German cheese.

KRUGER-RUMPF ESTATE RIESLING NAHE

Dry and fragrant with cherry and floral notes, this is a food-friendly wine. 

DR. L SPARKLING RIESLING MOSEL 

Sourced across the Mosel, this crisp 100% Riesling is vibrant with citrus and peach tones making it a perfect apéritif.

ZILLIKEN BUTTERFLY RIESLING MOSEL 

This wine captures the essence of the cool climate and slate soil of the Saar region with this intense, yet delicate Riesling that “floats like a butterfly."

FRITZ HAAG RIESLING MOSEL

Made in a slightly off-dry style that balances the crisp acidity beautifully.

VILLA WOLF SAUVIGNON BLANC PFALZ

Grown in the sandy loam of Pfalz, this is a real value with its crisp, bright fruit and good acid balance. A perfect food wine. 

DÖNNHOFF ESTATE RIESLING NAHE

Vibrant, clean, and elegant with its peach and yellow apple fruits and hint of floral tones wrapped in a touch of baking spice.

LEITZ DRAGONSTONE RIESLING RHEINGAU 

Grown in pure quartzite soil, this wine has a salinity that's beautifully aligned with the orange-citrus nuances.

DR. LOOSEN BLUE SLATE RIESLING KABINETT MOSEL

Blue slate is the typical soil in Mosel and the fruit has a pronounced mineral edge along with fresh, juicy, crisp fruit flavor.

GERMAN CHEESES:

Cambozola (a triple cream, soft-ripened blue cheese with the texture of Brie); Champignon With Mushrooms (soft-ripened cheese that is flecked with fine Champignon mushrooms for an earthy yet refined flavor); and Grand Noir (a rich, Bavarian, double cream blue that's beautifully enrobed in sultry wax).