Vineyard hills of Stuttgart on a sunny day with big fluffy clouds in the sky (Joe La Forest)
Nothing is better than a Sunday bike ride through Stuttgart’s wine hills, where spring sun, history, and a chilled glass of white wine come together.
One of the perks of biking in Stuttgart is how easy it is to get around with your bike. Both the U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks are bike-friendly, allowing for seamless travel to and from different parts of the city. Whether you’re starting your ride in a village like Obertürkheim or returning from the Neckar, it’s easy to hop on public transit with your bike in tow.
It was the kind of Sunday afternoon you wish you could bottle. It was mid-60s, clear skies and the faint smell of blooming vines in the air. I started my ride in Obertürkheim, just as the village was shaking off its quiet morning stillness. My goal was simple: follow the wine trail, take in the views and let the afternoon unfold at its own pace.
The climb began gently, and the scenery rolled out like a painting. Vineyards draped across the hillsides, their early spring green just beginning to pop. Before long, I coasted into Uhlbach, where a festive courtyard had sprung to life. A German band played under the open sky, people gathered at long tables and the first round of local wine was already flowing. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the square, so I paused to take it all in.
Wine Hiking Sign in Stuttgart (Joe LaForest)
In Uhlbach, I found the perfect blend of history and refreshment. The Weinbaumuseum Stuttgart, housed in a 17th-century wine press house, shares its space with a wine tasting room—both run by the same local winemakers. I stepped inside, ordered a glass of Aldinger’s VDP, and brought it out into the courtyard. The music still played, people laughed and lingered, and I sipped slowly, soaking in the scene. Afterward, I strolled through the museum exhibits, learning about the tools, traditions and stories behind the vineyards that lined my route. It was a moment where past and present folded together: wine in one hand, heritage in the other.
The real climb came next: up to Rotenberg and the iconic Grabkapelle. The neoclassical chapel, built by King Wilhelm I as a tribute to his wife, sits like a crown on the hill. Just before reaching the top, I stopped for a second glass of wine. This time, a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that cut perfectly through the climb’s effort. The view from the top was worth every pedal stroke. You can see the patchwork of vineyards, the winding Neckar River and the city fading into the distance. I rested there for a while, grateful for the quiet.
Wine barrels indoors illuminated by sunlight coming through the windows (Joe LaForest)
As I rolled closer to the Neckar, the path quieted. On one side, riverside reeds swayed in the breeze; on the other, the edge of the city peeked through. It was a smooth, contemplative finish to a day shaped by sunlight, grapevines and good wine.
The ride ended the way perfect afternoons should: quietly, with tired legs, a full heart and the lingering taste of good wine. If you’re looking for a local adventure that blends nature, history and culture, a ride through Stuttgart’s wine country offers all three. Just bring a bike, an open schedule and maybe an empty glass.
Much of the trail weaves through sloped vineyards connected by cutback paths, tight switchbacks carved into the hillside that were likely once used by vineyard workers hauling baskets of grapes. These paths offer alternating glimpses of old stone walls, resting benches, and sudden panoramic views of the Neckar valley below. Riding through them isn’t just scenic—it’s immersive. You’re pedaling through the backbone of Württemberg’s wine country, with every turn a chance to pause, breathe and take in a new layer of the landscape.
Writer holding up glass of white wine against the backdrop of the grassy grape vines (Joe LaForest)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
