Südliche Weinstraße (Grenze zum Elsass)

The southern end of the Pfalz runs from the area around Landau and Bad Bergzabern down to Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the French border. The German Wine Gate, built in 1936, stands there and marks the start of the German Wine Route. The southernmost vineyards, including the Schweigener Sonnenberg, partly extend onto French soil near Wissembourg.

Along the edge of the Palatinate Forest the soils are mostly Buntsandstein (red sandstone) with a good deal of loam, which tends to give fuller-bodied wines. Around Schweigen, limestone marl and Buntsandstein occur side by side. The climate is warm and dry, with the forest shielding the vines from rain, and the closeness of Alsace is felt in both wine and cuisine.

Riesling, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Dornfelder are grown, along with aromatic varieties such as Gewürztraminer. Friedrich Becker and Bernhart in Schweigen are among the best-known estates at the southern edge and also farm plots across the border.