Sunset over the vineyards of Steinhaldenfeld, Neckar valley, Stuttgart, Germany

Steinhaldenfeld, Neckar valley, Germany

Forget rolling vineyards—around Stuttgart in Germany, the vines take the uphill route, climbing steep terraces above the Neckar valley and weaving between dry-stone walls. These vineyards are a defining feature of the city's landscape, with some of the steepest plots requiring extensive handwork because machinery is difficult to use. Local winegrowers, known as Wengerter, tend the vines on slopes that can reach gradients of 50 per cent. Traditional varieties such as Trollinger and Riesling are closely associated with the region and remain widely grown today.

Walking routes through the vineyards offer a different perspective on the city, where residential neighbourhoods and urban landmarks meet a centuries-old winemaking tradition. More than 400 Stäffele, or open-air stairways, remain in Stuttgart, many tracing their origins to the paths once used to cultivate its steep vineyard slopes. At sunset, the terraces take on a warm glow.