Sample some "studly" wine in Stuttgart

The German city of Stuttgart was once a stud farm. In fact, Stuttgart means “garden of the mares”, and the black horse on the city’s logo represents this equine history. The old palace was once the headquarters of the horse business, and that same black horse also appears on its local wines, made in vineyards on the outskirts of the city.

While you may think of beer gardens when you think of Germany, wine taverns are also popular, especially during local festivals. The white wines, especially the Reislings, are crisp and much more full-bodied than those produced in the U.S., and the reds are hearty enough to pair well with the spiciest sausage or a perfectly cooked slice of pork.

Stuttgart is also home to the only optical shop in Germany that is also a wine store. Swabians are known for being thrifty and practical, so when the regional wine distributor realized that there was a retail shop on the lower floor of their office building, they arranged for the shop to sell their wares. At Optik Oster, you can get your eyes examined, buy a new pair of glasses, and sample some of the region’s best vintages, although you should probably taste and buy the wine after your eye exam!