Mosel is one of 13 German wine regions and takes its name from the Moselle River (German: Mosel). The wine region is Germany's fifth largest in terms of volume but is the leading region in terms of international prestige. The region covers the valleys of the rivers Moselle, Saar, and Ruwer near Koblenz and Trier. The area is known for the steep slopes of the region's vineyards overlooking the river. At 65 degrees incline, the steepest recorded vineyard in the world is the 'Calmont' vineyard located near the village of Bremm. The Mosel is mainly famous for its wines made from the Riesling grape.

The Mosel wine region has a northerly continental climate that is marked by cool temperatures. The best vineyard sites are south & southwest facing slopes because of the increased exposure to direct sunlight that aid in ripening of the grapes. The soil of the area is dominated by porous slate which has ideal drainage for the regions heavy rainfall and good heat retaining properties. During the summer months the weather is warm but rarely hot with July's average temperatures around 18C.The steep river bank slopes are considered some of the most labour intensive vineyards in the world. Mechanical harvesting is impractical and nearly seven times more man hours are needed than in more flat terrain.

A positive characteristic of the Riesling grape is that it can create a wine of finesse and elegance that would escape most other grape varieties. The wines of the Upper Mosel are characterized by their low alcohol content 6-9%, with intense fruity notes and high acidity.

The wines of the Middle Mosel are considered the most complete examples of German wines with some of the finest able to age gracefully for 50-100 years. Mosel Riesling relies on a strong presence of tartaric acid to balance the grape's sugar and to help impart its fruity notes. The wines of the Mosel region are traditionally packaged in long green coloured 'hock style' wine bottle, to distinguish Mosel wines from the brown bottles of the Rheinhessen.