Expertise in wine: examinations and certifications

DLG TestService offers scientifically based product evaluations and process certifications in the wine sector in accordance with current quality criteria. These testing procedures are among the most renowned and independent of their kind in Germany and stand for transparency, objectivity and the highest quality standards. In this way, DLG TestService supports quality assurance in viticulture and helps retailers and consumers alike to reliably identify high-quality wines.

Features of DLG wine testing:

  • Scientifically based testing scheme
  • Anonymous tasting (blind tasting)
  • Neutral, trained testers
  • Highly regarded by retailers and consumers
  • Process testing: Auditing of the entire process chain (viticulture, cellar management, bottling, transport) according to the DLG QM-Wine quality standard

DLG Federal Wine Awards

The DLG Federal Wine Awards are the leading quality competition for German wines and sparkling wines from all German wine-growing regions. For over 75 years, the competition has been setting standards for quality and supporting the industry – today also with special prizes and formats on topics such as sustainability, innovation and new consumer trends.

Information and registration

DLG-certified wines VERY GOOD

The DLG product certificate accompanies wines from production to the consumer. With the help of experts from DLG-TestService, producers are certified on site and thus the entire process chain is certified according to DLG's own quality standards. To this end, auditors travel around the globe and audit the participating companies at prescribed intervals.

Information and registration

German wine seal

The German Wine Seal is the most traditional official quality mark for German wines. It has been awarded by the DLG to wines of above-average quality since 1950. Wines bearing the quality mark are regularly tested by experts from DLG TestService and stand for authentic German wine enjoyment.

Information and registration

Best young wines: The DLG vintage check

Before the new vintage goes on sale, DLG experts assess its potential and seek out the highlights of the German wine scene. The most impressive wineries and cooperatives receive the recommendation ‘Best Young Wines’.

Information and registration

DLG Young Winemaker of the Year 

‘Creative minds. Extraordinary stories. Strong wines’ – this is the motto under which the DLG searches for the young winemaker of the year every year. The competition has developed into a highly regarded platform for young German winemakers. Young talents from all wine-growing regions in Germany are eligible to apply. 

Information and registration

DLG Food Newsletter

Information from the specialist and testing work of the DLG