Bordered by Rheinhessen on the north and France on the south and west, the Pfalz's vineyards sweep across this pretty, peaceful land for nearly 50 uninterrupted miles and produce more wine than any other region in Germany. The northern half of this region is home to some of the best vineyard sites. The villages of Wachenheim, Forst, Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg are well-known for Riesling wines which combine substance and finesse.

Pleasant, mild wines rich in bouquet and full of body from Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, Silvaner and Morio-Muskat grapes are also grown in the clay and marl soils of this district. Chalk, clay and loess soils yield mild, fresh, often intense wines in the southern half of the Pfalz. In addition to its white wine, the Pfalz is also known for smooth, fruity red wine made primarily from the Portugieser grape.

The word Pfalz which names the region is a derivation ofPalast, or palace, and comes from the Latin word "palatium". The English equivalent, Palatinate, is often used when speaking about the Pfalz.