If you are a winegrower, new vineyards must generally be approved. To do this, you must submit an application to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE).

Before submitting the application, you must check whether you are allowed to grow wine on the area or whether there are other legal restrictions, for example due to nature conservation.

Depending on the federal state, it is possible that the cultivation area for new plantings is restricted in certain areas. Preference is then given to steep slopes (slopes of 15 percent or more) for approval. You must submit a certificate from the responsible state authority.

Further proof may be required if vineyards are to be used for agricultural or quality wine with a designation of origin (protected designation of origin, PDO or protected geographical indication, PGI).

Please note that you must plant the vineyards within three years if you have a permit. If you do not plant or only plant incompletely, the competent state authority can impose a fine of up to EUR 20,000 per hectare.

In some cases, you do not need a permit for new plantings. This only applies under certain conditions, for example if you grow house wine as a hobby.