The Hessian Bergstraße is the smallest German wine-growing region. Located on the western slope of the Odenwald between the rivers Neckar, Rhine and Main, vines are only cultivated on around 450 hectares. But the wines of the Bergstrasse benefit from the extremely favorable climatic conditions of the region. The Romans were already cultivating wine here, and because of the pleasant climate, Emperor Joseph II said: "This is where Germany begins to become Italy." By far the most important grape variety on the Bergstrasse is Riesling.