The CDU/CSU alliance faction is formally opposing the proposed increase in the alcohol tax put forward by Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD). Johannes Steiniger, the parliamentary group spokesman for agricultural and food policy within the CDU/CSU, told the news magazine Politico that the bloc seeks to prevent a higher tax burden on sparkling wines, expressing concern over the negative consequences for winemakers.
The federal government’s draft law proposes a 20 percent increase in taxes across various alcoholic beverages, affecting not only spirits and alcoholic drinks but also sparkling wines. According to government calculations, these measures are projected to generate approximately 455 million euros of additional revenue for the federal budget, with a portion of about 65 million euros coming from the sparkling wine tax.
Steiniger sharply criticized the plan. The CDU politician argued that raising taxes during the wine industry’s already highly precarious situation would send a completely wrong signal. He confirmed that the Union faction will actively campaign in the parliamentary process to prevent the sparkling wine tax from being increased.
Furthermore, Steiniger expressed severe criticism regarding the Ministry of Finance’s procedures. The faction stated it was highly concerned about the Finance Minister’s initiative, noting that the plan had not been agreed upon. According to his account, the measure had not been coordinated with the coalition partner beforehand, despite Klingbeil having advocated for the tax hike in late June.
The wine and sparkling wine sector has been struggling with declining sales figures for years. Data from the Federal Statistical Office indicated that only 240.1 million liters of sparkling wine were sold in Germany in 2025, representing a 20.2 percent drop compared to 2015.
