Hessische Bergstrasse
Wine Estates
Hessische Bergstrasse
History & Legacy
- Founded in 1904, this cooperative unites over 400 growers across the Bergstraße. It is the largest and most historically significant producer in the region, preserving small family vineyards and regional traditions.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Collective stewardship of the region’s terroir.
- Focus on accessible, fruit‑forward wines.
- Strong emphasis on Riesling, Müller‑Thurgau, and regional specialties.
Key Vineyards
- Heppenheimer Steinkopf
- Heppenheimer Stemmler
- Zwingenberg Alte Burg
The cooperative manages many of the region’s most important slopes.
Style Signature
- Fresh, aromatic whites with floral and stone‑fruit notes.
- Easy‑drinking styles alongside select premium bottlings.
- A benchmark for classic, everyday Bergstraße wine.
History & Legacy-
- Founded in 2013 inside the historic Bensheim Domain, Griesel & Compagnie quickly became one of Germany’s most exciting sparkling‑wine specialists. Despite its youth, the estate has built a reputation for precision, ambition, and a Champagne‑inspired approach to Sekt.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Absolute focus on traditional‑method sparkling wine.
- Long lees aging, minimal dosage, and meticulous base‑wine selection.
- Emphasis on expressing the cool, granitic soils of the Bergstraße.
- A philosophy rooted in purity, tension, and mineral finesse.
Key Vineyards
- Sourced from top parcels around Bensheim and Zwingenberg, especially granitic slopes that give structure and salinity.
- No single “grand cru” vineyard dominates; instead, the estate curates fruit from the best high‑altitude, low‑yield sites.
Style Signature
- Bone‑dry, high‑tension sparkling wines.
- Notes of chalk, brioche, citrus, and crushed stone.
- Flagship cuvées such as “Granit F” Pinot Noir and “Exquisit Grande Cuvée Zero Dosage” score among the region’s highest wines.
History & Legacy
- The estate is part of the Hessische Staatsweingüter, a state‑owned winery group with deep historical roots. Domäne Bergstraße manages some of the oldest and most important vineyards in Heppenheim.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Classic German Riesling craftsmanship.
- Focus on expressing the steep, warm terraces of Heppenheim.
- Combination of tradition and modern cellar technology.
- Emphasis on purity, varietal typicity, and regional identity.
Key Vineyards
- Heppenheimer Centgericht
- Heppenheimer Stemmler
- Heppenheimer Maiberg
These sites are known for loess, sandstone, and warm exposures ideal for Riesling and Pinot varieties.
Style Signature
- Aromatic, fruit‑driven Rieslings with balanced acidity.
- Spätburgunder with soft tannins and red‑berry finesse.
- A classic, approachable style representing the region’s heritage.
History & Legacy
- Located around the historic Schloss Schönberg above Bensheim, the estate has been revitalized in recent years with a strong focus on terroir‑driven premium wines. The vineyards around the castle have been cultivated for centuries.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Burgundy‑inspired approach to Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
- Low yields, selective harvesting, and gentle extraction.
- Rieslings emphasize clarity, minerality, and precision.
- Sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention.
Key Vineyards
- Fürstenlager – one of the region’s most prestigious sites; produces top Spätburgunder (94 Falstaff points).
- Im Langen Jakob – a standout Riesling site with 93‑point wines.
Style Signature
- Elegant, finely structured Pinot Noir with granite‑driven minerality.
- Rieslings that are dry, linear, and aromatic with citrus and herbal lift.
- A house style defined by purity and finesse.
History & Legacy
- A family‑run estate in Zwingenberg known for meticulous vineyard work and a strong commitment to terroir expression. The winery has steadily risen in prestige thanks to high Falstaff ratings.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Precision, low yields, and sustainable viticulture.
- Focus on Riesling, Scheurebe, and red varieties like Lemberger.
- Wines emphasize clarity, aromatics, and mineral depth.
Key Vineyards
- Zwingenberg Steingeröll – source of the acclaimed “Réserve” Lemberger (92 points).
- Auerbach Höllberg – produces top Scheurebe (92 points).
Style Signature
- Highly aromatic whites with exotic fruit and herbal lift.
- Reds with structure, spice, and cool‑climate elegance.
- A modern, expressive style.