The vineyard site reveals the origin. Each site has its own unique conditions that give rise to outstanding wines. Get to know our vineyards – click on each site to learn more!

vineyard map along the river Mosel from Carl Loewen
MAXIMIN KLOSTERLAY MAXIMIN KLOSTERLAY RITSCH RITSCH MAXIMIN HERRENBERG MAXIMIN HERRENBERG LAURENTIUSLAY LAURENTIUSLAY

MAXIMIN KLOSTERLAY

The Benedictine Abbey of St. Maximin in Trier was the leading wine estate on the Mosel during the Middle Ages. Among its top vineyard sites was the Maximiner Klosterlay. During the secularization under Napoleon, the abbey’s holdings were sold off, and one of our ancestors acquired vineyards in the Maximiner Klosterlay. These vineyards became the foundation of our winery.

Our vineyard is characterized by blue slate soil. The west-facing Mosel Valley allows the sun to shine directly onto the slope, while the nearby upper barrage of a Mosel lock creates a large water surface at the foot of the vineyard. The wines from this site are marked by remarkable length, a mineral structure, and an elegant abundance of aromas.

MAXIMIN KLOSTERLAY

The Benedictine Abbey of St. Maximin in Trier was the leading wine estate on the Mosel during the Middle Ages. Among its top vineyard sites was the Maximiner Klosterlay. During the secularization under Napoleon, the abbey’s holdings were sold off, and one of our ancestors acquired vineyards in the Maximiner Klosterlay. These vineyards became the foundation of our winery.

Our vineyard is characterized by blue slate soil. The west-facing Mosel Valley allows the sun to shine directly onto the slope, while the nearby upper barrage of a Mosel lock creates a large water surface at the foot of the vineyard. The wines from this site are marked by remarkable length, a mineral structure, and an elegant abundance of aromas.

RITSCH

Until after World War II, the Thörnicher Ritsch was considered one of the most prestigious vineyard sites on the Mosel. The name "Ritsch" comes from the crumbling grey slate of the slope—rocks frequently slide down into the valley. Because of the unstable terrain, land consolidation and road construction have never been possible here; in such steep surroundings, any road would simply collapse. The vines grow along the slope, reaching into small terraces. The vineyard is listed in the 1868 Prussian classification and is recognized as a top-tier site (“1. Lage”) by both Stuart Pigott and Hugh Johnson.

The Ritsch is known for wines with intense fruit aromas and a distinctive mineral structure.

RITSCH

Until after World War II, the Thörnicher Ritsch was considered one of the most prestigious vineyard sites on the Mosel. The name "Ritsch" comes from the crumbling grey slate of the slope—rocks frequently slide down into the valley. Because of the unstable terrain, land consolidation and road construction have never been possible here; in such steep surroundings, any road would simply collapse. The vines grow along the slope, reaching into small terraces. The vineyard is listed in the 1868 Prussian classification and is recognized as a top-tier site (“1. Lage”) by both Stuart Pigott and Hugh Johnson.

The Ritsch is known for wines with intense fruit aromas and a distinctive mineral structure.

MAXIMIN HERRENBERG

In 1868, the Prussian "Royal Government of Trier" (=German: königliche Regierung zu Trier) classified the vineyards along the Mosel. To enable a systematic taxation of the vineyards, wine quality was used as the basis for evaluating the terroir. Carl Schmitt-Wagner’s Maximin Herrenberg was placed in the highest category of Mosel vineyards.

This vineyard was planted in 1896 with ungrafted vines and has been preserved to this day. In its size, it is likely the oldest surviving ungrafted Riesling vineyard in the world. The Maximin Herrenberg faces south and sits on rare red slate soil. This unique terroir gives the wines their distinctive aromatic complexity.

MAXIMIN HERRENBERG

In 1868, the Prussian "Royal Government of Trier" (=German: königliche Regierung zu Trier) classified the vineyards along the Mosel. To enable a systematic taxation of the vineyards, wine quality was used as the basis for evaluating the terroir. Carl Schmitt-Wagner’s Maximin Herrenberg was placed in the highest category of Mosel vineyards.

This vineyard was planted in 1896 with ungrafted vines and has been preserved to this day. In its size, it is likely the oldest surviving ungrafted Riesling vineyard in the world. The Maximin Herrenberg faces south and sits on rare red slate soil. This unique terroir gives the wines their distinctive aromatic complexity.

LAURENTIUSLAY

This vineyard is arguably one of the Mosel's rising stars. Just a few years ago still an insider tip, Laurentiuslay wines now enjoy an international reputation.

It was a stroke of luck that land consolidation (“Flurbereinigung”) was deemed too costly for this steep site. As a result, the vineyard has retained its original character, with numerous small dry stone walls and terraced plots. The natural water flow through the slate rock remains undisturbed by road construction. Even during the driest high summer, there is sufficient moisture. Thanks to the almost Mediterranean climate, warmth-loving plants and animals thrive here. On sunny days, countless lizards can be seen basking on the warm slate stones.

LAURENTIUSLAY

This vineyard is arguably one of the Mosel's rising stars. Just a few years ago still an insider tip, Laurentiuslay wines now enjoy an international reputation.

It was a stroke of luck that land consolidation (“Flurbereinigung”) was deemed too costly for this steep site. As a result, the vineyard has retained its original character, with numerous small dry stone walls and terraced plots. The natural water flow through the slate rock remains undisturbed by road construction. Even during the driest high summer, there is sufficient moisture. Thanks to the almost Mediterranean climate, warmth-loving plants and animals thrive here. On sunny days, countless lizards can be seen basking on the warm slate stones.