The ERSTE LAGE sites

As an expression of their commitment to top-quality wines and a cultural landscape marked by unique vineyard sites, VDP members (Prädikat Wine Estates) seek to ensure that great wines from Germany’s finest vineyards have a distinctive profile. Emphasis on top sites is an indispensable step toward producing wines with a special, individualistic character; wines which reflect their terroir of origin as well as the skill and passion of those who make them.

The wines originate from classified, narrowly demarcated top sites (and/or parcels thereof) that provide optimal growing conditions. These vineyards consistently yield exceptionally ripe grapes, and in turn, wines of great substance, as evidenced over a long period of time. 

Simply click on the name of a region listed below for a regional description and a current list of its ERSTE LAGE sites. The list is constantly developing – depending on new members (who bring with them new, as-yet “unclassified” sites) and/or ongoing work in the vineyards, which could lead to a re-evaluation of a site’s status.

At this time, descriptions of the individual sites are available in German only.

Regional descriptions, click here:

Ahr
Baden
Franken
Mittelrhein
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Nahe
Pfalz
Rheingau
Rheinhessen
Saale-Unstrut
Sachsen
Württemberg