In conjunction with the initiative against the “high Mosel bridge” project in the middle Mosel region, the national association of German Prädikat wine producers, VDP, is calling for political action to secure the existence of the nation’s finest vineyard sites. In taking this position the VDP, which represents some 200 of Germany’s most renowned wine estates, is acting on behalf of its members with vineyard holdings in Bernkastel, Graach, Wehlen, Zeltingen, and Ürzig. They see the extension of highway B50 along the ridge of some of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards and the huge concrete bridge across the Mosel as a threat to the existence of their vineyards.

The VDP member estates in these appellations fear numerous, potentially negative effects: collapse of the ecological structure; long-term impact on water supplies and microclimate; and irreparable destruction of the stunning, visual beauty of the middle Mosel Valley.

German wines from unique top sites, such as these in the Mosel Valley, have helped foster the currrent, worldwide Riesling renaissance. Top sites in all German wine regions are the basis of the extraordinary economic success – domestically and abroad – of those who produce top-quality German wines. The renewed, positive image of German wines at home and abroad in recent years is very closely tied to the wines’ highly prized origins of appellation.

Local Mosel growers affected by the “new B50” and its bridge cannot understand how politicians can simply decide to build a road through their most important natural asset – would they also opt to do the same through an important industrial site? The vineyard owners in question have often confronted the Rheinland-Pfalz minister responsible for both agriculture and transportation, Hendrik Hering, with their questions.

According to VDP president Steffen Christmann: “Minister Hering was and is quite fond of top German wines. The VDP and the Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry of Economics, Transportation, Agriculture, and Viticulture have always worked closely with one another. Therefore, we hope that the ministry will be open to our suggestions regarding the protection of Germany’s top vineyard sites.”

A petition against the “high Mosel bridge” project is posted at:
English version
German version

Additional information:

www.b50neu.de
www.hochmoseluebergang.rlp.de