VDP.ESTATE
RAINER SAUER

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Rainer Sauer: The steep slopes around our home community of Escherndorf are located in a wind-protected, sun-drenched natural amphitheatre. The conditions here are unique! In 2015 we completed renovations of the winery. The architecture is thoroughly authentic and we were very conscious about the use of materials. Like the entire identity of our winery, it is clear, modest and honest.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Rainer Sauer: We have a sustainable approach to the environment with a special focus on the relationship between vines and soil. Nature is the focus of our activities.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Rainer Sauer: We strive for expressive, lively wines with crystal-clear profiles. Silvaner is our passion. We have devoted special attention and devotion to this indigenous Franconian grape variety for decades. It grows in more than half of our vineyards.

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Rainer Sauer: I would recommend our Silvaner VDP.GUTSWEIN. It is the entry-level in our quality pyramid and has clear varietal typicity and shows a lot of character. It’s a perfect introduction to our world of Silvaner wines.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Rainer Sauer: Our Silvaner “L” has been around since 1999. It expresses the character and terroir of our steep Escherndorfer Lump vineyard in a very special way. It is Silvaner pure.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Rainer Sauer: My parents were winegrowers with heart and soul. This passion to work in and with nature was instilled in me very early on. So, there was no alternative: I always wanted to become a vintner. We make wine. We love Silvaner. We are a family. Actually, everything is quite simple. A unique vineyard, the Escherndorfer Lump, is our workplace in nature, while the cellar in the winery is the birthplace of our wines. Every year is a new opportunity for tasty wines. We are curious about the things that we cannot influence and the things that are in our hands. We are always curious about fully ripe grapes, sun and rain, but also about people and a lively exchange of knowledge.

VDP: Do you have role models?

Rainer Sauer: For me, role models are people who master their lives with self-confidence, purpose, honesty and modesty, without ignoring care for their fellow human beings.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Rainer Sauer: Our son Daniel has been with the company for several years. He has already taken on a lot of responsibility. The next priority is to pass the winery on to the next generation.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Rainer Sauer: Every tradition begins with an innovation. This innovation later becomes a tradition. That’s why these two terms are always linked. When a tradition has proven its worth for a long time, we like to stick to it. It can be further modified and adapted to the times. What remains decisive for us is authentic, handcrafted winemaking.