VDP.ESTATE GEHEIMRAT J. WEGELER
GUTSHAUS RHEINGAU

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Ralf Frenzel: We have 33 vineyards, a portfolio of world-renowned wines and 12 Grand Crus. We also own Germany’s most expensive vineyard, the Bernkasteler Doctor – situated directly above the historic centre of Bernkastel-Kues on the Middle Moselle.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Ralf Frenzel: Our philosophy is to deliver the very best quality.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Ralf Frenzel: Riesling als zeitlose, exzellente Klassik.

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

Ralf Frenzel: Our entry-level wine, BTHVN Charta Riesling, serves as a showcase for our entire range. 

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Ralf Frenzel: We are particularly proud of Geheimrat J Riesling, Germany’s first dry premium branded wine.

VDP: Why did you become a winegrower? When did your calling come? Is there a special experience?

Ralf Frenzel: Ever since I was 12, when I tasted wine for the first time and discovered its flavour, I have been fascinated by the world of grapes. I share this passion for fine wines with my partner Torsten and the entire Wegeler team – particularly in the Rheingau with Michael Burdorf and Andreas Holderrieth, and on the Moselle with Andreas Engelmann. 

VDP: Do you have or did you have role models or mentors?

Ralf Frenzel: Annemarie Wodarz was my mentor at the start of my career. I was inspired by the world’s finest winemakers. 

VDP: What are your next goals?

Ralf Frenzel: At last – putting German wine where it belongs on the international stage.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Ralf Frenzel: We want to learn from tradition and preserve it, so that we can combine it with intelligent modernity. 

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Ralf Frenzel: For anyone who wants to have seen the world’s great wineries, the Wegeler and Krone Assmannshausen estates are a must-visit – both in the Rheingau and on the Moselle. 

VDP: If your wine were music, what would it be?

Ralf Frenzel: The music of Ludwig van Beethoven.