KLOSTER EBERBACH

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Christine Müller: Kloster Eberbach has shaped German wine culture since 1136. What makes our winery special is the combination of nearly 900 years of history and a pioneering spirit that continues to this day. The Cistercian monks were the first to cultivate steep, previously unused slopes for viticulture, thereby laying the foundation for some of Germany’s most significant vineyards. Today, we cultivate 168 hectares of vineyards, including over 50 hectares of steep slopes, many of them in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a founding member of the VDP, we have always stood for terroir, quality, and the conviction that great wines are born where tradition and innovation come together.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Christine Müller: Our philosophy is to bring the terroir of our wines to life without compromise. The great vineyards of Kloster Eberbach are our most precious treasure. We want to bring out their individuality more strongly and produce wines that authentically reflect their origins. In doing so, we are guided by the pioneering spirit that has shaped Kloster Eberbach for centuries: preserving what has been tried and tested while boldly breaking new ground.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Christine Müller: Our goal is to produce precise, long-lasting wines with a distinct terroir profile. The vineyard should define the style, not the winegrower’s personal touch.

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

Christine Müller: For me, the Steinberger Riesling is the perfect introduction. As the historic heart of the Kloster Eberbach vineyards, it embodies terroir, tradition, and the style our winery stands for: precise, elegant, and age-worthy.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Christine Müller: I am particularly proud of the potential inherent in our premier vineyards. The Assmannshäuser Höllenberg fascinates me in particular because it combines an extraordinary history with enormous potential for the future. Reviving the production of great Pinot Noirs there is a challenge that truly motivates me.

VDP: Why did you become a winegrower?

Christine Müller: Winemaking has always been a central part of my life and is an essential part of my identity. The words “State Winery” were even written in large letters on my parents’ house. There is hardly any other profession that is more versatile and varied, yet is always rooted in and connected to nature.

VDP: Do you have role models?

Christine Müller: Dr. Rowald Hepp, the former estate manager at Schloss Vollrads, was an important role model for me. It was with him that I began my career in the wine world, and from the very start, he placed a great deal of trust in me and entrusted me with important responsibilities. Together with him, I had the opportunity to help develop Schloss Vollrads further, and I learned an incredible amount there. At the same time, I continue to be inspired by the many dedicated people in the wine world whom I meet while traveling, at trade shows, and in my day-to-day work.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Christine Müller: My goal is to firmly reestablish Kloster Eberbach as one of the world’s leading wineries. To achieve this, we are placing a strong emphasis on quality and terroir. Our unique treasure trove of vineyards should once again be clearly recognizable and tangible. In the coming years, our focus will be on economic stability, exceptional top-tier wines, and a clear brand strategy with a strong identity of Hessen. We want to strengthen the winery’s reputation as a synonym for Rheingau viticulture.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Christine Müller: Kloster Eberbach embodies nearly 900 years of history. For me, this tradition is a commitment. At the same time, the winery has always been particularly successful when it has broken new ground in viticulture, winegrowing, and distribution. For me, innovation does not mean breaking with the past, but rather building on a strong foundation. We are bringing the monastery and the winery closer together, making wine the heart of this place once again, and further expanding the connection between culture, history, and fine wine.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Christine Müller: Here, amidst historic walls and modern cellars, we showcase what heritage and craftsmanship have meant across generations. The winery owns several estates in the Rheingau and along the Hessische Bergstraße, where events are held regularly. We also offer a variety of dining options, ranging from the Schwarzes Häuschen on the Steinberg to the Baiken restaurant, nestled in the Rauenthal vineyards.