HESSISCHE STAATSWEINGÜTER
KLOSTER EBERBACH (VDP)

“THIS IS THE CRADLE OF GERMAN WINE CULTURE.”

DIETER GREINER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KLOSTER EBERBACH

Kloster Eberbach

Kloster Eberbach
65346 Eltville am Rhein

Phone+49 (0)6723/6046-0
Fax+49 (0)6723/6046-420
eMailweingut@kloster-eberbach.de
Office Hours
1. Vinothek im Kloster Eberbach: ganzjährig, täglich 10.00-18.00; 2. Vinothek Domäne Bergstraße im ehemaligen Rebmuttergarten inmitten des Heppenheimer Centgerichts: ganzjährig geöffnet Montag bis Freitag: 10.00–19.00; Samstag und Sonntag: April bis Oktober: 10.00–19.00; November bis März: 10.00–16.00
Owner

Land Hessen

Geschäftsführer: Dieter Greiner
Cellarmaster

Chef-Oenologin: Kathrin Puff

Wine Area

221,60 acres

Grape Variety

85% Riesling, 15% Spätburgunder sowie Grau- & Weissburgunder

Geology

Taunusphyllitschiefer, Quarzitverwitterungen, Lösslehmbeimischungen

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Dieter Greiner: The winery is a cultural monument of European rank and has been the cradle of German wine culture since 1136. With 92 vineyard hectares on steep slopes, we are the largest steward of steep vineyards in Germany. We are a founding member of the VDP. Our wine auctions, which we have been holding since 1806, are internationally known. We own the most valuable and largest treasure archive of top German wines – the oldest wine dates 1706. Today we own five monopole vineyards: Steinberger, Hattenheimer Spitalsberg, Wiesbadener Neroberg, Heppenheimer Centgericht and Schönberger Herrnwingert. Our monastery is a magnet for visitors and known worldwide. It has also been the setting for scenes in films such as ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘The Name of the Rose’.

 

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Dieter Greiner: Further developing our wine-cultural heritage with responsibility.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Dieter Greiner: To say it with Psalm 104.15: ‘Wine delights the heart of man’. This is what the Cistercian monks of Eberbach wrote on their wine press in 1801. Wines from Kloster Eberbach should provide pleasure – exquisite and responsible enjoyment.

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

Dieter Greiner: Our calling card is the dry Riesling from the Steinberg vineyard, which has been in sole ownership of Kloster Eberbach since 1236.

 

“OUR 2010 STEINBERGER WAS SERVED AT THE GALA FOR THE AWARD OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE TO THE EU IN OSLO.”

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Dieter Greiner: Of the 2010 Steinberger, which was served at the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Gala for the European Union in Oslo.

 

VDP: Why did you become a winegrower?

Dieter Greiner: I was born into the profession; I come from a winegrowing family in Schnait in Württemberg. The combination of enjoyment and culture has always fascinated me.

 

Steinberger
„Crescentia“ Riesling, trocken
VDP.ERSTE LAGE®

VDP: Do you have role models?

Dieter Greiner: Many, for many different themes. I am grateful that I am able to meet so many valuable people in my life who accompany me.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Dieter Greiner: You never get bored at a winery that is almost 900 years old. After a generation change in key management positions, we are reshaping the team. It’s fun and exciting!

 

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Dieter Greiner: Kloster Eberbach has been innovative by tradition since 1136. Responsibility is the connecting theme between the two poles. We are curious and also go new ways, even if there is not immediately applause for it. Together with the Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences, we are working on a large number of research projects to ensure that wine production and marketing remain viable in the future and continue to develop sustainably.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Dieter Greiner: Where in Germany are there more VDP wineries, more important wine and cultural festivals, and more historical wine places than in the Rheingau? In no other winery can you experience vibrant connection between a wine culture that has lasted for nine centuries and state-of-the-art, sophisticated wine production as at Kloster Eberbach. The Riesling Gala or the Steinberg Round Table are superb opportunities to enjoy this. This is truly unique.