VDP.WEINGUT
DER HOCHSCHULE GEISENHEIM UNIVERSITY

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Ludwig Pasch: Research, teaching and production unite at the winery of the Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences. Employees from different fields such as vine breeding, viticulture or oenology are joined by our students to bring knowledge, ideas, innovation and passion into the winemaking process. We have a very broad and unique spectrum of grape varieties for the Rheingau region. Some grape varieties are even very rarely found in Germany.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Ludwig Pasch: In addition to producing wines typical of the region, we also want to explore new frontiers. We closely examine existing technical practices and if necessary, replace them with gentler and less invasive practices. Preserving resources and working in an environmentally friendly way is a central focus of our work.

VDP: What style of wine do you seek?

Ludwig Pasch: Our range of grape varieties and maturation schemes are simply too broad to emphasize one certain wine style.

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

Ludwig Pasch: The wines of the ‘Villa Monrepos’ series offer a good introduction to our broad assortment.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Ludwig Pasch: The wines that are the result of our student projects. Every year, our students are given the opportunity to carry out their work independently, from pruning to bottling, in practical projects. The diversity of our students in terms of origin, education and cultural background is expressed repeatedly in special wines.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Ludwig Pasch: Research results often lead to further questions. We maintain proven techniques and at the same time replace unsatisfactory methods with more innovative strategies.

VDP: Do you stick to traditions, if so, which ones?

Ludwig Pasch: There are many areas of winemaking in which little has changed in recent decades, because traditional practices have proven themselves. One example is the traditional maturation of wines in small and large wooden barrels.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Ludwig Pasch: It is not only possible to taste our wines; you can also learn about current research projects on a tour of the winery. A visit to the friendly university town of Geisenheim is definitely worthwhile!