VDP.ESTATE
WINTER

VDP: What is special about your winery?

Stefan Winter: The location of the winery and the unique interaction between man and nature. Our vineyards are located on the edge of our home town of Dittelsheim, an elevated community in the southern and actually rather warmer corner of the Wonnegau. When the grape harvest in other parts of Rheinhessen is already drawing to a close, we are just approaching its peak thanks to the cooler climate at altitude and the longer vegetation. The winery itself is located at the foot of the vineyards overlooking our VDP.GROSSE LAGE^® GEIERSBERG and KLOPPBERG, which are even cooler than the LECKERBERG. From our vinotheque you have a magnificent view of Dittelsheim and large parts of Rheinhessen.

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who doesn't know your winery yet - as an introduction, so to speak?

Stefan Winter: KALKSTEIN Riesling - a mineral, juicy and at the same time polished representative of its grape variety, which captures the limestone-dominated soils around Dittelsheim with a lot of elegance and drinking flow in the glass.

VDP: Which wine are you particularly proud of?

Stefan Winter: KLOPPBERG Riesling GG VDP.GROSSE LAGE^® - gladly with a few years of bottle maturity.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Stefan Winter: My team - deliberately called the [wine] family - and I burn for authentic wines that at the same time reflect their origin and are man-made. This means that we cultivate all our vineyards with intensive manual diligence close to nature and according to ecological guidelines. In the communication with our partners and customers, we rely on a direct and personal line. From the pruning of the vines to the shipment of a wine package, we are united by a passion for the extraordinary, a purist aesthetic and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

VDP: What style of wine do you strive for?

Stefan Winter: From VDP.Gutswein to VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS^®, the wines are characterized by a straightforward, multi-layered and mineral style. We concentrate on the essentials, so Riesling is in first place with 65%, followed by Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - that's it! We produce authentic wines with character and personality, just like the many great people behind our wines. Renunciation is the key to working without compromise. So the path leads from low pruning in the vineyard and low yields to a selective hand harvest and gentle pressing of the grapes to the maximum quality yield.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Stefan Winter: It is probably the most beautiful and versatile profession with almost endless possibilities! The balance between craftsman, gardener, entrepreneur and the freedom of an artist... that's what makes it so special!

VDP: What are your next goals?

Stefan Winter: A new building for production and cellar is coming up in the winery, an exciting journey is ahead of us here!

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Stefan Winter: A respectful approach to our vineyards and the cultivation of classic, traditional grape varieties form our foundation. Tradition does not stand in the way of innovation here, quite the opposite. We take on new challenges and sustainably break new ground in order to preserve the old and successfully lead the special features of our origins into the future.