Today Rheinhessen is known for its outstanding wines. However, the history of viticulture goes back a long way. Wine was already being grown here 2.000 years ago. Its Roman past has given this area not only the wine but also a rich history and tradition. You can find traces of the Romans everywhere. They are alive in the culture and architecture of the region. It is not possible to dig a hole in the ground in this area without coming across the remains of Roman life, is a common saying.
Furthermore, the area is famous for medieval half-timbered houses, grand estates, Victorian villas and winegrowing families. They have been cultivating wine for generations. However, modernity has also found its way here. Alongside rustic wineries that keep the past alive, modern architecture exudes a charm all of its own.
Capturing panoramic views
Just 15 minutes away from Mainz there is a 1250-year-old village that bears the traces of Roman history combined with modern architecture. This is where the Thörle winery is at home. The oldest part of the winery is the natural stone cellar that was built in 1517. The highlight, however, is the modern vinotheque constructed in 2019. The building’s simple lines and use of natural materials including wood and limestone, harmonise the building with the surrounding landscape.
The two brothers Christoph an Johannes Thörle run the winery together with their parents. They have travelled the world and been inspired by the world’s leading wineries in South Africa, Argentina, Italy and, above all, Austria. The eye-catcher is the walk-in wine climate cabinet, which Christoph discovered in the Philippines. He had it rebuilt by a local locksmith.
The 28-hectare vineyard offers excellent white wines – mainly Riesling, Silvaner, Cabernet Souvignon and Souvignon Blanc. You can also enjoy excellent Pinot Noirs in a modern setting with a picturesque landscape. For this, the winery received the Best Of Wine Tourism Award 2021 in the “Architecture, Parks and Gardens” category.
Sustainability in a modern setting
A View inside the building shows a fascinating wine lounge. Credit: Weingut Keth
A reliable combination of tradition and innovative spirit – this is what the Keth winery stands for. Silke and Matthias Keth live by this philosophy every single day. In 2023, the winery was recognised organic for its long-standing commitment to biologically sustainable agriculture. The couple began cultivating their vineyards according to the highest organic standards back in 2006. Aware of the challenges that await winegrowers in Rheinhessen, the two are already focussing on the fungus-resistant Piwi grape varieties. They are very robust and require significantly fewer pesticides. This counteracts insect mortality, reduces CO2 emissions and preserves the soil for future generations to come.
However, their commitment does not end with the choice of grape varieties. The business itself also aims to be sustainable. The impressive 5.000 square metres arcaded vinotheque meets the latest standards. You should not miss the fantastic panoramic view over the sea of vines in the very south of the Rheinhessen wine region. The Keth winery received this year’s Best Of Wine Tourism Award 2024 in the “Architecture, Parks and Gardens” category for its impressive and particularly surprising modern architecture.
Wine production directly on the spot
Another architecturally remarkable winery is the Dreissigacker winery. The 48-hectare farm is certified organic since 2020. For his commitment to the sustainable cultivation of his wine, Jochen Dreissigacker received the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2021 in the “Sustainability in Tourism” category.
The vinotheque is located in the historic part of the winery in the centre of the small village of Bechtheim. However, Jochen Dreissigacker produces his wine in the middle of the vineyards in a building that blends harmoniously into the surroundings. A green roof on three levels, with a narrow band of windows below. The winery nestles nine metres deep into the slope, adapting to the hilly topography of Rheinhessen. The building follows the winemaker’s terroir philosophy: making the wine right in the soil in which it grows. Doing so he focuses on the wine variety, that Rheinhessen is most famous for – Riesling. Spontaneous fermentation, handpicking, gentle grape processing, long ripening period and organic production are Jochen Dreissigackers methods to create unique wine.
Further information:
Learn more about Mainz | Rheinhessen Great Wine Capital
www.thoerle-wein.de
www.weingut-keth.de
www.dreissigacker-wein.de