Rheingau

Stretching across just 3,205 hectares, the Rheingau lies between the River Rhein to the south and the wooded Taunus Hills to the north. This natural corridor creates a unique microclimate, protecting vines from harsh frosts while tempering summer heat. The region’s vineyards run along one dramatic hillside, evolving from gentle contours near Hochheim to striking, steep terraces around Lorch – the latter producing some of the most coveted wines.

Many of the Rheingau’s vineyards are steeped in history: Schloss Vollrads, Schloss Johannisberg, Jesuitengarten, and Marcobrunn. Once tended by monks, these sites are now recognised among Germany’s finest terroirs. In 1994, the Rheingau became the first German region to introduce an official vineyard classification, designating top sites as Erstes Gewächs (“First Growths”). This legacy of quality continues today, upheld by pioneering producers and the world-renowned research institute at Geisenheim.

Around 80% of the Rheingau’s vineyards are planted with Riesling, yielding wines that combine ripe stone-fruit flavours with a distinctive spicy fragrance and vibrant acidity. These wines range from bone-dry and mineral to lusciously sweet, the latter often made from nobly rotten grapes – a tradition said to have originated at Schloss Johannisberg. Alongside Riesling, the region also produces structured, fruit-driven Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), with the steep slopes of Assmannshausen delivering some of Germany’s most respected reds.