Dönnhoff

The Hermann Dönnhoff winery, based in Oberhausen an der Nahe, can look back on a history spanning more than 250 years. Situated in the central Nahe region—an exceptionally scenic valley between Bad Kreuznach and Schloßböckelheim—the winery benefits from magnificent steep-slope vineyards that have played a key role in shaping the Nahe’s outstanding reputation as a Riesling region.

Thanks to volcanic weathered soils of black-red porphyry alternating with grey slate, the conditions are ideal for producing powerful Rieslings with vibrant fruit and pronounced minerality—wines that have long been counted among the great classics of German viticulture. The Dönnhoff estate cultivates 30 hectares of vines, spread across ten “Grand Cru” vineyards, which are among the highest rated in the entire region. Their wines are internationally acclaimed for their elegance and depth, and for their ability to clearly express the unique terroir of each vineyard.

Helmut and Cornelius Dönnhoff have received numerous awards in recognition of their work. In 1999, they were named Winemaker of the Year by both Gault Millau and Feinschmecker. In 2003, Wine Advocate honored them as Wine Personality of the Year. Their dry Rieslings were named Best Dry Riesling by Feinschmecker in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. In 2012, they were awarded Winery of the Year for the Best White Wine Collection by Eichelmann, and the same year, the Grand Jury Européen named them “Seigneur du Vin.” In 2014, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung named them Winemaker of the Year. In 2015, the Feinschmecker magazine declared the “Großes Gewächs” from the Hermannshöhle vineyard a true wine legend. In 2018, Helmut Dönnhoff received the Falstaff Wine Trophy for his life’s work. In 2020, Cornelius Dönnhoff was awarded “Collection of the Year” by Falstaff, and the Vinum Wine Guide named him Winemaker of the Year in the Nahe region. In 2021, Cornelius was once again honored as Winemaker of the Year by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, while Helmut Dönnhoff was again recognized for his lifetime achievements. Most recently, Cornelius Dönnhoff received the “Collection of the Year” award from the wine experts at Wein-Plus.