Schloss Johannisberg

Rheingau
Geisenheim, Germany

The world’s first Riesling winery.
Wine has been cultivated at Schloss Johannisberg for around 1200 years. In the course of this colourful history, it became the world’s first Riesling winery and a unique monopoly-owned single vineyard. The vineyard covers fifty hectares, facing precisely due south – a quartzite hill against the backdrop of the Taunus mountains. With an inclination of 45 degrees, the mountain extends up to 182 metres above sea level and offers the grapes perfect sunshine conditions.
Schloss Johannisberg’s vineyard is located right on the 50th parallel north. It’s the perfect location for Riesling. The significant differences between temperatures during the day and at night are particularly beneficial for promoting the aromatic and taste components of the grapes.
There are many famous stories associated with Schloss Johannisberg: the origin of “Spätlese”, for example. It is said that, in 1775, permission for the official start of the grape harvest was delayed because of a tardy courier. When he arrived, the grapes on the vines were shrivelled and covered with noble rot, until then unknown to winemakers. Later selections led to the German classifications we are familiar with today, including Eiswein.

Events involving the winery: