Schloss Vollrads

Established during the 13th century in Germany's Rheingau region, Schloss Vollrads ranks among the planet's most venerable wine producers, with eight centuries of dedication to Riesling excellence now paired with modern organic certification and continuous advancement. Since 2022, all wines carry organic certification, and the estate is investing in gravity-fed cellars and renewable energy. If you're looking for serious German Riesling with provenance, history, and contemporary sustainability credentials, Schloss Vollrads delivers on all three fronts.

About Schloss Vollrads

The estate farms 80 hectares devoted exclusively to Riesling, cultivating the full spectrum of clonal diversity—a living laboratory for observing regional responses to changing climatic patterns across the Rheingau's diverse terroirs. This biodiversity work is serious science, not marketing. The vineyards occupy prime real estate between the Rhine River and protective forest-clad hills to the north, creating a warmer microclimate than further south in Rheinhessen. Of the 80 hectares, 21 are classified as 'Grosse Lage' (Grand Cru in Germany's quality system), the highest official designation.

The soil composition blends weathered slate with loam, clay, and loess deposits—mineral elements that contribute the complexity essential to dry Riesling's character. The team prunes and thins aggressively, cutting yields up to 40% below legal limits to concentrate flavour and ripeness. Manual harvesting by 40 pickers ensures only fully ripe grapes are selected, with optimal sugar balanced by refreshing acidity.

In the cellar, Schloss Vollrads uses far less sulphur dioxide than most German producers, relying instead on meticulous hygiene and avoiding süssreserve (added grape juice to sweeten). This restraint allows the wine's true character to emerge. For sweeter styles from Auslese upwards, botrytis (noble rot) develops naturally on the vine before harvest, adding complexity without intervention.

Schloss Vollrads Wines in Our Collection

It's made in traditional Rheingau fashion with apricot and peach notes anchored by a crisp, mineral core—perfect for exploring the house style without commitment to premium pricing.

It's the wine to choose if you want more complexity and elegance without venturing into their top tier.

It's the one for a special dinner or if you want to understand what 800 years of focus on Riesling can achieve.

Food Pairing

Volratz and Winkel work beautifully with seafood—grilled halibut, Dover sole, or scallops where the minerality cuts through richness. Both suit lighter poultry dishes and fresh vegetable preparations. The Schlossberg Grosses Gewächs has the structure for richer fish (turbot, sea bass in butter sauce) and white meat with cream-based sauces. All three pair exceptionally well with goat's cheese, oysters, and fresh herbs like dill and tarragon.

Why is Schloss Vollrads significant?

It's one of the world's oldest estates (established 13th century) and was the first to produce Kabinett in 1716. It remains a benchmark for German Riesling quality and innovation in the Rheingau.

What makes the vineyard special?

Schloss Vollrads plants every known Riesling clone on 80 hectares for long-term climate adaptation studies. Twenty-one hectares hold 'Grosse Lage' (Grand Cru) classification, the highest German designation.

Are these wines organic?

Yes. All Schloss Vollrads wines have been certified organic since 2022. The estate is also modernising its cellar with gravity-fed systems and renewable energy investment.

Who makes Schloss Vollrads wines?

Schloss Vollrads, established in the 13th century in Germany's Rheingau region, is one of the world's oldest wine estates. The estate farms 80 hectares devoted exclusively to Riesling, now operating under organic certification since 2022.

What style of wine does Schloss Vollrads make?

Schloss Vollrads makes dry Riesling exclusively, with green and flinty character from slate and mineral-rich soils. Their wines balance ripeness with refreshing acidity; critics score them 88 points for complexity and elegance.

How much does Schloss Vollrads wine cost?

Schloss Vollrads wines range between £17.30 and £46.70. Entry-level Volratz starts at £17.30, mid-range Winkel sits at £23.60, and their top Schlossberg Grosses Gewächs reaches £46.70.