vineyards

Grolsheimer Ölberg (Mount of Olives of Grölsberg)

Former oil mill or Jesus under the olive tree? Another popular name for single vineyards in Germany, the Ölberg. The site in Grolsheim was first mentioned in a document in 1727 with the name "auff der öhlbach". It is assumed that an old oil mill once stood here. But it could also have a biblical reference: Jesus is said to have stayed several times on the Mount of Olives to the east of Jerusalem. Olive trees grew there, hence its name. Olive trees do not (yet) grow in Grolsheim, but a variety of grapevines do. A shelter, a table of…

Groß-Winternheimer Bockstein

Army road, dry stone wall and Rieslings  Just like Elsheim, Groß-Winternheim also has a single vineyard called Bockstein. This does not come as a surprise, as the two villages are only five kilometres apart, both by the Selz River and on the former army road. In the past, loads were carried on the back, jacked up (german: “aufgebockt”). Hence the name. Excellent Rieslings are produced here on loess, sand and clay marl. Lizards bask in the sun along the dry stone walls. The hiking trail Westerberg Hiwweltour leads…

Groß-Winternheimer Heilighäuschen

The layer designation is based on a freestanding shrine in the field.

Gumbsheimer Schloßhölle

Ein Schloss, keine Hölle, aber ein Menhir Die Lage wurde 1835 urkundlich erwähnt. Nicht das Dorf Gumbsheim beheimatete ein Schloss, sondern das nahegelegene größere Dorf Wöllstein. Der Berg, auf dem die Lage liegt, gehörte einst zu diesem Schloss. „Hölle“ meint nicht Fegefeuer oder Bullenhitze, sondern „leichter Abhang“, eine häufige Flurbezeichnung. Auf lockerer Schwarzerde mit kalkigem Tonmergel gedeihen körperreiche, zugängliche Burgunder, aromatische Bukettweine…

Gundersheimer Höllenbrand (Hellfire of Gundersheim)

No devil to be seen! Red wines on the famous southern slope A significant landmark of the area: The imposing "Höllenbrand" sign, visible from afar on the A61 from Worms towards Alzey. Since 2016, the Rheinhessen logo has also been displayed on the terraced slope, which is 100 percent south-facing. The site was first documented in 1437 with the name "in dem hilprant" and in 1710 with the name "im Höllenrand". Both, the personal name Hildebrand and the Middle High German word "halde, hel, hölle" (for slope) could be the origin…

Gundersheimer Koenigstuhl

Gundheimer Mandelbrunnen (Almond Fountain)

Almond or coat? Either way, definitely white wine Such a melodious name, so much uncertainty in naming! The site was first mentioned in a document in 1581 with the name "am Mandelborn". But is the name really based on an almond tree? Today, figs and lemons grow in Wonnegau and almond trees blossom. But in the 16th century this was rather unlikely. Another interpretation could be the word "Mantel". This does not mean coat, but pine tree. And why the term "Born"? It stands for well or spring. White grape varieties, such as Riesling, Silvaner,…

Guntersblumer Bornpfad

The single vineyard on the Guntersblumer Kellerweg (cellar oath of Guntersblum) “Born” is a common term when it comes to names of vineyards, streets and wineries. It comes from the Middle High German word "burn(e)" and means well (or source of water). The single vineyard "Guntersblumer Bornpfad" is based on a path that leads to a spring and located on the well-known Kellerweg. Cellar after cellar line up there; the winegrowers used to press their grapes here. Today, once a year, the lane is transformed into the Kellerweg…

Guntersblumer Himmelthal (Heaven’s valley of Guntersblum)

High, higher, heavenly in Guntersblum The term Himmel - also common in naming - indicates good cultivated land or high altitude sites. The Guntersblum single vineyard Himmelthal actually is located bit higher, closer to the sun and thus perfect for grapes of higher ripeness. A wide variety of grape varieties thrive on fertile loess soil, such as Pinot Gris or red varieties like Pinot Madeleine, Piot Meunier and Dornfelder. The Protestant parish church there also is heavenly. Not one, but two towers rise up to the sky. This church is one of…

Guntersblumer Kreuzkapelle (Chapel of the Cross od Guntersblum)

No chapelanymore, but wonderful sunken paths The name of the vineyard is based on a former Kreuzkapelle (eng. “cross chapel”), which apparently no longer exists. The vines of this single vineyard grow between Guntersblum and Ludwigshöhe, on the Rhine terrace. Loess and clay minerals ensure a good supply of nutrients for a variety of vines. Hikers can discover this single vineyard ideally via the Rheinterrassenweg, the fourth stage. Behind Guntersblum, from the Römerturm (Engl. Roman’s tower) one has a magnificent…