Outstanding Vinotheks Details

One of the loveliest spots on the entire estate is the tower terrace. The glorious view looks out across the gorgeous Rheinhessen landscape surrounding the little village of Stadecken — and of course the estate's main vineyard holdings, the Elsheimer Blume and the Bockstein. And with 1,700 hours of sunshine annually, the chances that you'll have pleasant weather for a glass of wine up here are quite high. 

Weingut Eppelman is a long-established, old-school family business. Back in the middle of the 20th century it was still a mixed agricultural operation, making the transition solely to wine production in 1960. Walter Eppelmann was the driving force behind the change. Now in his 90s, he is the oldest of the four generations living and working under one roof and remains even today quite active in the business. Son Udo Eppelmann and his wife Elisabeth are primarily responsible for the delivery of the wines. Grandson Timo, owner and the creative mind around the estate, handles the planting and maintenance of the vineyards and – in his role as cellarmaster – the gentle refinement of grape into wine. His wife Simone keeps the estate running smoothly at the administrative level. Their children, Corinna and Christian, are just at the beginning of their careers in wine. 

In 2010 the Eppelmanns renovated the existing wine tasting room, a rustic and gloomy space, into an 80-square-meter vinothek with a panorama view and the large attached tower terrace. The furnishings are timelessly modern. Oak was used primarily for the counter and furniture, which features a pale beige varnish for a light and airy feel. The barrique shed is another highlight, especially at twilight and after dark when its fascinating illumination are most visible. 

The grapes thrive on 19 hectares of vineyards. The key varieties are Riesling and the complete Pinot family (Weißer Burgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Frühburgunder, Spätburgunder, Auxerrois & Chardonnay). Specialties such as Gewürztraminer and Huxelrebe are also given some space, as are Merlot and Cabernet. 

Prizes have been plentiful, including 40 medals (22 gold) from the Rheinland-Pfalz State Wine Awards. The DLG has declared the estate as one of the 100 best wine producers, and the panorama vinothek has also been designated as one of the 20 finest of its kind in Rheinhessen. 

With those kind of plaudits behind it, and many more to come, the view seems quite rosy for this estate. Almost as good as the one from the tower terrace.