The excellent vineyards of Heyl zu Herrnsheim – Pettenthal, Nackenheimer Rothernberg, and above all, the solely owned site Brudersberg – provide optimal conditions for wines with an authentic, individual character, as well as exceptional “Grosse Gewächse” (Great Growths).

The estate is 10.2 ha/25.2 acres in size, 30% of which consists of steep slopes. Today, Riesling accounts for 80% of plantings, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) 13%, and for sparkling wine production, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) 7%.

The proximity of the Rhine, the steep slopes and the incomparable red slate soil are the decisive prerequisites for producing top-quality wines. These factors, combined with controlled environmentally sound viticulture – consistently practiced here for more than 25 years – result in a collection of first-class wines. They are distinctive and full of character.

 

Heyl zu Herrnsheim is a trailblazer in ecological viticulture in Germany. Under the direction of Peter von Weymarn, the estate shifted from conventional to ecological viticulture back in the 70s, and as such, the pioneer among German wine estates.

Ecological viticulture embraces measures that bring out varietal and vineyard character in a wine. Bearing this in mind, Heyl zu Herrnsheim will

- actively promote ecological viticulture

- remain open to new developments in ecological and biodynamic viticulture.

 

The history of the estate dates from 1561. It was located in the Mathildenhof in Nierstein for a very long time. Over the years, the estate changed hands often. In the 18th century, for example, the Lauteren family came into possession of it. They not only earned a living in the wine business, but also succeeded with a pioneering feat in 1833: Christian Lauteren was the first to produce Sekt (sparkling wine) in Germany.

The Lauteren family remained proprietors for three generations until the estate was purchased by the Heyl family in 1909. Peter von Weymarn, husband of the Heyl heir, made decisive changes at the estate during the 1970s. One can safely say that he was a true pioneer of ecological viticulture. The estate’s reputation is due to his efforts. In the 80s, he also succeeded in producing one of the world’s finest Rieslings from the Brudersberg site.

 

The Ahr family acquired the estate in 1994, and sold it to family Meyer in May of 2006, with a 27-year lease on the vineyards. Family Meyer secured the economic future of the estate, thereby ensuring the survival of one of Germany’s great, traditional wine estates. His investments in the vineyards, cellar, logistics and distribution, as well as his new and innovative marketing efforts, point the way to the future. The new proprietor and his youthful team will focus their attention to a greater extent on producing top-class wines.

 

A fusion between the vineyards of St. Antony and Heyl zu Herrnsheim took place on 01.07.2008. The German institute for wine control prohibits the two vineyards (St. Antony and HzH) from doing business in consolidation and therewith gaining a synergic advantage.

The originality of the character of both wines has not been affected and their distinctive vinification styles remain in place. Since the 01.07.2008 Heyl zu Herrnsheim has become a line (brand) of the St. Antony vineyard.

The style of the wines from St. Antony is manifested with the ideas of the winemaker Felix Peters. Engaging wines with balance, complexity and a fascinating composition of vitality and depth on one side, with elegance and liveliness on the other.

Heyl zu Herrnsheim stands for tradition. A tradition that has created the unmistakable Heyl style. Delicate, mineral-rich wines with a subtle character and a formidable ageing potential.

As far as the labelling and sealing of the wine bottles is concerned nothing will change. The front and back labels as well as the wine capsules and corks remain the same.

The only alteration is the new remark on the back label:

Bottled/Produced by: St. Antony Weingut GmbH & Co KG