Weingut Heyl zu Herrnsheim

Weingut Heyl zu Herrnsheim is a historic winery located in Nierstein, in the Rhine-Hesse wine region of Germany. Its origins trace back to 1561, when monks from Worms acquired vineyards in Nierstein. Over the centuries, the estate passed through various owners, including the Lauteren family in the 19th century and the von Heyl family in 1909. The winery gained international acclaim under Peter von Weymarn, who managed it from 1969 to 1997 and produced world-class Rieslings from the monopollage Niersteiner Brudersberg. He is also considered a pioneer of organic viticulture in Germany. Since 2006, the estate has been fully leased to Weingut St. Antony, owned by the Meyer family, and is managed by winemaker Felix Peters and, since 2019, by Dirk Würtz. The winery cultivates 10.2 hectares, primarily planted with Riesling (80%), Weissburgunder (13%), and Spätburgunder (7%). Its vineyards are located on the famous Roter Hang (Red Slope) and include the monopollage Niersteiner Brudersberg, as well as Pettenthal, Rothenberg, Rehbach, and Ölberg. The estate has been practicing organic viticulture for about 30 years. The iconic monk label, first used in 1890 and designed by Joseph Sattler, remains a symbol of the winery's heritage. Although the winery was a member of the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates) until 2006, it is no longer listed as a member. The wines are now produced under the St. Antony umbrella, but the Heyl zu Herrnsheim brand continues to be marketed.

The history of Weingut Heyl zu Herrnsheim dates back to 1561, when monks from Worms, searching for the best vineyard sites, acquired high-quality vineyards in Nierstein. The estate is believed to have originated from an early monastery. Conrad Breder von Hohenstein (1574–1589) is considered the first documented owner; his coat of arms and the year 1574 adorn the cellar beneath the left historic wing of the current two-winged building from 1860. In the 19th century, the Mainz family Lauteren acquired the estate. They were involved in wine trade and sparkling wine production using the traditional method. In 1909, the estate came into the possession of Freiherr Cornelius von Heyl, whose son named it 'Mathildenhof' after his wife. Through inheritance, it passed to Isa von Weymarn (née von Meding) in 1969, who managed it with her husband Peter von Weymarn until 1997. Peter von Weymarn was instrumental in preserving the monopollage Niersteiner Brudersberg during the 1971 German wine law reform. He also pioneered organic viticulture, making the estate one of the first in Germany to adopt controlled organic practices. Between 1997 and 2006, Carsten Ahr managed the winery. In 2006, the Meyer family, owners of Weingut St. Antony, took over the estate through a long-term lease. Since then, the winery has been fully leased to St. Antony. From 2005 to 2018, both wineries were managed separately by the Geisenheim oenologist Felix Peters. In 2007, both wineries moved to the site of the former Gustav Adolf Schmitt'sche Weingut and are now housed under one roof. Since 2019, Dirk Würtz has been managing the estates as a partner and cellar master. The winery was a member of the VDP until 2006. The iconic monk label, first used in 1890 and designed by Joseph Sattler, remains a symbol of the estate's heritage.

• 2019

  Dirk Würtz becomes managing partner and cellar master.

• 2008

  Due to wine law, the term 'Weingut' must be omitted from the label.

• 2007

  Both wineries move to the former Gustav Adolf Schmitt'sche Weingut site.

• 2006

  Meyer family leases the estate; full lease to Weingut St. Antony.

• 2005

  Felix Peters begins managing both wineries separately.

• 1997

  Carsten Ahr takes over management of the winery.

• 1971

  Peter von Weymarn successfully preserves the monopollage Niersteiner Brudersberg during the German wine law reform.

• 1969

  Isa von Weymarn inherits the estate and manages it with her husband Peter von Weymarn.

• 1909

  Estate acquired by Freiherr Cornelius von Heyl.

• 1890

  First use of the iconic monk label, designed by Joseph Sattler.

• 1860

  Construction of the current two-winged building.

• 1574

  Conrad Breder von Hohenstein becomes the first documented owner.

• 1561

  Monks from Worms acquire vineyards in Nierstein, marking the origin of the estate.

Premium, tradition-steeped winery with a focus on organic viticulture and terroir-driven Rieslings.

• Niersteiner Brudersberg Riesling

  Monopollage wine from a 1.2 ha vineyard with south-facing orientation and unique microclimate.

• Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling

  Riesling from the Pettenthal vineyard.

• Nackenheimer Rothenberg Riesling

  Riesling from the Rothenberg vineyard.

• Niersteiner Rehbach Riesling

  Riesling from the Rehbach vineyard.

• Niersteiner Ölberg Riesling

  Riesling from the Ölberg vineyard.

1. 1Heyl zu Herrnsheim official websiteheyl-zu-herrnsheim.de
2. 2Heyl zu Herrnsheim history pageheyl-zu-herrnsheim.de
3. 3Weingut Heyl zu Herrnsheim - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
4. 4Weingut Heyl zu Herrnsheim - Wikidatawikidata.org