Weingut Espenhof / Nico Espenschied

Espenhhof Winery - Outstanding vinotheque in Rheinhessen

It was a big surprise, especially a nice one, when Nico Espenschied announced his career choice after graduating from high school. His parents Heike and Wilfried had already resigned themselves to the fact that their son would pursue an academic career and eventually become a professor. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing. But it was even better when Nico Espenschied declared that he wanted to continue the family tradition - and become a winemaker.

In the meantime, father Wilfried and son Nico are running the winery and the vinotheque, which was built in 2008, together in the seventh and eighth generations. In building the vinotheque, they rely on straight lines and a very subtle use of colors. The interior is dominated by a light green, and in addition to the oak floor, the oak wine racks also stand out. The famous Flonheim sandstone, which was also used to build the cathedrals in Cologne and Mainz, is found in all the rooms.

To accompany the tastings, the Espenschieds serve matzos (unleavened thin bread patties), or alternatively a Rhine-Hessian vesper with homemade sausage or a Mediterranean platter with hard cheese and olives. The flagships from the 26 hectares of vineyards are the Rieslings, especially from the La Roche site, as a dry site Riesling, and the Burgundy varieties. But also specialties like the Merlot Blanc and the red cuvée "Stammbaum" from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. In addition, since 2015, there is their own wine line "Nico Espenschied" with their own Orange Wines.

The Espenschieds attach great importance to closeness to nature and natural wines, which are produced without the addition of artificial preservatives and without elaborate soil cultivation. For this reason, Nico Espenschied and his team at the winery in the Rheinhessische Schweiz Nature Park also see themselves not as "winemakers" but as "wine caretakers." As a caring winemaker who looks after the wine. This is also recognized. Thus, the wine guide "Eichelmann 2016" awarded him the third star.

Hikes to the Flonheimer Trullo are popular around the winery. The vineyard house, whose shape is reminiscent of the houses in Apulia and other regions of Italy, is a landmark for Rheinhessen. A guided tour with the Espenschieds to marvel at the sunset behind the hills to the west at the trullo over a sundowner is particularly atmospheric.

What will happen with the ninth generation at the winery? Wait and see. Charlie Fritz, the son of Nico and his wife Laura, was only born in August 2015. Perhaps he, too, will provide a surprise one day. But there's still time for that.

Opening hours :

Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00 Uhrr
Sunday: 09:00 - 11:00 o'clock
If possible with reservation