The Riesling grape offers a great diversity of flavours which we aim to express in our wines. What is most important for the expression of the different nuances of Riesling in the glass is the exposition of the vineyard. The fact that we have just that little bit extra in terms of steep slopes, compared to other regions, and our unique slate terroir result in those characterful and mineral wines which the Mosel is famous for.
At the present time our estate comprises approx. 1.8 ha in the classic steep vineyards of the Middle Mosel. We produce exclusively Riesling wines and converted our estate to organic viticulture in 2009 under the guidance of our winemaker Thorsten Melsheimer. It is our philosophy to cultivate our vineyard in balance with nature, without chemical or synthetic sprays or fertilisers, and practise rigid yield reduction as well as gentle vinification in large oak barrels without fining agents or addition of enzymes.
Our wine estate boasts a glorious past, as demonstrated by the distinctive estate building in Trarbach on the banks of the Mosel, which was designed by one of the scholars of the famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the early 19th century.
At the turn of the 20th century the town of Traben-Trarbach was one of the most important wine trade centres in Europe, second only to Bordeaux. With our estate we have realised our dream of building a bridge between tradition and modernity. From our restaurant “Die Graifen” with its atmospheric conservatory and wonderful outdoor terrace you have a direct view of the river Mosel and the town of Traben-Trarbach.
Gault Millau
„The juicy Spätlese feinherb from the Trarbacher Schlossberg combines minerality and lightness (…).”
Eichelmann 2017
„The wines of the 2015 vintage are spicy, taut, powerful and even a little unconventional, but can only be highly recommended...“
Highlights
Wine – life – food
That is our motto, and we give you the opportunity to experience our wines in combination with excellent food at the former “Graff’sche Haus”, where you can also discover exquisite furniture and accessories in our furniture store.
Our cuisine is based on the philosophy of freshness and selected ingredients. There are no dishes from the peg or fancy menus, we serve some traditional classics, but most of our food is based on what the season has to offer, creative, light and always fresh. Our cooking shows French flair as a tribute to our neighbours, but also a Mediterranean influence, and we combine these with our own wines for an authentic culinary experience.
The days of the open cellar doors (“Tage der offenen Weinkeller”) on the Whitsun weekend and our annual vintage presentation are particular highlights, which we celebrate in our restaurant with a special menu matched with our own wines. Wine tastings with corresponding menu and a guided tour through our cellar can be arranged by prior appointment. Our estate lies directly on the Pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostella, and is also part of the guided tour of the “underworld” of Traben-Trarbach, conducted by the Traben-Trarbach tourist bureau.
We are looking forward to your visit.
Tasting and sales
The restaurant “Die Graifen” is part of the Dr Melsheimer wine estate.
| Wednesday - Friday: |
3.00 - 11.00 p.m. |
| Saturday: |
12.30 - 11.00 p.m. |
| Sunday: |
12.30 - 11.00 p.m. |
Wine tastings can be arranged by appointment during the opening hours of the restaurant “Die Graiffen”.
