1200 YEARS OF WINEGROWING HISTORY

Since 1720 only Riesling has been cultivated at Schloss Johannisberg. This is the birthplace of one of the oldest and noblest grape varieties in the world. The long history of Schloss Johannisberg brims with passion, responsibility and pride allowing the production of outstanding Riesling, inspiring people to make it. For a unique quality Riesling.

First documented mention of the Johannisberg vineyards. Emperor Ludwig the Pious acquires vineyards on the Helisa stream, today’s Elsterbach, from Fulda Abbey.

817

1100

Foundation of the Benedictine monastery at the Johannisberg site.

The name Johannisberg is born. The monastery becomes an independent abbey and consecrates the high altar to John the Baptist. The German name means St. John’s hill.

1130

Until 17th cent.

A difficult economic and political period leads to changing owners

Construction of the palace commences on 20 June to take the place of the monastery ruins caused by this turbulent period.

1716

1720

The entire domain is planted with Riesling. The first closed Riesling vineyard in the world is created.

By chance, “Spätlese” is created as a new wine style at Schloss Johannisberg. Permission for the official start of the grape harvest is delayed. When it arrives, the grapes on the vines are already fully ripe. The courageous cellarman reaps them anyway and “Spätlese” was born. Since then it has been regarded as the figurehead of Schloss Johannisberg.

1775

1814

After Napoleon’s defeat, Schloss Johannisberg is placed under the central administration of Prussia, Russia, and Austria, the former Allies.

On 1 July, Emperor Franz I of Austria presented Schloss Johannisberg to his Foreign Minister Prince von Metternich in recognition of his achievements at the Congress of Vienna.

1816

1858

The first “Eiswein” is produced.

Schloss Johannisberg is partially destroyed by a bomb strike on 12 August.

1942

1971

Schloss Johannisberg becomes an exclusive single vineyard according to the wine law.

One of the best Riesling wineries in the world.

Today

817

First documented mention of the Johannisberg vineyards. Emperor Ludwig the Pious acquires vineyards on the Helisa stream, today’s Elsterbach, from Fulda Abbey.

1100

Foundation of the Benedictine monastery at the Johannisberg site.

1130

The name Johannisberg is born. The monastery becomes an independent abbey and consecrates the high altar to John the Baptist. The German name means St. John’s hill.

Until 17th cent.

A difficult economic and political period leads to changing owners

1716

Construction of the palace commences on 20 June to take the place of the monastery ruins caused by this turbulent period.

1720

The entire domain is planted with Riesling. The first closed Riesling vineyard in the world is created.

1775

By chance, “Spätlese” is created as a new wine style at Schloss Johannisberg. Permission for the official start of the grape harvest is delayed. When it arrives, the grapes on the vines are already fully ripe. The courageous cellarman reaps them anyway and “Spätlese” was born. Since then it has been regarded as the figurehead of Schloss Johannisberg.

1814

After Napoleon’s defeat, Schloss Johannisberg is placed under the central administration of Prussia, Russia, and Austria, the former Allies.

1816

On 1 July, Emperor Franz I of Austria presented Schloss Johannisberg to his Foreign Minister Prince von Metternich in recognition of his achievements at the Congress of Vienna.

1858

The first “Eiswein” is produced.

1942

Schloss Johannisberg is partially destroyed by a bomb strike on 12 August.

1971

Schloss Johannisberg becomes an exclusive single vineyard according to the wine law.

Today

One of the best Riesling wineries in the world.