“Trainee wine” at Rheinfels Castle – the continuation of a tradition

The so-called “trainee wine” at Schloss Rheinfels has a long-standing tradition.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, the former operator of the hotel, Gerd Ripp, had the wonderful idea of creating his own fine wine in collaboration with Stephan Fendel from the Weiler-Fendel winery and his hotel trainees.
A total of four vintages have already found their way into the Rheinfels wine cellar.

Now, under the banner of Privathotels Dr. Lohbeck, the project was revived last year.
Jens Sebbesse, hotel director at Schloss Rheinfels, was once again able to recruit Stephan Fendel from neighboring Oberwesel, not only an absolute wine expert but also a very good friend of the hotel, as a partner.

Within the hotel, Mathias Helm, the gastronomic manager, has taken over the supervision of the project and has spent many a day in the vineyard in recent months.

A total of nine trainees from various branches of training at Hotel Schloss Rheinfels got to know every meter of the Oelsberg.
From soil cultivation and pruning to harvesting and processing, they accompanied “their” wine.
Through their involvement, the young people were able to gain an enormous insight into winegrowing and can be very proud of the result, the 2023 Oberweseler Oelsberg Riesling Spätlese – edelsüß.

The Oelsberg in Oberwesel is more than just a vineyard – it is a treasure.
The slope of 63% and the pure southern exposure create ideal conditions.
The unique slate soil is interspersed with red sandstone due to a soil fault, so that unique flavor nuances are conjured up in the Riesling.
A true masterpiece of nature.
The 2023 Riesling Spätlese was harvested at 92 degrees Oechsle.
It has wonderful peach and apricot aromas on the nose and also on the palate.
It is playful yet powerful and full of harmony.
The noble sweetness is perfectly integrated by a wonderfully harmonious acidity.
The ideal wine to enjoy on its own, with Asian dishes or hearty regional cheeses.

Enjoy a glass of this great project during your next stay at Rheinfels Castle!
You are also welcome to order the wine directly from the hotel at azubiwein@schloss-rheinfels.de.