The von Greiffenclau family tree can be traced back to this point. Originally, the family lived in the “Graue Haus” in Winkel, which is considered the oldest stone residence in Germany.
One Castle.
One Story.
The striking residential tower has defined the appearance of Schloss Vollrads for centuries and remains the landmark of our winery to this day. Nestled among the vineyards above Oestrich-Winkel, Schloss Vollrads is one of the oldest wineries in the world - a place where history and Riesling are inextricably linked.
We believe that an exceptional Riesling brings happiness. That is why, as a 100% Riesling winery, we dedicate ourselves exclusively to this one grape variety - with care, conviction, and passion. Across approximately 70 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Rheingau, we combine organic viticulture, artisanal craftsmanship, and over 800 years of winemaking tradition to produce authentic Rieslings with unmistakable character.
The history of Schloss Vollrads dates back to 1211, when a documented wine sale marked one of the earliest recorded wine transactions in the world, highlighting the estate's historic significance in the Rheingau. Schloss Vollrads is also regarded as the birthplace of the "Cabinet" designation, helping to establish new standards for wine quality.
Today, Schloss Vollrads is a vibrant destination where wine can be experienced in many ways. Visit our Vinothek, enjoy seasonal cuisine in our Estate Restaurant, or relax at our Courtyard Wine Bar. Numerous hiking trails pass directly by the estate, inviting you to discover the unique cultural landscape of the Rheingau.
Riesling Good.
Everything Good.
What began more than 800 years ago with the cultivation and sale of wine at Schloss Vollrads has grown into a tradition that continues to shape our viticulture, cultural heritage, and hospitality. This remarkable history is both a privilege and a responsibility - one that inspires us to preserve our legacy while looking confidently to the future.
Today, we are proud to lead Schloss Vollrads as a modern winery that is both one of the oldest and one of the most beautiful of its kind. The combination of historical roots and a contemporary, personal approach makes Schloss Vollrads a special place and our Riesling an extraordinary taste experience.
1097
Family history
1211
Wine Sales
First documented sale of wine to the St. Viktorstift in Mainz.
1330
Roman Foundation
Built on Roman foundations, the residential tower became the home of the noble von Greiffenclau family for more than three centuries.
1650
Kavalier House
Expansion of the palace complex through the construction of the Kavalierhaus (squire’s house).
1684
Manor House
Construction of the manor house and the cellar facilities for the winery.
1716
Cabinet-Cellar
With the construction of the Cabinet cellar in 1716, Vollrads Castle laid the foundation for the “Cabinet” concept, thereby shaping the history of Germany’s finest wines to this day.
1814
Goethe visits Schloss Vollrads.
1897
VDP - Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter
Schloss Vollrads is founding member of the VDP – Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates).
1907
Expansion of the Castle
Extension of the manor house, redesign of the gardens
1997
An era is ending
The death of Erwein Count Matuschka-Greiffenclau severs the connection of family and winery.
1999
Nassauischen Sparkasse Takes Over Ownership
Schloss and winery are taken over by the Nassauische Sparkasse (banking group), which continues to run them as a historical unit.
2001
Schloss Vollrads is counted as one of the 100 best wineries in the world.
2011
800th year of wine sales at Schloss Vollrads
The first documented wine sale dates back to 1211 and is considered one of the oldest recorded wine sales in Germany. This historic document not only reflects the estate's long-standing winemaking tradition but also highlights the enduring connection between Schloss Vollrads and Rheingau Riesling.
2024
New Wine Cellar
With our new winery cellar, we have created the ideal conditions for the vinification of our Rieslings. State-of-the-art cellar technology and the gentle handling of the grapes ensure that the unique character of each vineyard site and the exceptional quality of our wines are preserved to their fullest.
Friends’ Association
Schloss Vollrads
Schloss Vollrads is far more than one of Germany’s oldest wine estates. It is a place where history, architecture, and wine culture have evolved together for centuries. As one of the Rheingau’s most significant cultural landmarks, the estate represents a remarkable piece of German heritage.
Preserving a property of this historical importance requires ongoing care and commitment. Since its foundation in 2002, the Friends of Schloss Vollrads has played a vital role in supporting restoration projects and safeguarding the estate for future generations.
Thanks to the generosity of its members, the historic tower clock—one of the estate’s defining landmarks—has been carefully restored. In partnership with the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (German Foundation for Monument Protection), the association also helped conserve the magnificent 17th-century gilt leather wall coverings in the Leather Wallpaper Room. The archive and historic library are likewise being preserved and gradually made accessible to the public.
Anyone who values Schloss Vollrads and its wines is warmly invited to help preserve this unique cultural heritage. Every contribution supports the continued care of the estate and ensures that its history can be shared with generations to come.
The committee members of the Friends’ Association of Schloss Vollrads are:
Frank Diefenbach, 1. Chairperson
Bärbel Henrich-Bender, 2. Chairperson
Myriam Zoi Weil, Treasurer
Thomas Vogt, Secretary
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at: milka.musulin@naspa.de
The Cabinet Cellar.
The Birthplace of a Quality Philosophy.
With the construction of the historic Cabinet Cellar in 1716, Schloss Vollrads wrote an important chapter in the history of wine. An original building invoice, preserved to this day, documents the creation of a remarkable cellar reserved exclusively for the estate's most precious wines. At that time, the term "Cabinet" did not describe a style of wine, but a protected place where the finest treasures were kept.
Within these walls, the best Rieslings of each vintage were carefully selected, matured separately, and released only after extended ageing. This pioneering approach to identifying and preserving exceptional wines is regarded as the origin of the later "Kabinett" quality designation. Long before the term became part of German wine law, "Cabinet" at Schloss Vollrads already stood for outstanding quality, exceptional provenance, and remarkable maturity.
The historic Cabinet Cellar and its original 1716 building invoice have both been preserved, making Schloss Vollrads one of the most significant landmarks in German wine history. They tell the story of a philosophy of quality that continues to define the estate today. With the same dedication and craftsmanship, we continue to produce Rieslings that express their origin, heritage, and character with exceptional authenticity.
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