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Friedrich Kiefer Winery – Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl

Some wineries' names reflect their character. At the Friedrich Kiefer winery in Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl, the name reveals one thing above all: continuity. Wine has been made here since 1851 – founded by Friedrich Kiefer, a teacher from the Markgräflerland region, who, driven by his passion for wine, ventured into new territory. Through generations and changes of ownership, the winery has maintained its position as one of Germany's most important privately owned wineries.

A new chapter since 2008

The decisive turning point in the winery's recent history came in 2008 when Martin and Helene Schmidt took over. Martin Schmidt, a graduate engineer in viticulture and oenology with honors from Geisenheim University, had already been involved with the business since 2003 as head of viticulture and vinification – the transition was therefore not a break, but a logical continuation. Helene Schmidt, a graduate in nutritional science, complements the management team on the business and strategic side.

Their shared guiding principle is encapsulated in the motto "Wine / Style / Performance" —and this is meant literally. Martin Schmidt clearly sums up his approach: "We want to produce vibrant, exciting wines—shaped by the soil and climate of our vineyards! That's why we refrain from any fining of our wines and bottle them very gently—without unnecessary pumping."

Kaiserstuhl terroir: Volcano, loess and vibrancy

Together with long-standing partner growers, some of whom have been supplying their grapes to the winery for generations, over 100 hectares of vineyards around Eichstetten are cultivated – all within the immediate vicinity of the winery, in the Eichstetter Herrenbuck vineyard area. What distinguishes the soils here is exceptional: the vines grow on weathered volcanic rock and loess , with the loess layer reaching a thickness of over 30 meters in some places. The Rivaner from the "Freche Kaiserstühler" line grows on loamy alluvial loess soils; the Pinot Gris thrives on loess loam soils with weathered volcanic rock in the subsoil. This combination gives the wines a characteristic blend of mineral spice and fruity richness – typical of the Kaiserstuhl region, typical of Kiefer.

Viticulture and nature conservation are not mutually exclusive here: The winery cultivates land in the Kaiserstuhl nature reserve and thus actively contributes to the preservation of this unique cultural landscape.

Style and craftsmanship: Fruit before wood

The winemaking process is clearly defined. After selective harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks – the use of wood is deliberately avoided. The goal: full fruit, freshness, and the authentic aromas of fully ripe grapes. No embellishment, no artificial enhancement – ​​what originates in the vineyard should be reflected in the glass.

This classic approach is complemented by a future-oriented commitment to the PIWI sector: With over 13 hectares of fungus-resistant grape varieties (including Johanniter, Cabernet Blanc, Souvignier Gris and Regent), the Schmidt family is one of the largest PIWI growers in Germany – a sign that tradition and innovation are not contradictory here.

Names with attitude: the wine lines

What makes the Kiefer winery so distinctive in the German wine trade are its labels. While others rely on vineyard designations and technical jargon, Kiefer speaks a different language: "Butterflies in My Stomach," "Dance on the Volcano," "Sweetening the Day" —cuvée names that convey joie de vivre and make wine accessible without compromising on quality. The strategy behind this is deliberate: the focus is on the moment of enjoyment, not the complicated technical term.

In addition, there are clearly sorted lines for wine connoisseurs:

• Freche Kaiserstühler – the entry-level line with the most important grape varieties of the estate: Rivaner, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Grauburgunder and Spätburgunder
• Young poets – for adventurous drinkers
• Pure – the most minimalist, clearest line of the house

The quality level is confirmed by independent sources: In the Falstaff Wine Guide 2022, the winery achieved ratings between 90 and 91 points. In 2023 , this was followed by two red grapes in the Gault Millau guide, 2.5 stars in the Eichelmann guide, and two gold medals at Mundus Vini.

Kiefer at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find 24 wines from the Friedrich Kiefer winery, ranging from €5.45 to €17.99. Among the best-selling bottles are the Schmetterlinge im Bauch Rosé (off-dry) , the Rivaner Freche Kaiserstühler (off-dry) , and the Grauburgunder Freche Kaiserstühler (dry) – three wines that exemplify what Kiefer does so well: honest fruit, clear terroir, and an inviting rather than intimidating character. Also very popular are the Tanz auf dem Vulkan Rotling (off-dry) , the Muskateller Kabinett (semi-dry) , and the red wine cuvée Die Freude teilen (sweet ).