In Westhofen since 1663: thirty generations on the same soil
The Wittmanns have been documented as winegrowers in the old market town of Westhofen since 1663 — at that time as tenants of the Electoral Palatinate Seehof. Since then, the winery has remained in family hands, and today Philipp and Eva Wittmann share the management together with Philipp's parents, Günter and Elisabeth. What has remained constant over the centuries is the connection to Westhofen in southern Rheinhessen, the so-called Wonnegau, one of the warmest wine regions in Germany. Since 1998, the estate has been a member of the VDP — the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates.
Organic pioneers with a vaulted cellar: craftsmanship in harmony with the vintage
As early as 1990, the Wittmanns converted their entire vineyards to controlled organic cultivation — at a time when this was still the absolute exception in Rheinhessen. Since 2004, they have been working consistently biodynamically, certified according to Demeter and the Respekt-BIODYN network. On about 30 hectares, spread across Westhofen, Gundersheim, and Nierstein, the roots of the vines lie deep in lively clay marl soils with limestone deposits.
Fermentation takes place in the historic vaulted cellar from 1829 — almost exclusively in wooden barrels, with natural yeasts. The slow, temperature-stable fermentation in the cool cellar is not an end in itself: it preserves the fine aromatics of the grapes and allows the character of the individual site to emerge precisely, without the cellar over-shaping the wine. The principle of hand-harvesting and strict selection in the vineyard are the foundation for everything that follows for Philipp Wittmann.
Four Grand Cru sites, one clear style: limestone, tension, depth
Riesling accounts for about 65% of the planting — this is not a coincidental dominance. The four VDP.GROSSE LAGEN Morstein, Aulerde, Kirchspiel, and Brunnenhäuschen around Westhofen are among the defining addresses of the German Riesling elite. The Morstein, first documented in 1282 and thus the oldest named single vineyard in Westhofen, lies on a pure south-facing slope up to 280 meters high: pure limestone, deep, mineral, barren. The Aulerde, the estate's oldest vines from 1941 and 1951, grows on clay, limestone, and sand — warmer, softer, with more yellow fruit flesh and citrus. Kirchspiel brings a creamier texture, white peaches, and cherry notes; Brunnenhäuschen shows more herbal depth and structural power.
What connects all four is the chalky-mineral texture on the palate, a salty-dry finish, and an acidity structure that gives the wines tension and aging potential without making them seem closed in their youth. In addition to the Riesling GGs, the range includes local wines from Westhofen as well as wines from Burgundy varieties — Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc — that follow the same craftsmanship in wooden barrels. Suitable for this: drinking temperature 10–12 °C, with zander fillet, goat cheese, or a ripe Munster with caraway.
