The art of wine-making

For nearly half a millennium

Trier, Germany’s oldest city, also has one of the longest winemaking traditions. The former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation Winery had existed since as far back as 1561. At that time, the Jesuits founded, as in many places in Europe, a school, as education was of high priority for the order.

To finance this school, the "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" today, a foundation winery was established. The Bishop and the diocese gifted the vineyards for this purpose.

Since 2003, the vineyards of the former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation Winery have been a part of the Bischöfliche Weingüter. Not much has actually changed, however. The grape must continues to ferment and mature in a deep, cool cellar, one that has brought forth great wines for centuries, all founded on tradition.

1561

On February 3, 1561, the Jesuits decided to do something for education – a date that marks the birth of the "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" school. The Archbishops Johann von der Leyen and Jacob zu Eltz donated several vineyards to financially support the school.
1811

Napoleon made it all possible: The school first became an ‘Ecole Centrale’ and ‘Ecole secondaire’ and then, starting in 1811, a ‘Collège’. But it took only four more years for Napoleon to experience his Waterloo, and the ‘Ecole’ and ‘Collège’ became a ‘Gymnasium’ again. This historical episode made no difference to the wine.
1835

One of the most famous Germans in history received his high school diploma at this school, the philosopher Karl Marx. Whether he liked the school is not known. But he would certainly have savored its wines.
1972

No less a figure than the great British wine critic Hugh Johnson has listed the former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation Winery in his ‘World Atlas of Wine’.
2003

It was bishops who once donated the vineyards to the school. And it is the "Bischöfliche Weingüter" which have assumed responsibility for the vineyards of the former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation Winery.
today

You can taste the wines in the Restaurant "Weinwirtschaft Friedrich-Wilhelm" which is situated in the facilities of the former foundation winery. The foundation’s cellars are, now as then, joined with the wine cellars of the "Bischöflichen Weingüter". And it is exactly there where those wines mature which bear the hallmark of excellence "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium".

1561
1811
1835
1972
2003
2024

The Vineyards

When anyone speaks of legendary Mosel wines, the Central Mosel is meant. Meant are places such as Bernkastel, Trittenheim, or Graach. It’s exactly there where the grapes grow on mineral-rich slate soil.

The slopes are steep, ideally directed toward the sun. That’s why we cultivate exclusively the Riesling variety there, the queen of white wines, whose berries we harvest late in fall. An insider tip is the wines from the Saar, a tributary of the Mosel. There as well, in the Falkensteiner Hofberg vineyard, we have vineyards for an abundance of wine enjoyment. Since 2003, the "Bischöfliche Weingüter" have been maintaining the heritage of the former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation Winery.

Historical Cellar

A good wine needs one thing above all: time. And that’s what we give it. Since 1593, the wines of the former "Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium" Foundation winery mature in a deep, cool cellar under Trier’s Old City. Historical oak barrels and modern stainless steel tanks are located here.

Following a slow, gentle fermentation, the wines can mature on the residual yeast without disturbance. Complex, nuance-rich wines you will long enjoy come to maturity. Take time to savor them.

Sensory Elements

The wines crafted here live from freshness, from the mineral notes of the slate soil and from a multifaceted fruitiness. Our wines are honest, authentic, characterized by their terroir.

Typical of the Moselle Rieslings: Thanks to their acidity structure, they age especially well – in all levels of quality, from table wine for all occasions to Trockenbeerenauslese (dry berry selection) for those festive moments.

Portfolio

Mosel Riesling
dry

Grape variety: 100 % Riesling
Alcohol: 11,5 % vol.

Our Mosel Riesling dry is characterized by a crystal clear, slightly greenish yellow color and captivates with aromas of citrus fruits, green apple and a slight spiciness. The flavor on the palate is fresh and lively and has a clear and clean finish, with a good balance of fruit and acidity. It is perfect with fish, seafood or light appetizers.

Mosel Riesling
off-dry

Grape variety: 100 % Riesling
Alcohol: 11,0 % vol.

Our Mosel Riesling off-dry exudes aromas of citrus fruits, white peach and a slight spiciness. On the palate it is fresh and balanced, with a harmonic combination of fruit and acidity. The finish is clear and pleasant, with a slight sweetness that provides a round tasting experience. It is an ideal companion to light dishes such as poultry or Asian cuisine.