Traditionally Rooted German Wines – VDP Showcasing at ProWine Mumbai 2025

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Malay Kumar Rout

The founder of WSCI (Wine & Spirits Club of India)

VDP.Die Prädikatsweingüter is the world’s oldest association of premium wine estates, uniting nearly 200 of Germany’s most skilled and dedicated winegrowers. Despite their diverse regions and winemaking philosophies, they share a common commitment to crafting wines that authentically express their unique origins. Each bottle is a distinct reflection of its maker’s passion and terroir, united under the globally revered symbol of the VDP.Eagle.
Any wine bearing the VDP.Eagle signifies a promise to convey the specific vineyard character 18 and exceptional craftsmanship of one of the VDP’s elite members.
This hallmark has elevated German wine to a position of international prestige and elite status, known for its unmistakable quality and individuality. Founded in 1910, the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) represents about 3% of German wine production but includes up to 55% of Riesling vineyards, emphasizing sustainable viticulture and historic vineyard quality. The VDP’s private classification system, rooted in tradition and ecological stewardship, places rigorous quality standards on its members, shaping Germany’s global reputation for premium, terroir-driven wines.
As the members prepare to showcase their finest selections at ProWine Mumbai 2025 being held on 31st October to 1st November at the Jio, World Convention Center, Mumbai, here the importers gain a unique opportunity to engage with a concentrated portfolio symbolizing authentic German quality and innovation.
“I think it’s great that 10 wineries from our association (VDP.Die Prädikatsweingüter) will be present at Prowine Mumbai for the first time. They come from seven wine regions in Germany and thus offer a great overview of what makes German wines so special: exciting Rieslings from the best origins and terroirs, surprising Pinot Noirs, and sparkling wines that are still an insider tip. Despite the individuality of the VDP wineries, the eagle on each bottle provides guidance. It is a guarantee of craftsmanship, tradition, and pioneering spirit. And it is recognized around the world as a prime example of German wine culture. Now the VDP eagle is landing in Mumbai, and I am sure it will find many fans.”
Hilke Dalhem
Co-President, VDP

LIST OF WINNERIES TO EXPECT AT PROWINE MUMBAI 2025

B L A N K E N H O R N (Est. 1847)

Pinot Noir, Gutedel, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris + others
22.10 acres in Baden, Schliengen Wines: 2020 SONNENSTÜCK, Schliengen Pinot Noir VDP.GG / 2021 ÖLACKER, Schliengen Pinot Noir / 2022 SONNENSTÜCK, Schliengen Chardonnay VDP.GG / 2024 Schliengen Chasselas
Present in : Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, USA
A young winery with a long tradition, blending modern architecture with classic wine maturation in large wooden barrels. Certified sustainable with focus on elegant wines.
“We want to give the wines the time they need before they come onto the market. We work close to nature, certified sustainable according to Fair’n Green, and appreciate elegant wines that suit every occasion.” — Martin Männer Martin Männer – [email protected]

F Ü R S T L I C H C A S T E L L ' S C H E DOMÄNE (Est. 1774 | VDP Since 1914)

41% Silvaner, 12% Müller-Thurgau, 9% Pinot Blanc, 8% Riesling + others
73.30 acres in Franken, Castell Wines: 2024 Fürst Castell Silvaner trocken/ 2019 SCHLOSSBERG Casteller Silvaner VDP.GG / 2024 Cas “tell me” white / 2023 Fürst Castell Alabaster Weißwein Cuveé SPITZENWEIN
Weißwein Cuveé SPITZENWEIN Present in :Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Korea, Singapore One of Germany’s oldest estates, pioneering Silvaner since 1659, owning monopole top vineyards on gypsum marl soils with sustainable practices.

“Our wines have a clear line and pronounced
single-vineyard character. We vinify mainly dry
and puristic white wines focused on Silvaner, with
longevity and concentration influenced by our
unique terroir.” Peter Geil, Elisabeth Finkbeiner –
[email protected]

BASSERMANN-JORDAN (Est. 1718 | VDP since 1910)

Riesling plus Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & others 51.90 acres in Pfalz, Deidesheim

Wines: 2018 Pierre brut nature (Chardonnay) Sekt / 2019 Ruppertsberg Spätburgunder / 2024 Deidesheim Riesling Kabinett feinherb / 2024 Forster Ziegler Riesling trocken | VDP.ERSTES GEWÄCHS® Diverse Riesling vineyards with 1/3 in top sites. Committed to organic viticulture and producing terroir-driven, expressive wines.

“Natural, organic viticulture is the indispensable prerequisite for the subsequent, gentle and individual vinification. This gives us mineral, sustainable, storable, and highly aromatic wines.” André Jankowski, Tamara Fränzle – [email protected]

KARL SCHAEFER (Est. 1843 | VDP since 1935)

Riesling plus Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir 17.60 acres in Pfalz, Bad Dürkheim
Wines : N.V. Blanc de Blanc Brut nature Sekt/ 2022 Dürkheimer Spielberg “Schöne Anna” Spätlese/ 2022 Wachenheimer Gerümpel trocken / 2021 WEILBERG Ungstein Riesling trocken Historic estate with terraced vineyards on diverse soils, emphasizing organic cultivation and long maturation on lees.
“We highlight variations in soils and maintain vineyard authenticity with organic farming. Our wines are true to origin, handcrafted, and honest, reflecting the best sites.” Nana von Nell, Richard Menzel – [email protected]

KARTHÄUSERHOF (Est. 1335 | VDP since 1910)

Riesling, Pinot Blanc 28.00 acres in Mosel, Trier-Eitelsbach
Wines: Karthäuserhof BRUT Sekt / 2023 Karthäuserhofberg Riesling / 2023 KARTHÄUSERHOFBERG, Eitelsbach Riesling Kabinett / 2003 KARTHÄUSERHOFBERG, Eitelsbach Riesling Spätlese
Present in : Norway, USA, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden Eighth oldest winery globally, sole owner of monopoly vineyard KARTHÄUSERHOFBERG with legendary Riesling tradition and unique neck loop label.
“We cultivate our extraordinary vineyard in harmony with nature, upholding a unique Riesling tradition. Our wines focus on minerality, precision, and freshness—clear, transparent, and full of race.” — Albert P. Behler Kevin Kleu – [email protected]

MAXIMIN GRÜNHAUS (Est. 1882 | VDP since 1921)

Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
37.40 acres in Mosel, Mertesdorf
Wines: 2023 ABTSBERG Maximin Grünhaus Pinot Noir GG/ 2018 ABTSBERG Maximin Grünhaus Riesling GG / 2020 HERRENBERG Maximin Grünhaus Riesling Spätlese/ 2023 Schloss Riesling Kabinett
Present in : Great Britain, Switzerland, Norway, USA, China
Monopole vineyard Maximin Grünhaus with VDP.GROSSE LAGE® sites and nearly 2,000 years of wine tradition. Unique castle architecture and sixth family generation stewardship.
“Living and tasting sustainable, elegant Maximin Grünhaus wines is our philosophy. Tradition, joy, and commitment to nature inspire everything we do.”
Maximin von Schubert, Maximin von Schubert- [email protected]

VAN VOLXEM (Est. 1800 | VDP since 2004)

Riesling, Pinot Blanc 85.00 acres in Saar, Wiltingen
Wines : 2024 GEISBERG Ockfen Riesling Kabinett / 2023 Van Volxem VV Riesling / 2024 Rotschiefer Riesling Kabinett / 2023 GOLDBERG Wawern Riesling VDP.GG Historic former monastery estate owning premier VDP.GROSSE LAGE® vineyards, emphasizing natural, traditional winemaking with minimal intervention.
“We pursue traditional craftsmanship and natural wine production, producing mineral, light-alcohol Rieslings that clearly express vineyard origin and offer great aging potential.” Roman Niewodniczanski Email: Roman Niewodniczanski – [email protected]

PRINZ SALM (Est. 1200 | VDP since 1921)

Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Scheurebe, Merlot 19.90 acres in Nahe, Wallhausen & Dalberg

Wines: 2023 FELSENECK Wallhausen Riesling Spätlese/ 2015 KIRCHBERG Bingen Riesling GG/ 2016 JOHANNISBERG Wallhausen Riesling GG/ 2024 Two Princes Riesling

Present in : USA, Denmark, Czech Republic, Netherlands, South Korea Family-owned estate for over 850 years with rare vineyard sites on green slate, focusing on slender, expressive Rieslings and mature wines.

“We work out the optimum from the grape varieties, seeking slender and filigree Rieslings as well as powerful, expressive Burgundies. Our focus is on producing matured Rieslings released only after 10 years.”
Prince Felix zu Salm-Salm Email: Prinz Felix zu Salm-Salm – [email protected]

SCHLOSS VOLLRADS (Est. 1211 | VDP since 1998)

Riesling 68.20 acres in Rheingau, Oestrich-Winkel Wines: 2023 Schloss Vollrads Riesling Sekt Brut / 2004 Schloss Vollrads Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese Goldkapsel/ 2024 Schloss Vollrads 1716 Cabinet Riesling trocken / 2023 Winkel Riesling Kabinett Present in : USA, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan, UK
One of the world’s oldest wineries with 800+ years of tradition, situated in a beautiful castle monopole. Known for delicate, pure Rieslings. “Using centuries of viticulture knowledge, we produce authentic Riesling wines that represent delicate, characteristic, and elegant facets of the grape to delight customers worldwide.” — Ralf Bengel
Email: Christian Cavallo – [email protected]

RAPPENHOF (Est. 1604 | VDP since 1929)

Riesling, Pinot varieties, plus Silvaner, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Portugieser 36.40 acres in Alsheim, Rheinhessen
Wines : 2020 Blanc de Blanc extra Brut Sekt / 2023 Rappenhof Cuvée Red 1604/ 2023 OELBERG Nierstein Riesling VDP.GG / 2024 Rappenhof H&A Riesling Kabinett With vineyards in six winegrowing communities the family has the opportunity to work with the diverse soil structures. The grape variety Riesling, evolves quite differently depending on the terroir, which enables it to vinify and offer such a broad spectrum of style expressions.
“For us, the combination of tradition and modernity is extremely important. Our company has been family-owned for more than 400 years. On the one hand we want to retain the old values, but constantly reinvent ourselves.” Klaus & Elisabeth Muth Email: Elisabeth Muth – [email protected]

VDP CLASSICFICATION:

VDP.GUTSWEIN represents estate wines that
form the foundation of the VDP quality pyramid,
made exclusively from grapes grown on the
producer’s own vineyards. These wines are often
early bottled, offering a snapshot of the vintage,
and allow winemakers some freedom to innovate
and express the basic character of the estate.

VDP.ORTSWEIN are village-level wines that showcase the character of a specific region or village using only traditional, regional grape varieties. The fruit is sourced from one particular village, and these wines are often made from parcels within higher-classified sites, providing a strong sense of local terroir.
VDP.ERSTE LAGE means “Premier Cru” and denotes first-class vineyards with optimal growing conditions, known for their distinctive and sustainable wine styles. These sites must be historically recognized for excellence and are cultivated using selective hand harvests and traditional methods to produce wines that highlight the unique potential of the vineyard.
VDP.GROSSE LAGE is the designation for the highest quality vineyards, equivalent to “Grand Cru”. Wines from these sites display exceptional complexity, age-worthiness, and are highly expressive of their unique, single-site terroir; dry wines from these vineyards are labeled VDP.Grosses Gewächs (GG).
With their longstanding history dedicated to excellence, the VDP members will bring quality and diversity to ProWine Mumbai’s pavilion. Importers can expect an exclusive glimpse into Germany’s finest vineyard sites and wines crafted with precision and passion. As the world pivots towards sustainability and terroir-driven authenticity, the VDP promises offerings that speak to these values. This article empowers importers with insight and confidence, highlighting why engaging with the VDP pavilion is an essential step to future-proofing their portfolios.
Looking ahead, the VDP’s vision of enduring quality and respected tradition assures a promising and fruitful collaboration, an exciting prospect for everyone involved. On October 31st at ProWine Mumbai, MW Sonal Holland will host an exclusive masterclass titled “Provenance, Passion & Purpose: An Introduction to Germany’s VDP. Die Prädikatsweingüter” from 4:15pm to 5pm.
This session offers attendees the chance to deepen their understanding of Germany’s premium wine heritage, learn directly about the VDP classification pyramid, and gain hands-on expertise to enhance professional credibility and networking opportunities.
“India is the world’s third-largest alcobev market, where wine is the fastest-growing category with double-digit annual growth. With rising consumer appetite for diverse styles and wine’s strong link to sophistication and luxury, the timing is ideal for the German VDP Association’s entry into India. This move will showcase some of Germany’s finest wines and spotlight a region worthy of greater recognition. SoHoWines Consulting is proud to present a masterclass on the VDP and its Quality Classification Pyramid at ProWine Mumbai 2025.”
MW Sonal Holland – Official Ambassador of the German VDP Wine Association in India