Ökologisches Weingut Schmidt

The History of the Schmidt Winery: A Pioneer of Organic Viticulture

The Schmidt Winery was founded in 1987 by Waltraud and Richard Schmidt. From the very beginning, they focused on purely organic cultivation of their vineyards and became a member of ECOVIN, the federal association of organically working wineries, in 1993. Their life’s work was to harmonize ecology and oenology by refraining from the use of pesticides and exclusively using handpicked grapes for natural vinification. This led to high-quality and elegant wines and sparkling wines.

Generational Change: Helen and Martin Schmidt Take Over

In 2013, Waltraud and Richard Schmidt handed over responsibility for the winery to their daughter Helen and son-in-law Martin Schmidt. Since 2008, Helen and Martin have successfully managed the Kiefer Winery in Eichstetten and are now continuing the Schmidt Winery as an independent organic operation. They are still supported by the first generation, which actively participates in the vineyards, in the cellar, and in sales.

Philosophy of the Schmidt Winery: Passion, Trust in Nature, and Courage

The philosophy of the winery is based on three central values:

1. Passion: The love for viticulture and nature shapes daily actions.
2. Trust in Nature: By refraining from pesticides and chemical additives, authentic wines are created.
3. Courage: A spirit of innovation and a willingness to take new paths characterize the winery.

Health and an intact nature are closely related to what we consume. Quality originates in the vineyard and requires respect and patience. Intensive manual work and unconditional trust in nature are essential.

The Kaiserstuhl Wine Region: Home of the Schmidt Winery

The Kaiserstuhl, located in the heart of Baden, is the largest and best-known wine region in the area. Characteristic features include the highest average temperatures in Germany, which, combined with easily warmable loess soils on volcanic subsoil, provide ideal growth conditions for vines. Eichstetten, the location of the Schmidt Winery, has a long tradition in organic farming. Today, 30% of the agricultural area is cultivated according to organic guidelines.

Geographical Location and Climatic Conditions

The Kaiserstuhl is located in southwestern Germany, near the French border. The climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, providing optimal conditions for the vines. The volcanic soils store heat and promote the growth and ripening of the grapes.

Preferred Grape Varieties in Kaiserstuhl

The region is known for a variety of grape varieties, including:

• Pinot Blanc
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Noir
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Piwi varieties (fungus-resistant varieties)

Vineyard Locations and Soils of Schmidt Winery

The vineyards of the Schmidt Winery stretch over seven hectares and benefit from the unique loess soils on volcanic subsoil. This combination allows for the production of wines with special minerality and finesse. Careful maintenance of the vines and the abstention from chemical means promote biodiversity and soil health.

Wine Production at Schmidt Winery: Natural Vinification for Authentic Wines

In the cellar, the winery focuses on natural vinification. This means:

• Abstention from additives
• Gentle processing of the grapes
• Fermentation with natural yeasts
• Aging in stainless steel tanks and small wooden barrels

Particularly, the wines from the "Zwölfender" line mature for 10–18 months in small wooden barrels and are characterized by their powerful taste.

Stylistics and Types of Wine at Schmidt Winery

The range of the winery includes:

• Classic wines from typical Kaiserstuhl grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir
• Innovative cuvées with Piwi varieties
• Effervescent sparkling wines and Seccos
• Characterful "Zwölfender" wines
• Original "Lösskindl" natural wines
• High-quality distillates

Each wine line reflects the passion and craftsmanship of the winery.

Awards and Recognitions of Schmidt Winery

The Schmidt Winery has been awarded multiple times for its outstanding wines:

• EcoWinner 2022: 2021 Pinot Gris Dry
• GAULT MILLAU 2022: 2 red grapes
• VINUM World of Rosé 2022: 4 out of 5 points for the 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé dry

These recognitions emphasize the quality and commitment of the winery in organic viticulture.

Discover the variety and quality of the wines from Schmidt Winery in our online shop and let yourself be inspired by the passion and craftsmanship of this family business.