Weingut Josef Leitz

Welcome to the renowned Leitz Winery from Rüdesheim am Rhein. Here you can learn about the history, philosophy, vineyards, grape varieties, winemaking, and the premium wines of this traditional Rheingau estate.

The Leitz Winery – Tradition and Quality from Rüdesheim

The Leitz Winery is one of the leading estates in the Rheingau. For decades, the Leitz family and their winemakers have shaped the wine landscape of the region. Today, the winery cultivates around 90 hectares of vineyards in Rüdesheim am Rhein as well as another 18 hectares of steep slopes, producing wines that are appreciated worldwide.

1. History of Leitz Winery

Johannes Leitz was born in 1964 in Rüdesheim am Rhein. His grandfather Josef Leitz rebuilt the winery after its destruction in the Second World War. After his death, Johannes’ father briefly ran the estate but passed away when Johannes was only 14 months old. His mother kept the winery alive as a side business until Johannes took it over in 1985, after completing his training as a master winemaker, with 2.9 hectares under vine.

Today, the Leitz Winery is among the leading estates in the Rheingau, and the wines of Johannes Leitz are in demand in Germany as well as in over 30 countries worldwide.

2. People behind Leitz Winery

The central figure of the winery is Johannes Leitz, who has taken on the legacy of his family. For several years now, his son Antonius Leitz has also been active in the estate and is carrying the family tradition into the next generation. Together, father and son are further developing the winery without losing sight of the proven values.

Key people:

• Johannes Leitz – Owner and master winemaker
• Antonius Leitz – Next generation, jointly responsible for the winery

3. Philosophy of Leitz Winery

The Leitz Winery stands for a deep connection with nature. Sustainability is lived practice – from the vineyard to the bottle, care is taken to use resources responsibly and to largely avoid chemical aids. The goal is to create authentic wines that reflect the region’s terroir and express the character of the grape varieties in an unadulterated way.

Key elements of the philosophy:

• Gentle cultivation of the vineyards
• Promotion of biodiversity in the vineyards
• Use of photovoltaics for environmentally friendly energy supply
• Traditional craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art cellar technology

4. The growing region: Rheingau

The Leitz Winery is located in Rüdesheim am Rhein, one of the most important wine-growing areas in Germany – the Rheingau. The vineyards are mainly on steep slopes of the Rüdesheimer Berg, whose south-facing hillsides offer optimal sunshine exposure. The soils consist of mineral-rich slate and quartzite formations, which give the wines structure, minerality, and a distinctive terroir.

5. Vineyard sites of Leitz Winery

The top sites of the Leitz Winery include the classic single vineyards of Rüdesheim, which are characterized by excellent quality and a strong expression of terroir:

1. BERG SCHLOSSBERG – Steep site with mineral-rich soils, ideal for top-quality dry wines
2. BERG ROTTLAND – Site with intense minerality and aromatic depth
3. BERG ROSENECK – Traditional site for precise and elegant Rieslings
4. BERG KAISERSTEINFELS – Unique terroir for characterful wines

6. Grape varieties at Leitz Winery

The main grape variety of the estate is Riesling, which is cultivated on around 85% of the area. In addition, a few other varieties are grown:

• Riesling – the central grape variety of the winery
• Additional grape varieties in smaller quantities; specific details are not listed on the website

7. Soils and terroir

The Leitz vineyards benefit from mineral-rich soils that lend the wines structure and finesse:

• Slate and quartzite – minerality, complexity, freshness
• Steep slopes – optimal sunshine exposure for fully ripe grapes
• Loess and sand components – contribute to fruitiness and balance

8. Winemaking at Leitz Winery

Since the new building in 2012, the winery has combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and wooden casks. For the most valuable wines, wooden casks up to 60 years old are used, which provide depth and structure. Gentle handling and sustainability are at the heart of the winemaking process.

• Stainless steel tanks for precise fermentation
• Traditional wooden casks for maturation and aromatic depth
• Sustainable energy supply through photovoltaics

9. Style of the wines

The wines of Leitz Winery are characterized by freshness, precision, and a clear reflection of the terroir. In particular, the top dry wines from the sites BERG SCHLOSSBERG, BERG ROTTLAND, BERG ROSENECK, and BERG KAISERSTEINFELS rank among the very best.

10. Sustainability and awards

Leitz Winery is certified according to the guidelines of the sustainability association Fair'N Green and produces wines of the highest quality in an environmentally friendly way. By focusing on sustainable practices, the habitats in the vineyards are protected and the environment is preserved for future generations.

11. The new generation at Leitz Winery

Antonius Leitz, son of Johannes Leitz, is now actively involved in the winery. He brings in fresh ideas without neglecting traditional values and works together with his father on the sustainable further development of the estate.

12. Conclusion: Leitz Winery – the art of winemaking from Rüdesheim

The Leitz Winery stands for quality, tradition, and sustainable viticulture in the Rheingau. From precisely vinified Rieslings to top wines from the best steep slopes, every drop reflects the signature of the estate. Discover the wines of Leitz and experience German winemaking at the highest level.