Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt

This estate sits higher than any other in the Ruwer Valley and looks like it dates back centuries. In fact, Schloss Marienlay was only erected in the 1920s using slate quarry stone in the so-called ‘Heimatstil’ (‘traditional local style’). Both the residence and the steep vineyard sites ringing it are now a historically listed zone — and home to the Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt wine estate.
The von Kesselstatt family is a scion of old nobility from Hesse and represents one of the largest institutional land holders on the Mosel. Its ranks included powerful abbots, diplomats and important figures in government. Official documents confirm that the family owned vineyards as far back as 1349. In mid-18th century Trier it built itself a Baroque palace with a view of the cathedral. That building, which now includes a wine bar, is well worth a tour. Günther Reh and family acquired both the palace and the former aristocratic winegrowing business in 1978. This ensured that the estate’s world-class wines could still be enjoyed in the same place where they are made: at a tasting in romantic Schloss Marienlay.

Contact: Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Schlossgut Marienlay, D-54317 Morscheid, Tel +49 (0) 65 00-9 16 90, www.kesselstatt.de. Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 4:45 pm, Friday 8 am - 1 pm. Tastings by appointment.