Pfalz, Germany
Weingut Theo Minges
The Minges family, who have presided over this estate for eight generations, say that they are “drawn to the fascination of winemaking”. Their aim is to produce wines that not only express the minerality of the varied soils on which the vines grow, but also show off their specific varietal character.
Viticulture has been in the Minges family for eight generations. In 1847, Johannes Minges moved into the house in Flemingen that has remained the family’s residence to this day. The property’s wine cellar dates back to the 15th century, when it belonged to the Counts of Leyen. Each generation of the Minges family has passed on the skill of nurturing vines to the next generation like a good family recipe, adding new innovations now and again without losing the essence of what worked well in the first place.
Two generations in tandem
Theo Minges took over the family business not long after finishing his wine training in June 1977. Since then, he has been devoted to producing high-quality wines with the help of wife Martina. Daughter Regine followed in her parents’ footsteps after completing her winemaking and viticultural qualifications. Two generations now work together at the winery, seamlessly marrying tradition and innovation.
Organic quality
For the Minges family, the real key to producing exceptional wines is to work with nature. This means spending lots of time in the vineyard and listening to the vines. Green cover between the rows, moderate leaf removal, and selective hand-picking help to optimise the quality of the fruit. The estate, which comprises almost 25 hectares, went completely organic in 2010.
“Venturing into the vineyard means letting nature and its energies take hold. It is just you, the vines, the sun, the wind and the rain. Outside in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, you feel your inner senses awaken – this sense of grounding that strengthens and revitalises. This elemental passion and love for viticulture has inspired us for generations.”
Familie Minges
Wines from this producer
Germany
Pfalz
Germany’s second-biggest winegrowing region, the Pfalz, occupies a long strip of land on the eastern side of the Haardt mountains. Regarded as the country’s most innovative wine region, it is the source of many top wines, both red and white.
