Winemaking has been part of the town of Ingelheim in Rheinhessen for almost 2000 years. When Julius Wasem bought the 300 year-old estate in 1912, he laid the foundation for the vineyard as it exists today, particularly in his passion for the complicated and finicky Pinot family.

He became the co-founder of the German Vintner’s Association and shared his enthusiasm with his sons, who continuously developed the estate’s reputation. For his commitment to winemaking, Julius was rewarded with the Federal German Order of Merit 1st Class in 1964. Today, the vineyard is managed in the third generation by his grandsons, Holger and Burkhard Wasem and produces 220,000 bottles a year on 34 hectares.

The love for wine has accompanied Holger and Burkhard all their lives. Be it in the vineyard through selective hand picking or in the cellar, the Wasem brothers produce wines that highlight the characteristics of both the vintage and the variety. As viticulturist and oenologist, their talents complement each other splendidly, driving their ambitions for persistent quality that exceeds the increasing expectations of their customers.

The town of Ingelheim is Germany’s premier address for red wines and it is not surprising that reds reign supreme at the Wasem estate. As a matter of fact, it was Charlemagne who recognized the similarities of the terroir with Burgundy and brought the first Pinot Noir vines into the region more than 1,000 years ago. Two thirds of the vines produce red grapes on warm, light soil and gently sloping hillsides. Pinot, the estate’s specialty, is particularly dominant and fermented either in the traditional wood or barrique barrels. Whites are planted on the more mineral-rich soils of the region.

The Wasem estate has received many federal and state prices, including medals for their distinctive dessert wines, and is considered by the DLG Wine Guide as one of Germany’s top estates.