The Princely House has been growing wine for over four centuries, initially for the Principality at the time and later for the national and international market. The vineyards are located in three German wine-growing regions, namely Franconia, Rheingau and Baden. In 2010, the princely wine production facilities were brought together in the castle grounds of Kleinheubach, where the family's current ancestral home at Löwenstein Castle is located. The partners "Châteauform" and "Viking" organise seminars and conferences at Löwenstein Castle.
The philosophy of the house is: loving, dignified human interaction, respect for our habitat and the elements water, air and earth, as well as sustainable management of forest, grassland, water and vineyards with natural added value. The most important awards include membership of the European association 'Wildlife Estates' and a commitment to the 'Naturelife Philosophy'.
Wine cellar
The state-of-the-art wine cellar was established in the former stables, a baroque sandstone building from the 18th century. Behind the historic building, two new buildings constructed entirely of wood complete the winery ensemble: the wine press hall with sensory room, vinotheque and offices, as well as the wine store.
Management of the winery
Since 2010, vinification has been carried out at the new Kleinheubach site as Schlossabfüllung in Franken. Following the early death of Hereditary Prince Carl Friedrich, his wife Dr Hereditary Princess Stephanie zu Löwenstein took over the management of the Princely Löwenstein Group. Peter Arnold from Geisenheim, who has international experience (Spain, South Africa), is the estate manager. Martin Armend (Franconia, Baden) and Henning Brömser (Rheingau) are responsible for external operations in the vineyards, while Andrea Paul is in charge of sales.
Baden
In the Baden growing region, the 7 hectares of vineyards owned in the two single vineyard sites Josefsberg and Kemelrain in the municipality of Bronnbach are leased to a winegrowers' co-operative.
Franconia
The vineyards in Franconia comprise 15 hectares of vines in the solely owned Fürstlicher Homburger Kallmuth vineyard, classified by the VDP as Grosses Gewächs, which is considered a listed and nature-protected jewel of the estate, as well as the Oberrot vineyard (Lengfurt). They are planted with the white wine varieties Silvaner (two thirds), Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the red wine varieties Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.
Rheingau
The vineyard in the municipality of Oestrich-Winkel in the Rheingau, which has existed since 1736, was acquired by the Princely House in 1875. It was leased to Schloss Vollrads until 1997, since when it has been managed independently again. The vineyards cover 22 hectares of vines in the single vineyard sites Jungfer, Hendelberg and Schönhell (Hallgarten). We produce 7.5 hectares ourselves, the rest is leased. They are planted with Riesling (80%) as well as Frühburgunder and Spätburgunder (20%). Gentle, natural grape harvesting and origin-orientated wine production have the highest priority. The quality pyramid corresponds to the VDP classification model.
Further products & memberships
Bottle-fermented sparkling wine and secco, as well as Franconian balsamic vinegar, are also produced from the base wines of both growing regions. There are memberships in the regional winegrowers' associations, the Silvaner Forum and the circle of friends of the TRIAS wine estates, as well as the VDP membership for Franconia and Rheingau, some of which have been in existence for 100 years.
