The winery is located in the municipality of Ilsfeld-Schozach (Württembergisch Unterland area) in the German wine-growing region of
Württemberg. The family was first mentioned as "Freiherren von Sturmfeder" in 987. The history of viticulture began in 1396, when Count Eberhard von Württemberg gave Ritter Friedrich Sturmfeder a "plough field in Schozacher Holz" as a fief for loyal service. Until the 19th century, only small quantities of wine were pressed for the family's needs. Only when the single vineyard "Schozacher Roter Berg" came into the possession in the 19th century did professional viticulture begin. After his apprenticeship as a winemaker, Kilian Graf von Bentzel-Sturmfeder gained practical experience in several wineries in the
USA and
Austria. He has managed the winery since 1995 and has also been the owner since 2001. Holger Matz
(Weinsberg graduate) is the cellar master in charge. The winery includes the "Landhaus Sturmfeder-Hotel Garni".
The vineyards cover 15 hectares of vines in the wholly owned single vineyard
Roter Berg (Schozach), as well as Rappen (Ilsfeld). The white wine varieties Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer account for 30% of the vineyards, while the red wine varieties Pinot Noir, Lemberger (Blaufränkisch), St. Laurent, Cabernet Dorsa, Samtrot and Acolon account for 70%. The
Burgundy varieties make up the majority. The winery is fully responsible for cultivation, vinification, bottling and marketing. The vines are cultivated according to
ecological guidelines regarding vine and soil care. The grapes are harvested at the best possible time with the aim of
physiological ripeness
The red wines mature in wooden barrels of various sizes from 225
(barrique) to 6,000 litres in the vaulted cellar cut into the rock in 1711. For particularly high-quality wines, the house principle of "less is more" applies. The white wines are vinified in a light, fruity style and are intended for quick enjoyment. The wines are produced in three lines. The "ROTER BERG" quality line includes top vintages with late harvest/harvest quality. The red wines are
mash-fermented and matured in wooden barrels. The top cuvée is called "Grand Phillipp". The "STURMFEDER" line consists of single-varietal quality and Prädikat wines. The basis is the GUTSWEINE line with single-varietal wines in litre bottles. Bottle-fermented sparkling wines are also produced. In addition, company events are organised and wine tastings, cellar tours, vineyard inspections and
sensory seminars are offered
