The winery is located in the municipality of Bischoffingen (Kaiserstuhl area) in the south of the German wine-growing region of
Baden. It was founded in 1985 by Karl-Heinz Johner and his wife Irene. The aim was to produce Burgundy-style wines. The wines, which were already aged in barriques at that time, could only be marketed as table wines in the first few years. In the 1990s, the new winery, built in the style of a monastery according to Californian models, was put into operation with a circular barrique barrel cellar. Karl-Heinz Johner is assisted by his son Patrick, who after studies in
Geisenheim gained practical experience in Burgundy (Hubert Lignier, Comte Lafon) and in Australia (Tim Knappstein). The vineyards cover 17 hectares in seven districts. Outstanding single vineyards are Enselberg and
Steinbuck (Bischoffingen), as well as
Eichberg (Oberrotweil). They are planted with the white wine varieties Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Rivaner, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the red wine varieties Blauer Spätburgunder, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Dorsa, Cabernet Dorio, Cabernet Cubin, Cabernet Mitos and Dakapo
Important quality criteria are
thinning (green harvest) for the purpose of yield reduction and
defoliation. The Sauvignon Blanc and Rivaner varieties are generally vinified in stainless steel. The white wines vinified in Burgundy style mature partly in 350-litre barriques and partly in stainless steel tanks to achieve a balance between fruit and wood. The tranches are levelled out afterwards. The red wines mature for at least 15 months in barriques. The wines are produced in three lines: basic wines (second label), normal wines and "SJ" (Selektion Johner). The latter come from the best plots of particularly old vines and are matured in new barriques.
In 2001, Johner Estate was founded in the Wairarapa area of
New Zealand. The first wine was released in 2002. The vineyards cover about 12 hectares of vines planted with Pinot Noir (8 ha) and Sauvignon Blanc (3 ha), as well as small amounts of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec
