Weingut Steitz, elegant organic wines from volcanic rock in Rheinhessen
The Steitz winery from Stein-Bockenheim produces elegant organic wines from the volcanic rock of the Rheinhessische Schweiz. Christian and Diana Steitz vinify Riesling, Pinot, and Silvaner on 14 hectares, resulting in cool, mineral, and clear wines. Certified organic since the 2022 vintage and rated with three grapes in Gault Millau.
Weingut Steitz stands for elegant, vibrant organic wines from Stein-Bockenheim in Rheinhessen, grown on volcanic porphyry and melaphyre. Christian and Diana Steitz run the family winery, and their son Finn has also been involved in the winemaking since the 2024 vintage. The wines are cool, crisp, and juicy, with moderate alcohol—true cool-climate wines from the Rheinhessische Schweiz.
Christian since 1994, in his own hands since 2015
Christian Steitz has been responsible for the winery since 1994, and in 2015, he and Diana took it over completely from his parents. What began as a generational change turned into a real transformation.
It started with new labels and a new homepage, followed by major renovations and newly designed guest rooms, but the change went deeper. Christian has found his own style, is increasingly moving toward nature-oriented practices in the vineyard and cellar, and is experimenting with orange wines, amphora wines, and Prädikat wines. The striking, clean architecture of the winery is mirrored today in the equally striking labels, which have long since become the hallmark of these organic wines.
A development that we have been privileged to follow for more than 15 years. Since the 2024 vintage, the next generation has been working on authentic terroir wines from Rheinhessen with son Finn. Father and son are pulling in the same direction—one with experience, the other with a fresh perspective—and so, step by step, something new is growing out of tradition. Today, the winery is one of the most exciting addresses in the Rheinhessische Schweiz, without losing its down-to-earth, family-oriented character.
Pinot, Riesling, and Christian's Silvaner
White varieties occupy about three-quarters of the vineyard area, while the rest belongs to Pinot Noir. Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Christian's favorite, Silvaner, define the assortment at Weingut Steitz.
Everything is represented, from the uncomplicated estate wine to the edgy single-vineyard wine. The Pinot Gris is spicy and zesty, the Chardonnay Old Vines matures creamily in tonneau, and the Riesling from Porphyry plays with salty and smoky notes. For those who like it sparkling, try the Pinot Brut Nature, a bone-dry grower's sparkling wine made from Pinot Blanc, aged on the lees for 22 months.
For the summer, the family vinifies a zesty Rosé and a pale Blanc de Noir from red grapes, both light and carefree. The Riesling family ranges from the fresh estate wine to the local wine and up to the single-vineyard wine from the Heerkretz site, and this exact range is what makes the assortment so exciting.
You can also find the white wines and rosé wines in our categories, sorted and at a glance. The Silvaner is a personal passion for Christian—an old Rheinhessen variety that he nurtures with great dedication—while the Pinot Noir proves that fine red wines also grow on cool volcanic rock.
Organic since 2022, volcanic rock, and cool climate
The two volcanic rocks, porphyry and melaphyre, are the ambassadors of these wines. Formed about 290 million years ago from extinct volcanoes, they provide the vines with a cool, mineral-rich soil full of tension.
The 14 hectares are located in the cool west of Rheinhessen, in the Rheinhessische Schweiz, where Rheinhessen, Nahe, and the Palatinate meet. The cooler the location and the stonier the soil, the fresher and saltier the wines later appear in the glass.
The weathered porphyry causes the topsoil to dry out quickly, the vine reaches into the depths, and the cool wind ensures long, acid-preserving ripening phases. This is precisely what gives the wines their bite and their clear, mineral tension.
Since the 2022 vintage, the winery has been certified organic and Fair'n Green, is a supporting member of ECOVIN, and has been practicing regenerative agriculture for years, with species-rich cover crops, compost teas, gentle pruning, and hand-picking. Healthy soils and vibrant vines are, for the family, the foundation for wines that clearly tell their story of origin.
Straightforward, unpretentious, and authentic, Christian Steitz says of his wines, and that is exactly what you taste in the glass. Organic farming is a matter of the heart for the family, emphasizes Diana Steitz—not a label, but a conviction. The winery is a member of Maxime Herkunft Rheinhessen, an initiative for clear origin and cultivated quality.
92 points, three grapes, Best of Riesling
Gault Millau lists Weingut Steitz with three grapes, and VINUM has awarded it two stars. The wines have long since been playing in the top tier of Rheinhessen.
At the VINUM Riesling Champion, the Heerkretz Riesling took 92 points in the dry single-vineyard category, and the Neu-Bamberg Riesling took second place among the local wines. As early as 2020, the Riesling estate wine made it among the best in "Best of Riesling" with 90 points, and the 2024 vintage followed up with 91 points at Meininger's "Best of Riesling."
The most famous sites are located around the Neu-Bamberg Heerkretz, the Siefersheimer Goldenes Horn, and the Fürfelder Eichelberg, all on volcanic rock in one of the highest and coolest corners of Rheinhessen. It is precisely these sites, high up and windswept, that give the Rieslings their cool elegance and the long finish that connoisseurs appreciate so much. Awards honor the producer, not us, but they show where the journey is headed. Bravo.
The Heerkretz and the Sauvi
For special evenings, we like the Heerkretz Riesling: powerful, salty, and with aging potential. If you prefer something lighter, start with the Sauvignon Blanc—fragrant and silky, a cheerful aperitif for warm summer evenings.
In summer, the Rosé and the Blanc de Noir hit the table, for grilling, with salads, or simply on the balcony. The Pinot Blanc is the creamy all-rounder for poultry and pasta, and the Pinot Brut Nature is the bone-dry sparkling wine for a festive toast.
This way, there is a suitable wine for every occasion, from a quick glass after work to a great single-vineyard wine for the cellar that can handle a few years in the bottle. We love the cool, clear Rieslings with fish and Asian cuisine, the creamy Pinots with poultry and pasta, and the Rosé simply for the summer. If you enjoy tasting, you can easily put together a small journey through the Rheinhessische Schweiz from the assortment.
Just taste your way through this assortment, and you will quickly find your favorite. And if you have questions about which Steitz goes with which meal, feel free to contact us.
