History of Our Winery

From the first founding of the original parish with vineyards to the present day, the Episcopal Winery Rüdesheim is one of the oldest wineries in the Rheingau and probably in Germany. There is a first mention as early as the 11th century, but the exact beginnings of the winery are lost in the mists of history. In the 12th century, Engelhard Brömser, a nobleman from Rüdesheim, set off on the crusade to the Holy Land.

In Saracen captivity, he vowed that should he ever return alive to his homeland, he would establish a church and donate vineyards to the parish in Rüdesheim. After many long years of captivity, he returned to the Rhine and fulfilled his promise. It is likely that Engelhard Brömser thereby expanded the already existing parish winery.

The parish winery Rüdesheim, which ultimately came into being, survived the storms of the centuries. In 1984, it was taken over by the Diocese of Limburg. As a foundation of the Bishop of Limburg, it has since borne the coat of arms of the diocese. Over time, other small parish wineries were incorporated, and additional vineyards were purchased. 12 years later, in 1996, the name was changed to the current "Episcopal Winery Rüdesheim".