Founded in 1219, Prinz Salm winery is the oldest family-run winery in Germany – now run by the 32nd generation. It is managed by Prince Felix zu Salm-Salm and his wife Princess Victoria, who, together with their four children, shape the face of the family business.
Hearing the name “Prince” might make one think of velvet, silk and glamour. But for Felix and Victoria, it's slate rocks, vineyards and Riesling that define their everyday lives. Felix took over his family's winery in 2015 and has been working tirelessly ever since to bring the vineyards, which have been cultivated by his ancestors for more than 800 years, into the present day using regenerative methods.
The Salm-Salm family cultivates 16 hectares in two regions of origin in Rheinhessen and on the Nahe. Each region has two Grand Cru sites: Scharlachberg and Kirchberg in Bingen and Johannisberg and Felseneck in Wallhausen. These vineyards are amongst the most significant in the region. The vineyards in Bingen are strongly influenced by Taunus quartzite and limestone, while the vines in Wallhausen grow on slate-rich soils. The VDP.Grand Crus produced here represent the heart of the winery and impressively reflect the terroir in their complexity.
Both regions are very dear to our hearts. My family has lived in Wallhausen for centuries, and this is where our cellar and tasting rooms are located. We only acquired the vineyards around Bingen three decades ago, but this is where we live, where our children go to school, and where we feel at home.
The winery does not only stand for top-quality wines, but also for values. Sustainability, origin and integrity shape the family's self-image and viticulture. The winery is FAIR'N GREEN certified and a member of the VDP.
This mindset is also reflected in social responsibility: people looking for a purpose or a fresh start are welcome to work at the winery and become part of the community. Victoria firmly believes that being well-grounded is the basis for living a happy and enjoyable life. The celebrations and events organised by the winery bring together this connection with nature and exuberant festivities, creating a perfect synthesis.
Working with nature makes you humble and grounded. It is not only good for the body, but also the soul.
Founded in the mid-12th century, the Prinz Salm winery is Germany's oldest family-run winery, now in its 32nd generation. It is managed by Prince Felix zu Salm-Salm and his wife Princess Victoria, who, together with their four children, shape the face of the family business.
When you hear the name ‘Prince,’ you might think of velvet, silk and glamour. For Felix and Victoria, however, it is slate rocks, vines and Riesling that define their everyday life. Felix took over his family's winery in 2015. His motivation: to preserve the vineyards, which have been in the family for more than 800 years, for the future in a regenerative and ecological way.
