REGION: Rheinhessen (Rhine Hesse)  VILLAGE: Mommenheim

Winemaker and Viticulturist Jens Windisch

Werther-Windisch is run by Jens Windisch. It used to be an agriculture business run by Jens’ parents. They were cultivating grapes but never made wine under their own label.

Jens’ passion for wine and agriculture runs in his blood. He wouldn’t miss a chance to learn more and broaden his technical skills as a winemaker. After several apprenticeships and working in New Zealand, he decided to go to Geisenheim University. Being busy studying wasn’t enough so he decided to bottle his own vintage under his own label in 2010. Since then Werther Windisch is a growing brand and a name for dry high-quality wines, especially white wines and sparkling wine. 

Sustainable and organic

Since 2020 he is organically certified under the German law for organic certification. Sustainability plays a huge role at Werther Windisch. Self-made humus and compost from grape skins and a using cover crop with native flowers help to keep the soils alive and the ecosystem diverse and healthy. Working sustainably makes it possible to achieve the quality he is looking for in his wines. 

Most of his wines are fermented spontaneously and either in stainless-steel tanks or in oak. He uses Stueckfass (317 US gallons), Halbstueckfass (158 US Gallons), or Barrique (60 US Gallons). The focus is time and tranquility. Jens doesn’t rush his wines into the bottle. His wines are vegan, which means that he is not using any fining agents made out of animal products. He uses minimal sulfur and lets the wine dictate when it is ready to be sold and enjoyed. A philosophy of hands-on grape-growing and farming and a more hands-off style in the cellar and winemaking. 

Jens Steckenpferd varieties (the wines he his famous for) are Riesling, Silvaner, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). The majority of his vineyards are defined by Kalk, Ton, and Loesslehm (limestone, clay, and loam-loess). His most prestigious vineyard sites are in the small village Harxheim where his old vines are producing Schlossberg Riesling and Lieth Silvaner. 

The hard work and quality pay off. He regularly gets awards for his wines from German wine guides, magazines, and critics. 

Jens and I met during our time in Geisenheim (2009-2012). I remember tasting his first vintage and going through the blends with him. It is incredible to see how Jens has transformed this business and I am thrilled to have the chance to import his wine and share it with you.