In 2003, we started to produce our first wine and were looking for a suitable accommodation facility (shelter). Finally, we came across an ammunition bunker built by the Canadian Air Force in the 1960s which was for rent, layered with a thick grassy carpet in a picturesque setting with occasional flocks of sheep coming by to mow the grass. Behind thick concrete walls and a heavy iron door we set up our winemaking equipment and some new French oak barrels to produce our first wine.

In 2009, it was time for us to move as we needed more space and better production facilities. In the new shelter in Kenzingen we can continue our Pinot production and assure our philosophy of our gentle and careful Pinot winemaking procedures, e.g. the use of healthy grapes sourced from well-maintained vineyards and low yields.

Old vines and our efforts to keep yields extremely low lead to a natural concentration in the grapes. The introduction of the Lyra-training system in our vineyards enhances our endeavours. This foliage wall soaks up to a solar panel.

Generally, the ripe clusters are harvested by hand into small crates which will be transported as quickly as possible to our shelter for gentle pressing, fermentation and aging. For the reds we do not filter and pumping the wine.

After a long pre-fermentation maceration in classic oak casks, we give our Pinots time for maturing in French oak barrels. The same conditions apply for our Chardonnay, the Rosé de Noir and the Sparkling.

We, Hans-Bert Espe from the city Osterode and Silke Wolf from the city Paderborn, followed our deep passion for wine and studied viticulture at the University of Geisenheim to learn the professional basics of winemaking in the first place ant its secrets in second. Valuable experiences in the international world of winemaking have contributed to the definition of our strict quality philosophy.

Visits and Tastings only by appointment, our wines are available in Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Australia. References available upon request


Shelter Winery
Salzmatten 1
D-79341 Kenzingen
Fon: +49 (0)7644 927663
Fax: +49 (0)7644 927775