Bopparder Hamm on the Middle Rhine
The Bopparder Hamm is a district of Boppard on the Rhine that is planted with vines, and it belongs to the Middle Rhine. With around 75 hectares, it forms the largest contiguous area of vineyard cultivation in the growing region. The vineyards follow the Rhine’s largest bend, an S-shaped river curve.
Steep slopes and soils
The most important hillside site of the Bopparder Hamm is oriented to the south and therefore receives strong sunshine. The Rhine acts as a heat store, while the site is protected to the east and west. The stony, slate-rich soils define the area; at the Engelstein, the subsoil consists of weathered Devonian slate with deposits of volcanic pumice. There, the documented gradient is about 60 percent. Viticulture on the steep slopes is labour-intensive and is carried out by hand.
Grape varieties and wine style
Riesling is the predominant grape variety in the Bopparder Hamm and at the Engelstein, where it is documented as a classified vine. In addition, Spätburgunder, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau and Optima are grown. Bopparder Riesling is described as mineral and shaped by fine acidity; with the slate-rich sites, apple, mint, as well as herb and spice aromas are associated.
History and protected designation of origin
In Boppard, a Roman citadel was built in 370, while viticulture there is first documented officially in 643. Boppard lies within the delimited geographical area of the protected designation of origin Mittelrhein. The product specification approved in 2024 provides for a maximum yield of 105 hectolitres per hectare for the recorded products. In November 2025, the town of Boppard also published an adjustment to the delimitation for the single sites Elfenley and Probsteiberg.
