Meersburg

Meersburg lies directly on the north shore of Lake Constance in the wine-growing region Baden. The vineyards extend down the slopes towards the lake, partly on steep sites. The water of Lake Constance moderates fluctuations in temperature and creates a relatively mild climate for wine-growing; in addition, the sunlight reflected from the lake contributes to powering the vines.

The belt of vineyards between Meersburg, Hagnau and Immenstaad lies on molasse slopes shaped by the geology of the Alpine foreland basin and later activities of the Rhine glacier. For Meersburg’s vineyards, among other things, glacial moraine gravels, sandy loam and calcareous material have been documented. The named sites include Fohrenberg, Sängerhalde and Lerchenberg. The Meersburger Chorherrnhalde is situated as a steep slope directly above the ferry harbour.

According to its own information, the Meersburg winemakers’ association cultivates 66 hectares of vineyard area together with 25 member businesses. Müller-Thurgau and Spätburgunder form the two largest groups of grape varieties. Other varieties grown include Grauburgunder, also known as Ruländer, Weißburgunder, Kerner, Chardonnay, Bacchus, Dornfelder, Muskateller and Riesling, as well as PIWI varieties. Documented wines range from dry through delicately fruity and semi-dry to noble-sweet and ice-wine styles. White wine, red wine, Weißherbst, rosé, Sekt and Secco are produced.

A vineyard reference for Meersburg is recorded for the year 1210 in the yearbook of the Konstanz cathedral church. After the secularisation in 1802/03, the former princely-bishop’s cellars were transformed into the Grand Ducal-Baden domain cellars. After the Second World War, they were given the name Staatsweingut Meersburg. Its wines ripen in a historic cellar from the early 18th century, which continues to be used for storing wine.