Location and landscape
Weilheim an der Teck lies on the northern edge of the Swabian Alb in the foothill areas of Baden-Württemberg and belongs to Württemberg. The Limburg is the town’s distinctive hill and its slopes are lined with vineyards. An officially surveyed vine stands there at 531.96 metres above sea level; the town describes this as the highest vineyard site in Württemberg.
Volcanic subsoil
The Limburg is a volcanic landform of resistant basalt tuff, associated with earlier volcanic activity. At the foot of the mountain, volcanic ash and heavy clay mix together. The town describes this combination of soils as favourable for vine growing. The Limburg and Egelsberg are regarded as volcanic outcrops beneath vineyards in the Alb foothills.
Winegrowing in Weilheim
Vine growing is documented on the Limburg; the grapes are used for Neuffen Täleswein. Local winegrowing also includes the Schlosssteige vineyard. Work is carried out mostly on a small scale by organised private vineyard owners and includes manual care. Planted varieties include, among others, Kerner, Silvaner, Spätburgunder, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Acolon, Dornfelder, Zweigelt, Regent, Souvignier Gris and Prior. Kerner predominates for white varieties, and Spätburgunder for red varieties.
Historical context
The first written mention of Weilheim dates from the year 769 and can be found in a donation document of Lorsch Abbey. In the historic rural town, agriculture, winegrowing and crafts shaped everyday life. Silvaner is documented for the highest-lying vines on the Limburg and is used for the white Bertoldswein made from Weilheim grapes.
