Location and classification
Fels is an officially registered single vineyard in Sankt Katharinen in the Nahe. In the official wine-growing site directory, the site is assigned to the Nahetal area and the Rosengarten large district. Its official wine-growing site identification number is 511428.
Area, terrain and soils
The official wine-growing site directory lists for Fels in 2024 a planted area of 16.5 hectares. The vineyards are located on south-facing slopes at the foot of the Hunsrück as well as along the Nahe and its tributaries. The specified geological materials and soils include red sandstone, rocks of the Upper Rotliegend, river gravel, loam and clay.
Climate and grape varieties
The area is described by sunny southern slopes, dry late summers and cool nights. In the 14-hectare estate in St. Kathariner Fels, Burgunder varieties account for the main focus of planting.
Farming and history
In the vineyard, according to information provided by the operating winery, herbicides and synthetic fertilisers are not used. Permanent and winter cover crops, straw and compost are among the stated measures; in addition, fungus-resistant grape varieties are grown. Many grapes are harvested selectively by hand. Depending on the grape variety and wine type, the wines mature in stainless-steel tanks or in wooden casks, with red wines undergoing a traditional mash fermentation.
The Gälweiler family acquired the St. Kathariner Fels vineyard and carried out clearing and planting work there. During excavations in 1959, Celtic spiral rings were discovered, which the winery dates to an age of more than 2,400 years.
