Location and Geology
The Madonnenberg is a vineyard site in Schriesheim on the Weinheimer Bergstraße, at the transition between the Rhine plain to the west and the Odenwald to the east. The vines grow on steep slopes facing south in a small valley formed by the Vohbach. The stream has cut deeply into a granite base; the site also includes sandstone structures such as the Madonna sculpture and dry-stone walls.
Terraces and Viticulture
The western part is terraced using natural-stone dry-stone walls. Steep slopes and narrow passages between the rows of vines make it difficult to use tractors. The historically restored vineyard site covers about 0.5 hectares and is planted with Riesling. In the new planting in 1989, around 1,200 vines of this variety were planted.
Care and Harvest
Since 1989, dry-stone walls have been rebuilt, terraces maintained, the stream meadow has been re-established, and areas have been mown to preserve species-rich grassland. Year-round care and vine pruning have been assigned to a farming contractor, while the cooperative organises the harvest. Due to the slope, it is carried out manually using pruning shears, buckets, and crates carried on the back.
History and Wines
Vineyards in the Vohbach district are documented for the first time in 1250. In 1832, Count von Oberndorff cleared additional forested slopes, laid out a vineyard and created cross terraces; later, the area was converted into orchards. After acquisition by the state of Baden-Württemberg, leasing to the town of Schriesheim and management by the association Historischer Weinbau Madonnenberg, viticulture was reinstated in 1989. The grapes are delivered to the Schriesheim winegrowers’ cooperative. Riesling wine and Madonnenberg sparkling wine are documented.
