Schloss Johannisberg

Rheingau, Germany

#8 World's Best Vineyards 2023

A Neoclassical palace crowning a hill first planted with vines in 817, Schloss Johannisberg became the world’s first dedicated Riesling winery in 1720, subsequently creating the Spätlese, Ausless and Eiswein categories of the grape. If you want a true taste of Riesling, this is where you go: start in the eighteenth century castle, delving down into the cellars where wine is matured in wooden barrels made from the estate’s own forest, the 900-year-old vaults of the original abbey storing some 25,000 bottles right back to the 1748 vintage. Up in the open air, sample some of this famous Riesling in the vineyard Tasting Booth, along with light bites. The Schlossschänke tavern boasts commanding views of the estate, which hosts open-air jazz and classical music concerts throughout the year.