History
Johannes Leitz was born in 1964 in Rüdesheim am Rhein. His grandfather, Josef Leitz, rebuilt the winery after its destruction in the Second World War. After his grandfather’s death, Johannes’ father briefly took over the estate, but passed away when Johannes was only 14 months old. His mother kept the winery alive as a part-time operation until Johannes assumed responsibility in 1985, after completing his training as a master vintner, with just 2.9 hectares of vineyards.
Today, the Leitz wine estate ranks among the leading producers in the Rheingau. The vineyard area comprises around 90 hectares throughout the Rheingau, plus an additional 18 hectares of steep-slope vineyards in Rüdesheim am Rhein. Wines by Johannes Leitz are sought after worldwide – in addition to Germany, key markets include Norway, Sweden, England, the United States, and more than 30 other countries.
Despite this growth, quality remains the highest priority. In particular, the top dry wines from the sites BERG SCHLOSSBERG, BERG ROTTLAND, BERG ROSENECK, and BERG KAISERSTEINFELS are considered among the very best in their category. They bear the unmistakable signature of Johannes Leitz and authentically reflect the terroir of the Rüdesheimer Berg.
Since the construction of the new winery in 2012, the estate has combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. In the cellar, stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels ensure precise fermentation and natural maturation, while in the historic part of the estate, wooden casks up to 60 years old give the most valuable wines additional depth. Gentle handling and sustainability are top priorities: on sunny days, a photovoltaic system covers the entire energy demand of the operation, underlining its environmentally responsible philosophy.
New Generation
For several years now, Antonius Leitz, the son of Johannes Leitz, has also been working at the family estate, carrying the tradition into the next generation. With fresh ideas and a deep understanding of the craft, he brings new impulses while staying true to the winery’s established values.
Together, father and son are committed to continuously refining the quality of their wines and guiding the estate sustainably into the future.
From Rheingau... to the world...
Philosophy
The Leitz wine estate stands for a deep connection with nature and a conscious approach to the resources the earth provides us. For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality. From vineyard to bottle, we are committed to working in harmony with the environment and promoting biodiversity in our vineyards. Through gentle cultivation methods, we protect natural habitats and largely refrain from using chemical aids.
Our goal is to create wines that reflect the unique terroir while remaining authentic and unadulterated. In this spirit, we work with nature rather than against it, crafting outstanding wines in a sustainable way that express the very best of the region. With passion and respect for nature, we do our part to preserve the environment for future generations while producing wines of exceptional quality.
Our wine estate is certified according to the sustainability standards of the Fair’N Green association.
