A supremely talented farmer and cellar-master, not to mention a passionate rabble rouser, and gracious host.

Ulli Stein is the man behind this estate's ethos. A friend and hero, Ulli Stein is a supremely talented farmer and cellar-master, not to mention a passionate rabble rouser, and gracious host.

Despite Ulli's age and Parkinson's diagnosis, his tolerance for work and entertainment are strong. During our recent visit you could find him every night holding court for three to four hours telling stories, laughing, pulling bottles from the cellar, and sharing decades of knowledge.

Here is a man who hasn't left his family estate for brighter lights, less laborious work or a higher paying gig — rather he has dug his heels into this fascinating yet overlooked corner of the lower Moselle which just so happens to be home of some of the most exhilarating, breathtakingly steep-sloped old-vine vineyards in the world. Yet, economically these vineyards don't add up to big bucks despite the back breaking labor required, so many historic parcels have been abandoned and left fallow.

I say this without hyperbole, this part of Germany is one the of the most tranquil and breathtaking places I've ever visited. You should go there, too. The people are nice, the wine is superlative, and the views are jaw dropping. 

But above all else, Stein’s wines are delicious as ****. It doesn't hurt that that guy who labored to make this product is soulful.