Odinstal

The winery was acquired in 1998 by the Hensel family, who, together with farm manager and winemaker Andreas Schuhmann, uncompromisingly focus on quality and authenticity. Very delicate wines with subtle aromas are produced here.

The Odinstal winery dispenses with modern cellar technology and strives for agricultural individuality that works in cycles and delivers high-quality wines every year with little intervention. Quite simply, it is all about wine that should reflect the DNA of this monopollage.

Wild animals such as deer and wild boar are regular visitors up here, while wild flowers, wild herbs and rare insects surround the estate house and vineyards. This little clearing high above Wachenheim has an almost mystical feel - a place where nature can be experienced in all its glory and magic.

The fascinating Terroir Rieslings, vinified on soils of basalt, limestone and red sandstone. Although Andreas Schumann performs the same vinification on all of them, they reveal highly different characters and certainly set new standards in the context of Terroir Riesling. The Pinot Blanc from Basalt or Silvaner should not be missed out here either.

The wines from Odinstal are exciting and captivating, always on the cool, juicy side with grip and structure and idiosyncratic character. Perfect for horizon-expanders who want to discover new taste experiences - off the beaten track.

The Drops portfolio showcases the full spectrum of the Odinstal philosophy. With the Riesling 120 N.N. offers a light, vibrant introduction to the world of high-altitude vineyards. The Riesling Muschelkalk, on the other hand, brings salty minerality and elegance to the glass, while the Pinot Blanc 350 N.N. impresses with its creaminess and fine structure thanks to maturation on the full lees. The Gewürztraminer 350 N.N. is particularly distinctive, surprising with its aromatic spice and floral notes.

The Cidre Pet Nat, a sparkling cider with natural freshness, also underlines Odinstal's willingness to experiment. At the top of the range are the two Monopol Grand Crus: the Riesling Monopol GG, profound and precise, and the Weißburgunder Monopol GG, complex and multi-layered. Together, these wines demonstrate how consistently Odinstal translates terroir and individuality into wines with strong character.

The German wine market feels like it’s in transition right now. How would you distill what Odinstal stands for today in just a few words?

Andreas Schuhmann: I think we’re still one of Germany’s pioneering estates for biodynamic viticulture, working on truly unique terroirs and living the concept of sustainability holistically across all its pillars.

When you think of “great wine” – what does that mean to you? Is it craftsmanship, emotion, precision… or something else entirely?

Andreas Schuhmann: It’s the combination of several factors. Of course, it must be crafted perfectly and produced ethically, with the smallest possible negative impact on people and the environment – and naturally, made only from grapes and a touch of SO₂. Beyond that, it has to move me emotionally. Even simple, joyful wines can do that. It becomes truly great when elegance and precision enter the picture.

Climate change is radically rewriting the rules of viticulture. Odinstal lies cool and sheltered, almost like its own ecosystem. Is that more of an advantage – or does it also bring new challenges that aren’t immediately visible from the outside?

Andreas Schuhmann: Both. Since 2024, we’ve also been cultivating warmer, limestone-rich sites in Herxheim – so we know both extremes. Odinstal is an ecological niche: forests and meadows create nighttime cooling and dew, which helps during droughts but also favors mildew – a constant challenge. Economically, the site’s low yields of 30–40 hl/ha and extensive biodiversity areas add to the difficulty. Every bottle of Odinstal, therefore, represents not just wine, but the preservation of nature and diversity.

What’s your personal definition of terroir – and how does it show up in your wines?

Andreas Schuhmann: For me, terroir is about making the origin tangible in the glass – how geology, soil, and climate express themselves in the wine. It’s also shaped by regional winemaking cultures that define style: fruit-driven (like Beaujolais or Mosel) or tannin-driven (like Piedmont or Friuli). In our wines, this is easy to trace: Riesling from Buntsandstein is citrusy and fruit-forward, from Muschelkalk chalky, and from Basalt smoky with a hint of exotic fruit.

You’re one of the most progressive voices in the German wine scene. In your view, what still needs to change – among winemakers and maybe also merchants – for wine to truly resonate with a younger generation?

Andreas Schuhmann: Our communication needs to be more honest and human. We shouldn’t pretend harvesters don’t exist – over 90% of Pfalz vineyards are picked by machine. Those drinking wine under €10 should understand that hand-harvesting isn’t possible without exploitation. At the same time, no one needs to know which type of rose thyme a wine smells like – that’s pretentious and meaningless. What matters is that the wine feels good. And that people understand they’re not just buying a drink, but also supporting culture, landscape, and biodiversity.