Rebholz Economist

Ökonomierat Rebholz – Pioneering spirit and terroir from the Southern Palatinate

The Ökonomierat Rebholz winery in Siebeldingen, in the Southern Palatinate, is a place where centuries-old tradition and an uncompromising commitment to quality come together in a unique way. The roots of the winemaking family date back to 1632, and wine has been produced here for over 350 years. The name of the estate, which still characterises the winery today, can be traced back to the influential figure Eduard Rebholz (1889–1966), through whom the honorary title ‘Ökonomierat’ was incorporated into the company name. In September 2024, this tradition was continued when Hansjörg Rebholz himself was awarded the honorary title of ‘Ökonomierat’ – 65 years after his grandfather received the honour.

The real success story began, however, in 1978, when Hansjörg Rebholz, at the age of just 19, took over the winery following the far too early death of his father Hans. At that time, the Southern Palatinate was still in its infancy, and mass wine production defined the region’s image. Rebholz, however, set out on a completely different path right from the start: dry, terroir-driven wines of the highest quality. Together with his wife Birgit, who has been steering the winery’s fortunes at his side since the mid-1990s, and his sons Hans and Valentin, who are already helping out in the cellar and vineyards today, he has taken the winery to the very top of the world.

Today, the family cultivates 26 hectares of vineyards on excellent soils. The portfolio of single-vineyard sites is outstanding: the VDP.Große Lagen include the Birkweiler Kastanienbusch and Mandelberg, as well as the Siebeldinger Im Sonnenschein, including the Ganz Horn vineyard . The soils, comprising shell limestone, red sandstone, Rotliegend and slate, lend the wines their unmistakable minerality. The estate has been farmed organically since 2005 and, shortly afterwards, biodynamically. With an annual production of around 120,000 bottles and a range comprising 40 per cent Riesling and equal parts Pinot varieties, Rebholz has long since made a name for himself.

Hansjörg Rebholz shaped the development of the entire region for over 20 years as chairman of the VDP Pfalz and was subsequently appointed honorary chairman . The winery has been awarded top ratings by all the leading wine guides. Ökonomierat Rebholz is therefore not merely a winery, but the epitome of pioneering spirit, terroir-driven craftsmanship and the unmistakable DNA of the Southern Palatinate.