Weingut Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch

The Thanisch family's winemaking history begins in 1636, making this one of the oldest continuously family-owned estates in the Mosel. Dr. Hugo Thanisch established the estate's international reputation in the mid-19th century. Upon his death in 1895, his widow Katharina Thanisch took over management at just 29 years old, with three young children in her care. This began an extraordinary tradition of female leadership that has now spanned five generations. The estate remains in family hands today, managed by Sofia and Christina Thanisch, representing the 11th and 12th generations.

• Winemaking tradition at the estate dates to 1636
• Katharina Thanisch assumed control in 1895, initiating four generations of female-led succession
• Dr. Hugo Thanisch built the estate's international profile in the mid-1800s
• Currently led by sisters Sofia and Christina Thanisch

The estate covers 16 hectares across four Middle Mosel villages: Bernkastel, Kues, Lieser, and Brauneberg. Soils are primarily slate and stony loamy weathered argillaceous schist, the classic Mosel substrate that retains heat during the day and releases it at night, supporting full ripeness in this cool climate. The steep slopes, with gradients reaching 60%, maximize both heat storage and photosynthesis. This terrain demands entirely manual labor for all vineyard work. The estate's most celebrated holding is its parcel within the Bernkasteler Doctor, one of Germany's most famous individual vineyards, which the family has farmed for over 200 years.

• Soils consist of slate and stony loamy weathered argillaceous schist
• Steep slopes at up to 60% gradient require fully manual viticulture
• Bernkasteler Doctor parcel owned for over 200 years
• Cool climate tempered by heat retention in steep slate slopes

Thanisch holds a distinguished position within the German wine establishment. The estate became a founding member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) in 1910, the year the association was formed. Today the estate also holds VDP.GROSSE LAGE designations, the highest tier of individual vineyard classification within the VDP system. The estate building and cellars were rebuilt and modernized in 2015, combining historical depth with contemporary winemaking infrastructure.

• VDP founding member since 1910
• Holds VDP.GROSSE LAGE vineyard classifications
• Estate and cellar modernized in 2015
• One of two Thanisch estates following a family division; the full name distinguishes the branch

The estate produces Riesling across the full spectrum of Mosel styles, from dry bottlings through Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, and the rare Trockenbeerenauslese. Pinot Noir is also grown on the estate. The most celebrated milestone in the estate's history is the 1921 Bernkasteler Doctor Trockenbeerenauslese, which holds the distinction of being the first TBA produced anywhere on the Mosel. The historic importance of that wine was confirmed at a 1986 auction, where it fetched 11,200 DM.

• 1921 Bernkasteler Doctor TBA was the first Trockenbeerenauslese produced on the Mosel
• The 1921 TBA sold for 11,200 DM at a 1986 auction
• Range spans dry Riesling through late-harvest and botrytised styles
• Pinot Noir grown alongside Riesling across the 16-hectare estate