The Bietighöfer Family has a deep-rooted history in viticulture dating back to the 17 century. For five generations they produced fruit of exceptional quality, often ending up in some of the best bottles coming out... Read More

The Bietighöfer Family has a deep-rooted history in viticulture dating back to the 17 century. For five generations they produced fruit of exceptional quality, often ending up in some of the best bottles coming out of Southern Germany. But when sixth generation Stefan Bietighöfer came back to take over the family estate, he changed pretty much everything.

Bietighöfer’s 100 acres of biodynamically farmed vineyards are located in the rolling hills of the Southern Wine Route in Pfalz. Enjoying more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country, the mild and dry climate in combination with mineral rich loess soils. Stefan knew that he had the raw material to craft wines equal to the great houses in Burgundy where he had spent the bulk of his winemaking career up to tha point.

It would be a bit of understatement to say that Stefan is obsessed with Burgundy. Thus it should come as no surprise that he focuses on Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc (his are inspired by Saint Bris, Burgundy’s Sauvignon Blanc appellation). If you are a Francophile these wines will speak volumes to you. They have the mineral tension that someone expects from exceptional burgundies and are as tightly coiled as anything from the Cote de Beaune.

But these are not facsimiles. They very much have their own spirit and with time in glass the wines unspool showing a playful side along with their inherent complexity. These have been such a welcome discovery. They provide so much of the pleasure we used to get from wines many of us have been priced out of. The flavors are beautiful and precise and are met with elegant texture and structure that one rarely finds in German Pinot and Chardonnay.

The huge risk of focusing on these traditional French varieties in the Pfalz, where Riesling is king, has paid off handsomely. This is their first appearance on the west coast and an opportunity for you to discover the exciting new producer early before the eventual press and comenserat price increases begin.

Stefan’s wines are the real deal. They are bursting with authenticity; expressive yet down to earth. They represent his unique blend of courage, innovation, experience, knowledge and intuition. We can’t get enough of them and we're pretty darn sure you will feel the same.