Back in 2009, in his thesis for his degree in oenology at Geisenheim University, he focused on "sustainability in viticulture" – at that time, it was not yet a major topic, with only New Zealand showing the first signs of interest. "You have to act, not just talk about it!" is the motto of this hands-on winemaker from Rheinhessen. Today, there are hardly any ambitious wineries that do not refer to "sustainability." But in Essenheim, it becomes clear that a climate-conscious concept is more than just a marketing term.

For Stefan Braunewell, sustainability does not stop at the cellar door: biodynamic viticulture in the vineyard and in the cellar is one aspect – but for the Braunewells, it is about taking a holistic view. All operational processes are organized down to the last detail with sustainability in mind. Since 2016, the Rheinhessen winery has been a certified member of the FAIR'N GREEN association – the most demanding of the three sustainability certificates. "A continuous process – we want to get better every year!" is the motto of the Rheinhessen winegrowing family.

The roots of the Braunewell winery go back to Huguenots who immigrated to Essenheim in 1655. As a typical mixed agricultural business, the grandfather settled the farm outside the village about 50 years ago. At that time, it still included 1,500 sour cherry trees.

No new construction on a greenfield site: between 2018 and 2020, the existing buildings were completely renovated in line with climate-friendly principles. The architecturally appealing building welcomes visitors in a lounge-like entrance hall that bears little resemblance to conventional tasting rooms.

Complete soil profiles at the counter impressively show the interior of the limestone soil of the vineyards. Four generations live on the winery: "The two sandwich generations do the work," explains Stefan. The tasks are clearly divided: Father Axel takes care of outdoor operations and drives the tractor, mother Ursula organizes the office, brother Christian is the cellar master and responsible for quality work in the vineyard, and Stefan is responsible for sales and organization.

Three houses, four households: only €200 worth of energy is purchased annually for heating – sustainability can be that inexpensive. However, without the outstanding quality of the wine, the impressive ecological balance sheet would be of little value. But the Braunewells also score points when it comes to sustainability in the glass: the winery specialized in Pinot Gris early on: 30% of the 28 hectares are planted with this grape variety, the same amount as Riesling.

The relevant wine guides award the Pinot Gris wines, especially those from the "Teufelspfad" vineyard, the highest marks for Rheinhessen. The Braunewells also deliver top quality with their "Braunewell Dinter Rosé": a rosé cuvée, matured like a top red wine, made from the best Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and Merlot grapes, aged in barriques.

They also achieve the highest recognition with their top sparkling wine "Grande Année" – one of the premium sparkling wines in Germany. Wine quality and sustainability as a permanent optimization process – Christian Braunewell has just been looking into small wind turbines: these could be the next investment.

The Braunewell Winery more than deserves the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2022 in the category "Sustainability in Wine Tourism" nationally, internationally, and the "People's Choice Award": they implement climate-conscious actions holistically—from the cellar with climate zones to the roof with solar panels.