When, as a result of the French Revolution, the refectories of secularized monasteries were repurposed as cowsheds, no one could have guessed that this would lay the foundation for around 300 "cow chapels" in Rheinhessen. In the 19th century, master mason Franz Ostermayer from Eisenberg in the Palatinate developed stable buildings with cross vaults modeled on old monastery refectories, which were mainly built in Rheinhessen. In the 1970s, these luxury stables were converted into wine tasting rooms, sales rooms, and wine taverns, and are now considered a Rheinhessen trademark for stylish wine enjoyment.

In 1999, the Rheinhessen Wine Cellars Association was founded to represent the region with cultural and culinary events. "The Rheinhessen wine cellars are a symbol of Rheinhessen," says the jury, awarding the Best of Award to the association of 43 cellar owners who maintain this architectural cultural heritage and unique feature of Rheinhessen.