Fritz Waßmer Winery – Burgundian Elegance from the Markgräflerland

Nestled in the picturesque Markgräflerland region, the Fritz Waßmer winery has earned an outstanding reputation since its founding. Numerous national and international awards, including medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards and top ratings in leading wine guides (Gault & Millau, Vinum, Der Feinschmecker, Eichelmann), attest to the exceptional quality of the wines.

Family Tradition & Burgundian Inspiration

The Waßmer family has a long-standing agricultural heritage, but Fritz Waßmer's true passion lies in winemaking – particularly Pinot Noir. His visits to Burgundy deeply influenced his philosophy: great wines are born from the interplay of terroir, climate, and craftsmanship.

Since releasing his first wines in 1999, he has been committed to producing powerful, long-lived wines in the Burgundian style. Today, the estate cultivates around 46 hectares across the Breisgau, Kaiserstuhl, and Markgräflerland regions. Pinot Noir accounts for 55 % of plantings, followed by Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and international varieties such as Viognier, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. High-density planting (9,000–12,000 vines/ha) ensures premium quality.

Terroir & Microclimate

Soils include volcanic deposits, clay, loess, and shell limestone. South- and southeast-facing slopes, optimal drainage, cool airflows from the Black Forest, and the mild Rhine Valley climate allow for slow grape ripening – ideal for complex aromas, crisp acidity, and refined structure.

Wine Style & Maturation

The winery produces wines in three quality tiers:

Estate Wines – Fresh and fruit-driven, fermented in stainless steel to preserve varietal character.
Premium Wines – From low-yield parcels in top vineyards, matured in barriques. White wines age up to 12 months for added complexity and length.
Single Vineyard Wines (Cru/Grosses Gewächs) – The estate’s flagships, crafted from five select crus and matured 100 % in new barriques. Yields are reduced to 40–50 kg/are for maximum concentration and aging potential.

Burgundian Red Winemaking

Red wines, especially Pinot Noir, are vinified following Burgundian tradition. Spontaneous fermentation with whole clusters occurs in open-top wooden vats. The wines are then aged in 228-liter French oak barriques (medium toast), which support maturation without dominating the wine. International varieties are matured in classic 225-liter Bordeaux barriques.

Philosophy & Future

Fritz Waßmer believes: “Wine quality is born in the vineyard.” All grapes are hand-harvested, and only the best reach the cellar. The taste of the grape determines the taste of the wine – what isn’t in the fruit can’t be added later.

Together with the next generation – his daughter Lisa and his son Felix – Fritz Waßmer continues to pursue his vision: wines with character, depth, and Burgundian finesse.”

Saulheim Spätburgunder Kalkstein (Pinot Noir)

My German Pavilion