Where to taste Merlot in Rheingau: the estates that grow it, how the region expresses the grape, and how to book a visit.

Merlot estates in Rheingau

Weingut Prinz von Hessen ★ 4.6

VDP.Grosse Lage RheingauRiesling, Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Merlot36.2 haFounded 1957Donatus Landgraf von HessenWinemaker Sascha HuberJohannisberg

The Hesse family estate at Grund 1 in Johannisberg, 36 ha and 92% Riesling under chairman Donatus Landgraf von Hessen; VDP member since 1969.

Tasting: Tastings and group tours by appointment at the Grund estate; year-round Vinothek hours posted on the producer site.

Weingut Paul Laquai ★ 4.3

Rheingau PradikatsweinRiesling, Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotFounded 1858Laquai familyWinemaker Laquai familyLorch and Lorchhausen

A Lorch family estate working steep grey-slate slopes for Riesling-led dry whites and Pinot Noir; Weinwirtschaft Laquai in the half-timbered village centre.

Tasting: Lorch Weinwirtschaft in a half-timbered house in the village centre with regional home-cooked food paired with estate wines; tastings and direct sales.

Weingut Crass ★ 4.3

Rheingau PradikatsweinRiesling, Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, MerlotFounded 1860Crass family (Matthias Crass)Winemaker Matthias CrassErbach

Matthias Crass's family Erbach estate, working Steinmorgen, Hohenrain, Michelmark and Kiedricher Sandgrub; runs a restaurant in the historic Burg Crass since 2016.

Tasting: Burg Crass estate restaurant and Gutsausschank in the historic Erbach buildings; tastings, gardens and barrier-free Vinothek.

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All Rheingau vineyards →