Fritz Walter Winery

Perhaps when many people hear the name Fritz Walter, they first think of one of Germany’s most famous footballers: the captain of the 1954 World Cup-winning team. But the Palatinate has not only produced an outstanding footballer by that name, but also an exceptional winemaker: Fritz Walter, who founded the winery in Niederhorbach, between the Palatinate Forest and the Rhine, in 1832.

Today, Eckhard Walter, representing the fifth generation, and Lisa-Marie “Liesl” Walter, the sixth generation, work together at the winery – with great passion, experience and a flair for contemporary viticulture. This is where long-standing tradition meets fresh ideas and new perspectives.

At Fritz Walter, what has developed over generations is combined with professional winemaking and a clear product range strategy. The family-run winery cultivates around 46 hectares of vineyards, with a focus on white grape varieties. Pinot Gris, covering around 10 hectares, is the estate’s most important grape variety. A variety of soils, such as limestone, loess, red sandstone and calcareous marl, lend the wines their distinctive Palatinate character.

Quality always takes precedence over maximum yield. Sustainable viticulture, meticulous work in the vineyard and a distinct style in the cellar form the basis for wines that are intended to do one thing above all else: to be a simple source of pleasure whilst showcasing their character.

Eckhard Walter built the wine shop in 1995 and extended it again in 2010 to 100 square metres. Walter’s basic idea was straightforward: his aim was to preserve tradition at one of the oldest estates in the Palatinate, without any contrived, modern frills. Consequently, the walls are built of plain natural sandstone, and the shelves are made of simple wood and steel.

For those wishing to explore the area in more detail – the palaces and castles, the Palatinate Forest or Alsace – or for those who want to go hiking and cycling along the Wine Routeor in the Rhine Valley – the Fritz Walter Winery is the perfect starting point, particularly the ‘WeinHotel’, which is run by Eckhard’s wife, Christine. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, from country cottages and winegrowers’ houses to the manor house. In 2020, 16 modern, boutique-style rooms will be added, complete with a spa area and the highest standards of relaxation.

So it’s quite a lovely place to stay. I’m sure the footballing namesake would have felt right at home on the vineyard too.

Wine shop opening hours

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 12:00