Named after the “Wine Brook,” a small stream flowing through the estate, Domaine Weinbach was founded by Capucin monks in 1612. The estate is surrounded by the historic Clos du Capucin, a 9th-century monastic vineyard, and today all of the estate’s wines are labeled with this name. In 1898, two Faller brothers acquired the estate, which later passed on to Théo Faller. When Théo passed away in 1979, his legacy was carried forward by the Faller Triumvirate: his wife, Colette, and his two daughters, Cathy and Laurence, each contributing to the estate's growth and preservation of Théo's vision.

Tragically, Laurence passed away in 2014 at just 47 years old, followed by Colette less than a year later. The losses were significant for Alsace, as both had been pillars of the region's winemaking tradition. Today, Cathy continues their legacy with her two sons, Eddy and Theo, ensuring the domaine's future remains promising.

Domaine Weinbach holds an impressive 26 hectares of vineyards in the Kaysersberg valley in the Haut-Rhin of Alsace, situated between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. The vineyards are managed organically, emphasizing quality over quantity, with grapes hand-picked for vinification—a rarity in Alsace, where many producers often buy in grapes. Their approach to aging is passive, using large old oak fuders that allow each vineyard’s unique terroir, along with the nuances of grape variety and vintage, to shine through in these elegant and sophisticated wines.

Wine Style of Domaine Weinbach

The Rieslings run from the steel of Schlossberg’s highest vines, to Cuvee Colette’s wonderful succulent fruit and the lip-smacking tenderness of a magical Vendanges Tardives; Gewurztraminers are exuberant and powerful but also possess a singular Weinbach elegance; while the Pinot Gris Altenbourg is a picture of complex pleasure. Great vineyards account for half the story; a passionate, dedicated family adhering to traditional values and gentle winemaking techniques completes the picture.

Vineyards of Domaine Weinbach

Schlossberg is one of the great Alsatian vineyards. It was the very first to be classified Grand Cru and makes an impressive and imposing backdrop to Weinbach winery, established on this spot in 1612. It is here that the Fallers craft some of the region’s most prized wines. Steep hillside sites for the top wines, the ancient Clos des Capucins (first planted in the IXth Century) for the estate wines, organic farming, wild fermentations and low intervention winemaking in huge oak fuders and steel tanks – the elegant Weinbach style is born out of traditional production methods combined with a modern sensibility for balance and finesse.

Vintages of Domaine Weinbach

2010 Vintage

2010 was a unique vintage which produced wines of character, combining concentration and an exceptional freshness thanks to a vibrant acidity wrapped in pure, bright, ripe fruit. The racy structures and great depth of these wines should make them incredibly cellar-worthy. Below you will find Weinbach report of the growing season. 2010 saw the release of some incredibly charming, exotic 2009 late harvest, sweet wines, including one of Weinbach's rare and famous "Quintessence" Cuvees.

2009-2010 winter season had been very long and cold in Alsace with some days showing minus 18° C just before Christmas. Spring on the other hand started with warm and sunny days in April, with the budburst beginning around the 20th. It was followed by rainy and cold weather in May. Temperatures rose again and then flowering, which started on the 12th June, was spread over 2 weeks because of very humid and cold conditions. This resulted in significant problems with Coulure and Millerandage, making 2010 one of the smallest vintages on record.

The first three weeks of July saw some very hot weather which allowed a good ripening of the grapes and limited the risk of diseases in the vineyard. Weather cooled down at the end of July, August was damp and dull and kept the acidity at a high level. Fortunately the limited rain of September kept the grapes healthy and favoured the development of a pure Botrytis.

Harvest at Domaine Weinbach started on October 6th with our Pinot Noir and Pinot Auxerrois (Pinot Blanc). We picked then the Gewurztraminer Cuvée Théo and Cuvée Laurence, as well as the Sylvaner and Muscat. The first fortnight of October was sunny and fresh, helping to reach the sugar concentration that the grapes needed to balance the acidities. Our Rieslings and Pinot Gris were picked between October 14 and 28th.

Overall, the severe coulure problem during flowering reduced yields by 40% compared to 2009, which at the end of the day proved to be providential as it allowed the fewer grapes to reach high levels of concentration, hence balancing the acidities.

2012 Vintage

The 2012 growing season in Alsace was undoubtedly a complex one, but one which has nevertheless produced some truly delicious wines of great clarity, expression and harmony. Frost damage in February was followed by a milder March, with humid conditions prevailing over April and May. Flowering as a result began late and lasted through June. Sporadic rainfall kept humidity levels high throughout July. The resulting threat of disease had the team at Weinbach busy right the way up until a drying burst of hot weather in August. Fortunately, the August heat spike wasn’t prolonged and by September cooler temperatures had returned to the vineyards surrounding Kaysersberg, allowing for steady ripening without any undue loss of acidity.

Harvest began on the 25th September with the Pinot Gris vines from the Schlossberg Vineyard, followed swiftly by the Gewurztraminer from the Clos des Capucines. Rain in October brought with it the further threat of rot and as a result there was much to be done on the sorting table. Rieslings were harvested between 17th and 24th October, followed by Furstentum and Mambourg Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives.

Such hurdles throughout the season have seen yields reduced by 20-25%, a smaller decrease than others around France perhaps, yet still a significant factor in the resulting quality of the wines on offer.

If quantitively small, stylistically this is a hugely attractive vintage, with precise yet open fruit profiles, good vineyard definition and clear fresh lines of acidity across the range. They marry ripeness with restraint without sacrificing complexity, and most importantly they possess that all important quality for ageing, harmony.

2013 Vintage

The 2013 vintage proved challenging for Alsace winemakers as adverse weather conditions posed numerous obstacles. May brought cool, dreary weather that delayed flowering and led to uneven fruit set, or “coulure,” affecting all varieties. In contrast, July and August saw extreme heat and dryness, raising concerns about hydric stress. However, sporadic rainfall provided some relief for the thirsty vines, requiring vigilant pruning to control vegetative growth.

By September, despite these difficulties, the vines were in reasonable shape, albeit slightly behind schedule. The smaller grape clusters retained good acidity and fresh fruit characteristics as they approached maturity. Ideal September weather, with cool nights and clear days, allowed harvest to start on October 3rd. However, intermittent October rains encouraged the growth of Botrytis, pushing the Fallers and their team to work quickly as Botrytis spread, reducing yields as sugar levels spiked. The harvest concluded on October 25th, with the final Gewürztraminer grapes from Mambourg and Furstentum brought to the winery. The estate's yields averaged only 28 hectoliters per hectare, limiting the quantity of wine available.

Now bottled, the wines of 2013 showcase freshness and vibrancy, though they are far from lightweight. Catherine Faller described them as "juicy," with a richness, complexity, and clarity across the range—from Sylvaner to the top Gewürztraminers. While lean in texture, the wines maintain a luxurious quality where appropriate, especially in certain Gewürztraminers. The fruit is vibrant, supported by ripe acidity and the signature elegance of Domaine Weinbach. The Schlossberg Rieslings, though scarce, stand out with a particularly clear, mineral, and incisive profile.

2014 Vintage

The 2014 vintage at Weinbach is one characterized by sadness, a fact attested to by the release of two tribute bottlings, one to Catherine Faller's sister Laurence and the other to their mother Colette. For a single family to lose two of the region's most recognizable figures in such a short space of time was cruel indeed.

The season itself saw one of the earliest bud-breaks on record amid warm and dry conditions. Flowering went well, and the vines looked set to produce an above-average-sized crop—so much so that Cathy’s son Theo took the seemingly sensible decision to carry out a green harvest at the end of July. September was fine, with good levels of sunshine, and harvest began on the 23rd in fine conditions. While the team had to wait until October for malic acid levels in the Riesling grapes to drop, September saw the Clos des Capucins harvested, alongside early-ripening plots of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.

But then, with dreaded efficiency, the fruit flies arrived. Much has been said about the dreaded Drosophila suzukii in recent times—but what you really need to know is that they attack ripe fruit only, and with maddening speed. All that can realistically be done is increase your picking numbers and be prepared to sort, sort, and sort again. It is not hard spotting the affected bunches; the smell of vinegar is unmissable.

And so it was that the decision to green harvest, combined with the heavy selection needed to sort out any affected bunches, led to a painfully low average yield of just 27 hl/ha across the board, and as low as 15 hl/ha for Gewurztraminer. Quantity aside, the Fallers have produced a lovely vintage of great quality. The 2014s represent freshness, poise, and assured profiles—fitting attributes given the two people this vintage serves to remember.

2015 Vintage

The 2015 vintage at Domaine Weinbach has produced exceptional wines, albeit in smaller volumes than they—and we—would have wanted. It was a vintage primarily defined by warm and dry conditions, much as in Burgundy and elsewhere in France, with a particularly acute wave of hot weather throughout July. Timely rains in August, 9 mm on the 9th alone, helped to refresh the vines and prevent serious hydric stress, while simultaneously heralding the start of cooler weather at night, which prevented excessive sugar accumulation and allowed the grapes to maintain good levels of acidity.

In the end, harvest for the Fallers began relatively early, on 8th September, and lasted through until 5th November, with the last grapes to come in being some exceptionally delicious late-harvest Gewurztraminer from the Grand Cru Furstentum. All the Schlossberg Rieslings were harvested between 22nd and 28th September.

With this set of wines, Domaine Weinbach once again proves to be a benchmark estate in Alsace, capable of producing wines of incredible elegance, balance, and poise. The Rieslings range from the steel of Schlossberg’s highest vines to Cuvée Colette’s wonderful succulent fruit and the lip-smacking tenderness of a magical Vendanges Tardives. Gewurztraminers are exuberant and powerful but also possess a singular Weinbach elegance, while the Pinot Gris Altenbourg is a picture of complex pleasure. Great vineyards account for half the story; a passionate, dedicated family adhering to traditional values and gentle winemaking techniques completes the picture.

2016 Vintage

The season presented no shortage of challenges, and yet the resulting wines display all the elegance and personality we’ve come to expect from this great estate.

Spared the late April frosts that caused widespread problems across other parts of France (the Vosges mountains providing a natural barrier), the region was nevertheless beset with a soggy spring and early summer, not unlike what the British have come to know well. Intense mildew pressure meant much time was spent among the vines, particularly for an estate as committed to organic and biodynamic principles as Domaine Weinbach. Flowering was delayed as a result of this poor weather, and the eventual harvest was both long and late.

Summer eventually arrived in mid-July when a spike of warm weather and an end to the rain gave the grapes a much-needed push toward ripeness. The team, sensing the prospect of an extremely late harvest, did all they could to energize the crop through green harvesting, leaf removal, and careful vineyard floor management. Harvest eventually began on the 29th of September and ran through to November 4th—a waiting game that carried with it the risk of more adverse weather. But the gamble paid off, and the team was able to harvest ripe grapes of aromatic complexity and beautifully structured acidities—a testament to great vineyards and intensive work during the season.

With these 2016s, the team at Weinbach, with Catherine now joined by both of her sons, has produced another benchmark range of wines that confirms their place as a true standard-bearer for great Alsatian wines.

2017 Vintage

After the challenges this estate has faced in recent years, things appear to be looking bright for the Faller family, with both of Catherine Faller’s sons now working full-time at the estate. The 2017s display all the elegance and sure-footedness we love in these grand and complex wines from Kayserberg’s finest sites. Indeed, 2017 strikes us as a vintage of calm, elegant, sleekly textured wines bursting with ripe fruit profiles and pleasing acidities.

The vintage itself was marked by extreme climatic conditions. A warm and dry start to the year saw budding occur up to three weeks earlier than average, which unfortunately led to damage from disastrous frosts on the nights of the 19th and 20th of April. The final losses amounted to 50% of the Gewurztraminer crop and 25% of the Riesling and Pinot Gris crops.

Following this came rapid flowering in warm conditions, followed by a predominantly warm and dry summer. A little rain in July punctuated the arid summer, and the official start date for the Alsatian harvest was set for 1st September, an unusually early date. The Fallers, seeking optimal phenolic ripeness, waited a full three weeks longer, beginning on the 21st of September. Their last grapes came in on the 16th of October after what they describe as a "poker game," where patience and risk-taking allowed them to enjoy a perfect Indian summer during the harvest.

The results speak for themselves: ripeness and harmony abound in this classical Weinbach range of liquid treasures. With limited quantities due to the vintage conditions, we advise ordering without delay.

2018 Vintage

The 2018 vintage saw one of the warmest and driest seasons in recent memory across France, and Alsace was no exception. Spring arrived early, with warmer-than-usual conditions that prompted an early bud-break. Flowering went well, and the warm summer meant rapid grape development, with minimal disease pressure throughout. The only real challenge was keeping the vines hydrated, as rainfall was scarce, especially during the critical summer months.

Harvest began on 30th August, one of the earliest start dates in recent memory. This early picking was essential to preserve freshness and acidity in the grapes. Thankfully, the night-time temperatures remained relatively cool, which allowed the grapes to maintain their acidity despite the warm days. Rieslings from the estate's higher vineyards, like the Schlossberg, benefited the most from these conditions, yielding wines of impressive concentration and balance.

The resulting wines from 2018 showcase a vintage of remarkable ripeness, concentration, and finesse. Rieslings are particularly aromatic and expressive, with layers of stone fruit, citrus, and mineral undertones. Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris are plush and opulent, yet retain a freshness that keeps them balanced and focused. Domaine Weinbach’s dedication to biodynamic practices and meticulous vineyard management shines through in this vintage, resulting in wines that are not only complex and age-worthy but also true expressions of their unique terroirs.

2019 Vintage

The 2019 vintage at Domaine Weinbach reflects a year of balance and elegance, with wines displaying refined acidity and concentration. The growing season began with a mild winter and an early spring, setting the stage for a promising year. Flowering occurred under favorable conditions, and the summer was warm but not excessively hot, allowing the vines to progress steadily.

One of the hallmarks of 2019 was the balance between ripeness and acidity, thanks to cool nights that helped maintain freshness in the grapes. Harvest began in mid-September, with the team at Weinbach carefully timing each pick to capture the optimal phenolic ripeness in each parcel. Yields were slightly below average, but the quality was exceptional across all varieties.

The 2019 wines at Domaine Weinbach are marked by their purity, finesse, and balance. Rieslings are particularly crystalline, with vibrant acidity and mineral depth that promises longevity. The Gewurztraminers are aromatic and complex, with a restrained opulence that showcases the estate’s elegant style. Pinot Gris wines are rich and textured, with a hint of smokiness that adds complexity. This is a vintage that will reward patience, as these wines have the structure and concentration to age gracefully for many years.

2020 Vintage

The 2020 vintage at Domaine Weinbach was one marked by challenges and resilience, with the team adapting to both climatic and logistical hurdles. The season started with an early bud-break, followed by a cool and rainy spring that delayed flowering. However, the summer months were warm and dry, allowing the vines to catch up and the grapes to develop excellent concentration and ripeness.

Harvest began slightly earlier than usual, in early September, under perfect conditions. The team at Weinbach focused on careful selection to ensure only the healthiest grapes made it into the winery. This meticulous approach was essential in a year that presented both ideal ripening conditions and occasional disease pressure.

The resulting wines from the 2020 vintage are vibrant, with a wonderful interplay between ripeness and acidity. Rieslings are expressive and zesty, with layers of citrus, white flowers, and a distinctive minerality. Gewurztraminer is perfumed and lush, yet retains a lively freshness that keeps the palate balanced. Pinot Gris from this vintage is particularly compelling, with a richness and depth that speaks to the unique terroirs of the estate. The 2020 collection showcases Domaine Weinbach’s commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking, with wines that are both approachable now and capable of aging beautifully.

2021 Vintage

The 2021 vintage was a challenging year for Domaine Weinbach, as it was for many in Alsace and across Europe. The year began with a mild winter, followed by a cold and wet spring that brought with it devastating frost, which affected yields significantly. Flowering was delayed, and the rainy conditions throughout spring and early summer created pressure from mildew, requiring careful vineyard management to maintain grape health.

The summer months were relatively cool, allowing for slow, steady ripening, but with lower yields than usual. Harvest began later than in recent years, with the team carefully selecting grapes to ensure only the best fruit made it into the wines. Despite the lower quantity, the quality of the fruit that survived the challenging season was exceptional, resulting in wines of remarkable freshness and precision.

The 2021 wines at Domaine Weinbach are marked by a return to elegance, with lower alcohol levels and heightened acidity. Rieslings are focused and linear, with beautiful citrus, green apple, and floral aromas. Gewurztraminer is more restrained than in riper years, with aromatic spice and floral notes that shine without being overly opulent. Pinot Gris from this vintage is delicate and fresh, showcasing Domaine Weinbach’s dedication to crafting wines that reflect the vintage’s challenges while remaining true to their terroir. This vintage has produced wines that are ideal for early drinking, with a vibrant energy and purity that are both refreshing and food-friendly.

2022 Vintage

The 2022 vintage at Domaine Weinbach represents a return to a more balanced growing season, after the extremes of recent years. Winter was mild, leading to an early bud-break in the spring. The season progressed with favorable conditions, with minimal frost and disease pressure. Summer was warm but not overly hot, and occasional rain showers provided much-needed hydration to the vines.

Harvest commenced in mid-September under ideal conditions, allowing the team at Weinbach to pick each parcel at the optimal time. The even ripening and healthy fruit provided a foundation for wines that are both concentrated and balanced. The team’s focus on biodynamic practices contributed to the health and resilience of the vines, even during warmer periods.

Wines from the 2022 vintage at Domaine Weinbach are expressive, with a balance of ripeness and acidity that promises both early approachability and aging potential. Rieslings are lively and mineral-driven, with a purity of fruit and refreshing acidity. Gewurztraminer is aromatic and exotic, yet with a finesse that reflects the estate’s elegant style. Pinot Gris is round and textured, with a depth and complexity that highlights the unique terroirs of the estate. This vintage showcases the domaine’s commitment to quality and terroir expression, resulting in wines that are approachable yet capable of evolving beautifully over time.

2023 Vintage

2023 is a vintage that clearly signposts the even finer-tuned, lithe and filigreed approach to the wines that Eddy Leiber-Faller has been pushing for since returning to the estate. Almost all the range, save for the Gewurztraminers, are now fermented to dryness – a move that has rendered the individual vineyard signatures clearer than ever – favouring “juiciness over opulence”. 2023 was a vintage that began a little later than usual and ended a little later than usual with next to no mildew pressures in the vineyards. Typically, the sign of a great year, yields across the range were on the upper end of the spectrum, producing wines in a less concentrated, less phenolic feel compared to the whites released last year. Muscular structure in the top wines has been replaced this year by a certain race and salty grip. Where last year, the Pinot Gris stood out as being exceptional to us, in 2023 the slow ripening and harvest conditions (over five weeks) has produced some mesmerising Rieslings and, remarkably, Gewurztraminers that are every inch the great wines the variety has the potential to be. Alcohols across the range are half a degree on average down on last year, at 12.5-13.5%. These are wines that marry refreshment with detail and traditional, Alsatian quality.

This is a vintage that will please the lovers of fresh, easy drinking wines, although they also show quite enough structure to make them food friendly and immensely gastronomic. – Eddy Leiber-Faller.

Sylvaner, Reserve, 2023

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