Nestled in the charming village of Bockenau lies the renowned Schäfer-Fröhlich winery, a true gem of the Nahe region and all of Germany. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, the Fröhlich family has been perfecting their craft of winemaking for generations. However, it was not until the 1970s that the Schäfer-Fröhlich winery was established through the union of two families, solidifying their legacy as one of the most esteemed wineries in the region.
Under the visionary leadership of Tim Fröhlich, the winery experienced a significant transformation in terms of quality in the mid-90s. At just 21 years old, Fröhlich took over the family business and quickly gained recognition for his precise and elegant winemaking style. Today, Schäfer-Fröhlich boasts over 50 acres of vineyards, strategically located in the best sites of the region, including Felseneck, Halenberg, and Frühlingsplätzchen in Monzingen, and Stromberg, Felsenberg, and Kupfergrube in Schlossböckelheim.
Fröhlich's dedication to terroir and meticulous attention to detail is evident in every bottle of wine produced by the winery. The steep and challenging terrain of their vineyards, with inclines of up to 70 percent, requires handwork, resulting in wines that truly reflect the unique characteristics of the land. The result is a lineup of graceful Rieslings, the hallmark of Schäfer-Fröhlich's house style, that maintain their acidity even in the warmest and driest vintages.
The winery's portfolio boasts six different Grosses Gewächs (GG) Rieslings, each representing the subtle differences in microclimates and soils. While the Felseneck GG is a fan favorite, all of Fröhlich's bottlings are equally exceptional and showcase the true pedigree of this family-run winery.
With an annual production of approximately 120,000 bottles, 85 percent of which is Riesling, Schäfer-Fröhlich wines consistently garner high praise from renowned wine publications. In 2019, the winery received the prestigious title of "Best White Wine in the World" from James Suckling, solidifying their position as one of the top producers not just in Germany, but in the world. Schäfer-Fröhlich is a must-try for any wine connoisseur seeking excellence and a true expression of the Nahe region.