History

The knights of von Kesselstatt first arrived in the Duchy surrounding the town of Trier as early as the 14th century. The oldest recorded transaction concerning vineyards is dated 1349. In 1362 Johann von Kesselstatt was appointed by Kuno von Falkenstein then Prince-Regent of the area, to head his entire household which included responsibility for the cellars and all lands. In 1776 the noble family von Kesselstatt was rewarded by being ordained into the higher Order of Counts by Kaiser Josef II. In May 1787 Prince Clemens Wenzeslaus of Saxony issued an edict demanding that only pure, so called Rhein Rootstock and better vines be used for all vineyard planting throughout the kingdom. This was vigorously enforced by the Head of the Household Johann Hugo Casimir Graf von Kesselstatt. Correspondence included in the Kesselstatt archives contain instructions to all vineyard tenants dated 3 January 1787 which instructs that "better vines" refers to Riesling.

The Kesselstatt Palace, situated in the heart of Trier opposite the Cathedral is one of the most remarkable examples of Baroque architecture north of the Alps and was home to the Estate and its wines from 1746 until 1999. The entire Palace, including the inner-courtyard was lovingly restored to their original glory by Gunther Reh following his aquisition of the Estate in 1978.Today the Palace is a thriving cultural centre and popular meeting place with its winebar and Kesselstatt restaurant. In 1983, Annegret Reh together with husband Gerhard Gartner succeeded her father as head of the Estate. In 1999, together with their long-serving team they transfered the entire wine operation to purpose built facilities on the River Ruwer at Schloss Marienlay.

Annegret and Gerhard Gartner have, over the past decade been able to achieve the almost impossible, that delicate balance between a successful working relationship and private life. Inseparable both from each other and their love for food and wine. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt today ranks among the most prestigious and renowned Riesling Estates on the Moselle and indeed throughout the whole of Germany.