The Franken region (a.k.a. Franconia) lies within the state of Bavaria, a two hours’ drive east of Frankfurt in the opposite direction from what most Americans know as German “wine country.” It possesses its own unique history, language, and geology, distinct from the Rhineland-Palatinate. A variety of grapes are grown along the Main River and its tributary the Regnitz, including Riesling and Pinot Noir. But Franken is indisputably the homeland of Silvaner, the centuries-old grape variety that defines the region for German wine lovers.

Weingut Am Stein sits in the western part of Franconia where limestone and terraced vineyards define the style of Silvaner made there: racy, savory, firmer and more linear than the versions farther east. The estate is in the village of Würzburg at the foot of the 1,200+ year old Würzburger Stein, one of the most famous grand cru’s in Europe. At 85 hectares, it is also one of the largest. Towering slopes of pure limestone form a concave bowl that looms dramatically over the Main River.

Ludwig and Sandra Knoll, the fifth generation of the family to lead the estate, took over in 1991 and built the stunning cubic buildings of glass, oak, exposed concrete and clay in which the winery is housed today. The estate owns 39 hectares of naturally farmed vineyards. No synthetic or chemical pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers are used. Top sites include the Würzburger Stein and Stettener Stein grand cru’s and Innere Leiste 1er Cru. Am Stein is a VDP member winery, certified biodynamic by Respekt and certified EU organic (DE-Öko-022).