Villa In Paradise: Menger-Krug – in harmony with nature

The Menger-Krug family manages two vineyards and one sparkling wine production facility. Its primary objective is to preserve the resources for future generations, which is typical for a family that started making wine in 1758.

The “Villa in Paradise” is located in the Palatinate along the German Wine Road in Deidesheim, just next to the town entrance. The place is truly close to paradise, and not only because of the surrounding wine location called Garden of Paradise. The vineyards, carefully maintained according to organic principles, start right behind the pretty villa, which was built in 1838 in the style of a Florentine palace. Villa In Paradise is also the label of a selection of family wines, which is made every year: always one white wine, one red wine, and one dessert wine. Visitors can sample the wines made by the Menger-Krug family in the vinotheque. The Menger-Krug family is originally from the Rheinhessen wine region, where the Krug’sche Hof has been operated in Gau-Odernheim since 1758. Klaus Menger-Krug met the winemaker’s daughter Regina Motzenbäcker as a student at the renowned winemaking school in Geisenheim.

Together, they set themselves the goal to make top sparkling wines from German soil by using traditional methods – a novelty back then, at the end of the 1970s. The two pioneers presented their first sparkling wine in 1981. Only Riesling, Burgundy varieties and Chardonnay are being used for the classy sparkling wines by Menger-Krug; before being disgorged, they rest on the yeast for up to 24 months.

The wines from the Motzenbäcker vineyards are typical for the Palatine region. For years, a late Riesling vintage grown on sandstone with the pretty name “…so close to heaven” was served in Lufthansa’s first class and in first class on Thai Airways, too. The Krug’sche Hof produces noteworthy wines such as the White Burgundy Keltic Terre. A healthy vineyard is very important for Regina and Klaus Menger-Krug. In order to improve soil quality and balance in the “vineyard” monoculture through plant variety in the vine rows, healing plants such as yarrow, chamomile, and calendula are planted.

Like her parents, Marie Menger-Krug studied winemaking in Geisenheim and took over various tasks in the winery. She loves to work in the vineyards and in the winery, always consistent with nature. The family estate will remain in good care for sure.