Karthäuserhof Winery: Andrea Wirsching is the new managing director
On October 1st, Andrea Wirsching will take over the management of the traditional VDP winery on the Ruwer River and continue the established path together with the existing team.
Andrea Wirsching brings extensive experience from renowned VDP wineries. After her time at Weingut Schloss Saarstein, she took over responsibility at the family winery, Hans Wirsching, in Iphofen. Since 2016, she has managed the business there and significantly shaped the development of one of Franconia's most famous wineries. With the handover to the next generation, a new chapter begins for her at Karthäuserhof.
“The Karthäuserhof is a place of great tranquility and great power,” says Andrea Wirsching. “Its history, its location, and the clarity of its Rieslings deeply move me. Equally important to me is the team: With Mathieu Kauffmann and Dominik Völk, I have individuals at my side who understand and embrace the character of the estate. I look forward to working with them and the entire team to strengthen what makes the Karthäuserhof so special – its unique radiance.”
The Karthäuserhof estate was founded by Carthusian monks in 1335. The winery has been in the family since 1811. Albert Behler is the seventh generation to own this historic property. In 2012, he took over the VDP winery from his cousin, Christoph Tyrell. Together with his wife, Robin Kramer, Albert Behler is committed to preserving the historic site and strengthening the winery. Their aim remains to draw new strength from their own history and to maintain the unique character of the Karthäuserhof.
“Andrea and I have known and appreciated each other for many years,” says Albert Behler. “She combines experience, energy, and a deep understanding of wine. For Karthäuserhof, she is the right person to continue on the path we have chosen.”
The winery's focus remains unchanged. Mathieu Kauffmann continues as Oenological Director, responsible for wine philosophy and style, while Dominik Völk oversees viticulture, production, and operations. Andrea Wirsching takes over the management of a VDP winery where the entire team already embraces origin, Riesling, and traditional craftsmanship.
A key symbol of this positive development will be the new wine shop. It is being built within the historic complex at the foot of the Karthäuserhof hill, where the Eitelsbach stream flows through the courtyard and the coolness of the Ruwer Valley becomes palpable. Upon its completion at the end of 2026, the Karthäuserhof will open itself up even more to wine lovers seeking exceptional Rieslings and unique settings. Just outside Trier, a new destination for connoisseurs is emerging, bringing the history and extraordinary atmosphere of this place to life.
Above the Carthusian Court
The vineyards in Eitelsbach an der Ruwer were first documented in 1223. The present-day VDP winery Karthäuserhof was founded in 1335 by Carthusian monks who received the estate as a gift from Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg and cultivated it until secularization. The eighth oldest winery in the world has been family-owned since 1811. Today, Albert Behler manages the winery in the seventh generation. Karthäuserhof derives its reputation from its elegant, mineral Rieslings from the legendary monopole Grand Cru vineyard Karthäuserhofberg, at the foot of which lies the listed historical ensemble. The Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) classifies Karthäuserhofberg as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE (Grand Cru). Its unique terroir – the interplay of Devonian slate, the cool Ruwer climate, organic farming, and other characteristics, both natural and shaped by human intervention – gives rise to distinctive wines with immense aging potential, as well as a sparkling wine of character. Their uniqueness delights wine lovers around the globe. Unmistakably Karthäuserhof, they are visually distinguished by the expressive neck labels that have adorned Karthäuserhof wines for 120 years.