Written in Character
A winery expansion that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings
Neugebauer Architekten's latest project at Rüdesheimer Straße 8b has expanded Weingut Leitz with a state-of-the-art warehouse and wine tasting room—addressing both operational efficiency and the winery's growing international presence. As the business scaled beyond Germany's borders, storage capacity became critical. The solution was twofold: dedicated warehouse space and a versatile tasting venue. This new wine tasting room seats 200 guests and doubles as an event space, complete with an impressive bar and outdoor grill overlooking the Rheingau. Whether hosting weddings, celebrations, or conferences, it offers the perfect backdrop.
The building also incorporates eight holiday apartments positioned discreetly at the rear, allowing Motel Leitz to offer guests quality accommodations with sauna facilities and unobstructed views of the Niederwald Monument. But how does such an addition fit into an established winery's architectural identity? The answer lies in thoughtful integration. "Johannes Leitz is deeply committed to a distinctive design language that reflects his company's philosophy," explains architect Jens-Paul Neugebauer. "This isn't limited to his wines—he wants his entire enterprise to communicate this vision." The warehouse achieves this through careful material choices: exposed concrete and metal-clad wood siding echo the recently completed office building. The doors, metalwork, and expansive glazing of the tasting room are all finished in black, maintaining visual continuity with the existing complex.
At Leitz, transparency and quality aren't just principles—they're embedded in every architectural detail. The design speaks through restraint: no ornamentation, only purposeful elements. Every material selected balances premium quality with practicality: durable, low-maintenance, and elegantly understated. "This expansion represents our commitment to thoughtfully advancing the Rheingau's architectural landscape," Neugebauer concludes. "And I believe we've delivered on that promise."
www.leitz-wein.de
www.jpn-architekten.de
Photography:
Sandra Hauer
www.nahdran.com
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 03|24)