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The VDP winery Markgraf von Baden announced last week that it will clear 60 hectares of vines at Lake Constance. In addition, the wine line bearing the estate's name "Markgraf von Baden" will be discontinued with the 2024 vintage. It was unclear whether the Markgrafen family would remain a member of the VDP with their second winery at Staufenberg Castle in Ortenau. There, the House of Baden has a Grand Cru site with Durbacher Staufenberg Castle. In response to an inquiry from the wein.plus editorial team, Theresa Olkus, managing director of the VDP, stated: "The areas to be cleared are exclusively vineyards at Lake Constance – even though the details still need to be clarified. Staufenberg Castle will continue to be a member of the VDP."
According to the regional daily newspaper Südkurier, the winery has not recorded sufficient sales for the Markgraf von Baden brand and has partly reported losses. "These wines are traditionally marketed regionally, primarily through specialty retailers and in restaurants. Distribution channels that have experienced drastic declines in recent years," said Bernhard Markgraf von Baden to the Südkurier.
Regarding the future, the entrepreneur said: "In the future, wheat, spelt, sunflowers, and soy will grow on the areas. And we will have sheep grazing on clover and cover crops. The previously conventionally cultivated vines will be replaced to expand and strengthen our ecological agriculture at Lake Constance. Organic is a megatrend, and I am fully committed to it. Through our agricultural operation, we have the opportunity to respond flexibly."
(ru / Own research, Südkurier)