Have you ever wondered where tradition and compassion intertwine? The Spitalkellerei Konstanz is just that. It is more than just a winery. Its story stretches back centuries. We are standing in front of the Spitalkellerei in the Brückengasse. The medieval vaulted cellars whisper tales of healing and heritage.
The Spitalkellerei Konstanz is Germany’s oldest still-existing winery owned by a charitable foundation. Since 1225, it has belonged to the Spitalstiftung Konstanz. This foundation supports the needy and sick. Today, it runs several nursing homes and a hospital.
In the past, giving wine to patients was part of the Spitalstiftung’s mission. Wine helped them heal and regain strength. Today, the Spitalkellerei continues this legacy. Its profits benefit the Spitalstiftung.
Until 2002, the Spitalkellerei was run by the city. Then, Stefan Düringer and Hubert Böttcher leased it. They now manage it as Spitalkellerei Konstanz Böttcher & Düringer GbR. They continue the winery’s traditions.
The vineyards of the Spitalkellerei span over 20 hectares. They are in Konstanz and Meersburg. In 2015, they produced 150000 liters of wine. The winery cultivates eleven hectares in Meersburger Haltnau. It also leases four hectares in Meersburg. In Konstanz, it has 4.5 hectares at Raiteberg. Another 3.5 hectares are in Sierenmoos.
The Spitalkellerei grows grape varieties typical for Lake Constance. These include Müller-Thurgau, Spätburgunder, and Grauburgunder. They also grow Weißburgunder, Traminer, Regent, and Cabernet Mitos. Schwarzriesling is used for sparkling wine. The Haltnauer Weißherbst is especially well-known.
But there is more to the Spitalkellerei Konstanz. Legend says that each city councilor recited a table prayer. This happened when they dined with Wendelgard von Meersburg. Wendelgard was not considered beautiful. People avoided her because of her appearance. She thought people wanted to poison her. She turned to the councilors of Meersburg. Wendelgard offered her vineyard’s income to the Spital. In return, she wanted lifelong care. Also, a councilor had to dine with her daily.
The councilors of Meersburg refused. So, Wendelgard negotiated with the council of Konstanz. The city agreed. Since then, the city owned Wendelgard’s Haltnau vineyard.
This legend may come from a real donation. In 1272, Ulrich Sumbri gave a vineyard in Haltnau to the Heilig-Geist-Spital in Konstanz. The Spital would care for Ulrich’s wife after his death. Each year, the Spital would give his wife twenty Eimer of wine. This equals about 1400 liters. This amount shows that it was a large and productive vineyard. It was very profitable for the foundation.
The foundation often received income in goods. This helped cover running costs. Also, wine was safer to drink than water in the Middle Ages.
Medieval wine had less alcohol. Yet, it disinfected and relieved pain. It was a “medicine” and a form of payment. The Spital sold extra wine. It used the money to fund itself. Viticulture in Konstanz was first documented in 1157. Neighboring places with Spital properties were already growing wine. Large cellars stored the wines. The Spitalkellerei Konstanz is Germany’s oldest continuously existing foundation winery.
A cellar master managed the storage, care, and distribution of wine. This included the hospital staff and patients. According to hospital rules, each patient received three Maß of wine daily. This tradition continues. Every year at Easter, the Spital gives three bottles of its best wine to the oldest citizen in Konstanz.
So, as you savor a glass from the Spitalkellerei Konstanz. Remember that you are tasting centuries of history and supporting a worthy cause. Each bottle connects you to a tradition of care and community that has shaped Konstanz for generations.