Follow the Eagle: Weingut Dr. Hermann Joins Germany’s Most Respected Wine Association
Let’s face it — German wine labels can be intimidating. Whether it’s the long words, unfamiliar terms, or complex classifications, even experienced wine lovers can feel overwhelmed. But there’s one simple symbol you can trust: a golden eagle holding a bunch of grapes.
This eagle represents the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP), a prestigious association of Germany’s finest wine estates. And we’re proud to share that Weingut Dr. Hermann, one of our standout producers from the Mosel Valley, has officially joined this elite group.
What Is the VDP?
Founded in 1910, the VDP was created by a group of pioneering winemakers who wanted to protect the integrity of German wine. Over the years, it has grown into a hallmark of excellence. Membership is invitation-only and requires producers to meet rigorous standards — including hand-harvesting, estate bottling, sustainable practices, and yield limits that ensure quality over quantity.
That golden eagle on a wine label isn’t just for show — it’s a mark of serious craftsmanship.
A New Milestone for Dr. Hermann
The Weingut Dr. Hermann, located in Erden on the Mosel, boasts a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Founded in 1967 by Dr. Hermann following the division of the renowned Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben estate in Ürzig, it is now managed by Christian and Julia Hermann.
The winery focuses on cultivating Riesling on the steep slate slopes of the Mosel, particularly in the famous sites of Erdener Prälat, Ürziger Würzgarten, and Erdener Treppchen. These exceptional vineyards are among the most historic in the world, endowing the wines with their unique minerality and finesse. Many vines are ungrafted and up to 100 years old, farmed sustainably and with great care.
In the cellar, Christian Hermann employs traditional techniques such as spontaneous fermentation and extended aging on the lees to fully develop the grapes’ aromatic potential. The winery’s noble sweet wines are particularly noteworthy, regularly ranking among the top products of the Mosel thanks to their complex aromas, perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and impressive length.
Joining the VDP in 2025 was both a recognition of past achievement and a commitment to even greater heights. At the annual VDP Weinbörse in Mainz, a key tasting event for wine professionals and press, Dr. Hermann poured alongside the top names in German wine — a proud moment for both the estate and Broadbent Selections.
Dr. Carl von Schubert, Chairman of VDP.Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, shared his excitement: “We are delighted to welcome Weingut Dr. Hermann, a winery whose wines we have enjoyed with increasing pleasure for many years and whose refined, classic-elegant Riesling style is a tremendous enrichment for the GROSSER RING!”
VDP membership also opens doors for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Germany’s top producers. The wine world can look forward to even more inspired creations from Weingut Dr. Hermann, showcasing the immense potential of Mosel’s storied vineyards.
Understanding VDP Classification
To help demystify German wine, the VDP introduced its own vineyard classification system — based on site quality, similar to how Burgundy does it.
- VDP.Gutswein – Regional wines from the estate
- VDP.Ortswein – Wines from superior village sites
- VDP.Erste Lage – Premier Cru-level vineyards
- VDP.Grosse Lage – Grand Cru sites producing the estate’s most expressive wines
If you see VDP.Grosses Gewächs (GG) on the label, that means it’s a dry wine from a Grosse Lage site — the top of the hierarchy and built for both elegance and aging potential.
Why It Matters
Only about 6% of Germany’s vineyards are cultivated under VDP guidelines — but within that small slice lies some of the country’s most celebrated wine. For consumers, the VDP eagle is a powerful shortcut to finding wines with integrity, identity, and excellence in every bottle.
With Dr. Hermann now part of this legacy, you can expect even more outstanding Rieslings (and beyond) crafted with precision and pride. This achievement underscores the estate’s deep commitment to preserving and advancing the tradition and quality of German winemaking.
At Broadbent Selections, we’re thrilled to celebrate this new chapter for Weingut Dr. Hermann. So next time you’re wine shopping or browsing a list, keep an eye out for that eagle — and know you’re in for something special.
Raise a glass to Dr. Hermann — and let the eagle be your guide.
