Max & Marika

A fifth-generation winemaker from Saulheim, carries forward a legacy rooted in tradition and innovation. Founded by his great-grandfather in 1896, the family winery continues to produce wine under the historic Walldorf label, alongside a traditional family restaurant overseen by Max’s spirited 90-year-old grandmother.

With strong support from his father, Max is transitioning the family vineyards towards natural winemaking practices. Next to every great winemaker there is another great winemaker — his girlfriend Marika, an Estonian sommelier who arrived for a harvest and stayed for love. Now, with their combined expertise, they are dedicated to elevating their top cuvées, such as Riesling and Pinot Noir, to new heights by implementing longer barrel aging on the fine lees.

In the cellar Max & Marika mainly use traditional Stückfassen (1200-liter barrels) that Max inherited from his family. This gives the wine a good environment to age, having all the benefits of a wooden barrel without having any of the wooden aromas that might mask the taste of the grape.

Max is also part of a vibrant group of friends, classmates, winemakers from Geisenheim University, including Andi Weigand, Andi Mann, and Martin Worner (Marto). Together, they are shaping the future of German winemaking.