It was one of those July days when the sun beats mercilessly down on the earth and the air shimmers over the vines. The perfect moment to drop by Christoph’s at Weingut am Schlipf again. The southernmost tip of the Markgräflerland, just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border, was tailor-made for a glass of well-chilled wine — and even better for catching up with a friend.
Max Kaindl, 12. Oktober 2024
reading time about 8 minutes
Christoph Schneider isn’t the type to make grand gestures or speak loudly. Quite the opposite, he almost comes across as shy at first glance. But that’s exactly what makes him special. Christoph is one of those people who listen carefully before they speak. And when he does speak, he hits the nail on the head — precise, thoughtful, always to the point. When it comes to vines and vineyards, there’s no one who can teach Christoph anything. Yet, he remains humble, friendly, and charming, with a touch of humor that sneaks up on you, leaving you smiling before you even realize it.
Together with his brother Johannes, he runs Weingut am Schlipf – Schneider in Weil am Rhein. The winery has a long history dating back to 1465, when the Schneider family first settled in the region. But the real turning point came in 1892 when Christoph’s great-great-grandfather, Johannes Schneider, acquired the current estate at the foot of the Schlipf. Today, Christoph and Johannes combine modern methods with a deep respect for tradition — a balance they manage with impressive finesse.
The brothers work quietly but in perfect harmony to elevate the winery to the next level. They have a clear vision: sustainable viticulture that honors tradition while being open to modern influences. This philosophy runs through the entire winery — from the vineyards to the cellar, where the wines are handled as gently as possible to preserve their authentic character.
We started the day with a small tour through the parcels of the Weiler Schlipf — the home vineyard of the Schneiders. In the background, the Tüllinger Berg stood majestic and proud. The best Pinot Noir of the region comes from here. The vines stood strong, despite the extremely wet spring and the constant threat of rot. Christoph explained, in his usual calm manner, how the climate and soils — a wonderful mix of limestone and marl—give the wines their unique character. And how he and his brother use biodynamic methods to bring life to the soil and vines. The level of detail and care is so evident, you can practically feel the passion.
Back in the cellar — cool and refreshing after the heat outside — we moved on to tasting. The 2023 red wines were still resting quietly in the barrels, awaiting their moment of glory. Christoph assured me that these wines would reveal something great down the road. And he wasn’t exaggerating. The 2023 Sonnhohle Pinot Noir barrel sample left a particularly strong impression. But more on that once the wine is bottled.
On the terrace in front of the winery, we turned our attention to the Rosés and whites. The reds? They remained cozy in their barrique slumber for now.
The first highlight was the 2022 Manyer. For me, it’s a wine that embodies the essence of this special region. 100% Pinot Blanc. A complex nose of white flowers, apricots, and something like wet stone — yes, wet stone! It might sound strange, but that’s exactly what makes this wine so fascinating. On the palate, it was almost silky, with a fresh acidity that kept it light and playful despite its richness. A white wine I’ll surely be returning to more often.
Next came the 2018 Weiler Schlipf Chardonnay — and what can I say? This wine blew me away. The first sip was like a mini trip to the French coast. Salty sea breeze, ripe citrus fruits, and a hint of roasted almonds — that’s how I would describe it. But what really fascinated me was the balance between the taut minerality and the soft, almost creamy texture. In such a hot, dry year as 2018, this was a true feat. A wine that shows the Markgräflerland has serious Chardonnay potential. And the finish? It lingered long, very long — just like the grin on my face.
The 2021 Grès Rosé wrapped up the tasting — and boy, did it surprise me. Fruity, fresh, yet so elegant. No overblown strawberry bomb here, but a subtle spiciness that plays perfectly with the minerality. Every sip was like a light summer breeze, arriving just in time before the heat takes over again. A Rosé for connoisseurs, not for casual thirst-quenching. Just the way it should be.
As we sat, savoring our glasses, Christoph told me about his other wine line, “Haus GuPi,” which he launched with Johannes. The wines, named after the two signature grapes Gutedel and Pinot Noir, are made with a “less is more” philosophy. Natural, no frills — no sulfur, no filtration, just the natural yeasts from the vineyard. These are wines for those who really want to dive deep into the subject. They polarize, they provoke, but that’s exactly the appeal. Not wines for everyone, but for true individualists.
Afternoon at Weingut am Schlipf, Afternoon at Weingut am Schlipf, Afternoon at Weingut am Schlipf, Afternoon at Weingut am Schlipf
And just like that, the afternoon flew by. The conversations grew deeper, the glasses emptier, and the sun slowly sank behind the Rhine. And me? I’ll definitely be back — no later than when the 2023 reds come out of the cellar.
