Five Questions with Cornelius Dönnhoff of Weingut Dönnhoff

In this episode of Five Questions from the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Cornelius Dönnhoff, head of the iconic Weingut Dönnhoff in Germany’s Nahe region. Cornelius shares insights into his Riesling-focused estate, his minimalist approach to winemaking, and how he strives to capture the essence of each vineyard site. He reflects on memorable vintages like the challenging 2006 and the ideal 2015, discusses the global wines that inspire him (from Georgian traditionals to Australian trailblazers), and shares his thoughts on cork vs. screwcap closures for Riesling. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Dönnhoff wines or just discovering them, this five-question format offers a personal glimpse into one of Germany’s top estates.

Topics Covered:

• The philosophy behind Dönnhoff’s site-expressive Rieslings
• Why 2015 and 2006 were unforgettable vintages
• Thoughts on screwcap vs. cork for Riesling aging
• Global inspirations from Georgia, New Zealand, and beyond
• What’s next for Weingut Dönnhoff

Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:43 Meet Cornelius Donoff
00:51 Vineyard Location and Varieties
01:28 Philosophy of Donoff Wines
02:09 Inspirations and Influences
03:22 Perspectives on Wine Closures
04:14 Memorable Vintages
06:09 Future of Donoff Winery
06:39 Conclusion

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!