Post

BASF Wine Cellars home to one million bottles

BASF is known for making chemicals. Its’ portfolio includes chemicals, plastics, performance products, oil, gas and crop protection products. In Germany, BASF is also known for its wine cellars.

Traveling with a group of agricultural journalists in early October on a trip sponsored by BASF, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the BASF Wine Cellars in Ludwigshafen. Founded in 1901, the cellars feature 4 floors that house 1 million bottles of wine.

Cyndi interviews Bernhard

(Brownfield’s Cyndi Young interviewing Bernhard Wolff.  Photo courtesy of AgWired)

Our host and guide, Bernhard Wolff, is in charge of BASF Wine Cellars. He explained that one reason the cellar was founded was to make sure the best wines were stored there for the reception of BASF partners, clients and suppliers. The second reason the cellar came to be is because BASF is located in the middle of 4 wine growing areas. With 50,000 hectares (approximately 123,553 acres) of wine growing, Wolff explained, people were accustomed to having their own vineyards and making their own wine. When attracting the best talents, BASF had to assure job candidates that there was enough wine available, as wine cultivation is not possible in Ludwigshafen.

BASF Wine Cellar

Wolff said the 3,000 different kinds of wine in the BASF Wine Cellars represent a culture of diversity and inclusion, with wines from many growing areas, countries, styles, and diversity. Although there is more wine production in France, Italy and Spain than in Germany, the white wines in the cellar come mainly from German wine growing areas. BASF is headquartered in the Palatinate Pfalz Region, which is known for its Rieslings.

Red wines in the BASF Wine Cellars come from all over the world.

For a wine novice, Wolff’s advice is simple. “Trust yourself. Trust your taste. There are 2 kinds of wine – the kinds you like and the kinds you don’t like.”

As for the expert’s favorite, Wolff said it depends upon the occasion. “Being surrounded by so many different types, I must say I like the diversity.” He went on to say “I’m in love with all the stories behind the wines and then of course with the wines, too.”

Our tour of the BASF Wine Cellars began with the tasting of a locally produced Sparkling Pinot Noir which Wolff called the “best on planet Earth.”

The final wine offered to the group of U.S. ag journalists for tasting was made from a Red Southern Rhone Blend of grapes. Wolff proposed a toast  with the 1933 Chateau Mosse Rivesaltes from France.

 

Bernhard Wolff and his staff are responsible for more than 450 wine tastings each year, in Germany and abroad. 

AUDIO:  Conversation with Bernhard Wolff 10012013

The group of ag journalists visited the the “wine shop” near the Wine Cellars in Ludwigshafen where BASF-approved wines are sold . 

BASF wine store

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!