Founded in 1900, Johann Baptist Schafer is a family-run winery, now in its fourth generation. Located in Burg Layen on the Nahe River, this is one of Germany's smaller wine regions. Despite this, the winery has become well-known for their distinctive Riesling and in 2013 became a member of the Association of German Pradikat Wine Estates (VDP). They are the first winery from the Nahe region to become a member in 12 years.

Now run by fourth generation Sebastian Schafer, who took over from his father Johann Baptist Schafer. “Today we produce wines that are far from being conventional or mainstream,” Sebastian says. “We create individual wines with their own character, finesse and complexity – wines that reflect their origin. Quality is always the top priority for us. This doesn‘t just start in the wine cellars, but in the vineyards. We try to interfere as little as possible with nature, so that a healthy balance is maintained."