Twelve students from Hochschule Geisenheim University’s Landscape Architecture and Viticulture and Enology degree programs learned about dry stone construction in order to rebuild a wall in the historic Krähennest vineyard, a site owned by the university and used for praxis-oriented teaching. The aim of the project was to preserve the cultural landscape and pass on knowledge of traditional handicraft techniques. It also aimed to contribute to nature conservation in the region. As one of Rüdesheim's last historic terraced vineyards, the Krähennest is an excellent example of a key feature of the Middle Rhine Valley’s traditional cultural landscape.
Located at the gates of the world heritage site, Hochschule Geisenheim University is a particularly significant partner for the Zweckverband Welterbe Oberes Mittelrheintal. The two organizations have a history of exchanging knowledge across various joint projects, ensuring theory and research is translated effectively into actual practice. The historic vineyard wall was reconstructed by the students as part of a two-day seminar under the guidance of winemaker Helge Ehrmann from Obernhof an der Lahn.
The project was financed by nature conservation funds provided by the Hessian Ministry of the Environment. These funds are used to preserve the cultural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO world heritage site in coordination with Hesse’s Forestry Office. The Zweckverband Welterbe Oberes Mittelrheintal offers regular seminars on the construction of dry stone walls. If you are interested in registering for a seminar, please contact Nico Melchior: n.melchior@zv-welterbe/06771-40 399 34
Krähennest Fact Sheet
- Ancient terraced vineyard with dry stone walls
- 14 terraces across approx. 2,800 square meters, with around 1,266 square meters dedicated to biodiversity
- Last terraced vineyard in the hills around Rüdesheim
- Re-cultivation of the vineyard began in 2005, following an 80-year break
- First vines planted in 2006
- The site has been a student project from the beginning
- Its name comes from the Middle High German Kronnest, meaning 'crown’s nest’
