Dominik Held: Crafting Wines with Passion and Precision
Good wines and good vibes—that’s the philosophy driving Dominik Held’s approach to winemaking. Committed to organic farming (though not yet certified), he cultivates his vineyards with a hands-on, low-intervention method. His focus? Producing wines that are clear, juicy, bold, and salty, all while experimenting with innovative vinification techniques. With minimal sulfur use (never exceeding 10 mg), Dominik works primarily with Silvaner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Blaufränkisch, creating wines that speak of both place and personality.
A Fortunate Encounter
Sometimes, the best discoveries happen by chance. We first came across Dominik at Back of the Van in Angers, an event organized by Jas Swan of Katla Wines. From the first sip, his wines stood out—full of energy, precision, and undeniable character.
Dominik Held's family has deep roots in Rheinhessen, with a coat of arms dating back to 1604. His grandfather practiced polyculture, but Dominik took a different path after discovering natural wine at Geisenheim University and interning with Andreas Gsellman in Burgenland. In 2020, he launched his winemaking project on 1.5 hectares of family land.
His vineyards in Dolgesheim boast oceanic marl with high limestone content, contributing to wines with power, structure, and salinity—reminiscent of Jura’s ouillé-style wines. Using organic farming, native fermentation, and extended élevage, he crafts expressive wines that evolve beautifully with air.
Now managing five hectares, Dominik is gaining recognition for varietal-driven expressions like Scheurebe and Silvaner. His Weissburgunder/Chardonnay blend reflects Jura influences and regional peers like Moritz Kissinger. With each vintage, his bold vision continues to impress, marking him as a key figure in German natural wine.