Among the best known of the Mosel vineyards, there are many stories of how it got its name. The most credible and documented version is that in the 14th century Prince-Bishop Boemund II o Trier was cured from a terminal illness overnight after consuming two bottles of the wines of the vineyard; hence the name Doctor. Today this vineyard measures a little over one hectare, and is owned by two families, Dr Hugo Thanisch and Wegeler of Deinhard fame. Bernkasteler Doctor wines tend to be expensive because of the small quantity produced (annual production rarely exceeds 10,000 bottles) and its worldwide fame. (adapted from FoodReference.com)


A third parcel of 0.26 ha is owned by a charity in favor of distressed vintners named Heilig-Geist-Stiftung, which doesn't bottle its own wine, but leases the right to commercialize to third parties. Current and previous know lessees include Wegeler, Lauerberg, von Kesselstatt, and Thaprich. jht


The surface area of the vineyard whose wine is legally allowed to call itself 'Bernkasteler Doctor' has changed up and down several times throughout history. The 1971 Wine Law amalgamaged area on the Doctorberg to this vineyard, but later this was disallowed. Of course confusion persists.jht

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