Dr. Simone Adams is one of those winemakers whose wine you taste once and never forget. Based in Ingelheim, in the far north of Germany’s Rheinhessen, Simone took over her family’s vineyards in 2010 after her father passed away. She farms just 10 hectares, working biodynamically, with 40-45 year old vines that have been spared the overhauls seen in other parts of Germany. Her ferments are wild, wines unfined and unfiltered... terroir-driven,  full of texture and life. You can physically feel how connected she is to her land and her vines.

Ingelheim sits in a little “knee” of the Rhein valley, just 5km from the river, with vineyards that slope gently east to west across limestone and clay soils. It’s a spot that gets good airflow, a cool climate, and protection from wild weather. It’s also a bit of an underdog region - less flashy than its famous neighbours, but home to serious winemaking talent. And Dr. Simone Adams is leading the charge. Her estate, Adams Wein, has become one of the standout names in Ingelheim, known locally for her unwavering commitment to quality, and a vineyard-first approach.