Gemeinde ehrt Winzergenossenschaft
On February 28, 2024, the municipality of Kappelrodeck honored the Winzerkeller Hex vom Dasenstein for their outstanding achievements in winemaking. The mayor, Stefan Hattenbach, expressed his pride in being a wine-growing community and emphasized the significance of the wine industry for the region. He stated, “Being a wine-growing community is a distinction and privilege that we highly value in our daily work and throughout the entire municipality.”
“Weinbaugemeinde zu sein, empfinden wir als Prädikat und Privileg. In diesem Bewusstsein und dem Stellenwert für unsere Region angemessen wertschätzen wir in unserer täglichen Arbeit und in der gesamten Gemeinde den Obst- und Weinbau, heute aber ganz besonders.”
The recognition of excellence in winemaking was made possible through a guideline established by the municipal council a few years ago, allowing every local winemaking cooperative and vineyard to apply for this prestigious honor. The Winzerkeller Hex vom Dasenstein received numerous international and national awards, solidifying its position in the wine industry’s “Champions League” at the forefront. Despite the exceptional quality of wines from Kappelrodeck being considered almost customary, it is far from ordinary when competing against high-caliber national and international rivals.
Focus on Key Wine-related Issues
Mayor Stefan Hattenbach utilized the award ceremony as an opportunity to discuss significant wine-related topics. One important issue involves the establishment of small terraces at suitable locations in Kappelrodeck, aimed at enhancing wine-growing practices. Additionally, the implementation of the extensive 30-hectare land consolidation project in Eichwald is crucial for the wine industry in the region. Mayor Hattenbach expressed his hope for the state government’s involvement in relocating the necessary state roads. While the winemakers, the municipality, and the district have been ready for years, the state has yet to take concrete action besides offering empty promises.
“Nachdem sowohl den Winzer, die Kommune als auch der Kreis seit Jahren parat stünden, um die erforderliche Landesstraßenverlegung vorzunehmen, sei vom Land und dessen Vertretern außer warmen, aber leeren und folgenlosen Worten bislang nichts erreicht worden. Ohne eine Kostenbeteiligung des Landes für den Neubau seiner eigenen Straße ginge aber nichts”,
The issue of agricultural irrigation was also given considerable attention. With climate change and hotter summers, the importance of irrigation, particularly for young vineyards, is increasing. Kappelrodeck is leading the way by collaborating with 14 other municipalities in the Ortenau district to establish sustainable and cross-boundary water supply systems for agriculture. Currently, water is often sourced from the drinking water supply, making the need for an alternative solution imperative.
Collaboration and Marketing
The winemaking cooperative and the municipality are already working together in their marketing efforts, which they plan to expand further. This collaboration is vital to highlighting the identity of Kappelrodeck and the Winzerkeller Hex vom Dasenstein, ensuring that the strong connection between the two remains intact. Mayor Stefan Hattenbach concluded, “Kappelrodeck is the Hex and the Hex is Kappelrodeck. That is how it is and should remain.”
