The scent of the sea, the cries of seagulls, the distant hum of ships – these are the familiar sounds and smells of Hamburg Harbor. But nestled amidst the bustling port, a surprising secret thrives: a small, exclusive vineyard that has been cultivating grapes for nearly two decades, offering a view that rivals any in the world.
The Unseen Vineyard of Stintfang
For almost 20 years, a vineyard has existed directly above the Landungsbrücken, now home to 99 grapevines. While not the largest, its charm lies in its exclusivity and unparalleled panorama. “We are the vineyard with the most beautiful view,” says Ekkehart Opitz, one of five dedicated volunteer hobby vintners who meticulously tend to this unique patch of land.
From February to September, these volunteers prune the vines, tie up fruit shoots, cultivate and fertilize the soil, thin the grapes for quality, and finally, harvest the fruit. “We are an organic vineyard here. We only use natural substances for pest control and fertilization,” Opitz emphasizes, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices.
From Steep Slopes to Terraced Beauty
Once a steep vineyard with a gradient of over 30 percent, the Stintfang vineyard was terraced in 2019 after a complete uprooting. This change became necessary due to the renovation of the Landungsbrücken subway station into an accessible facility. “We were initially sent into retirement,” Opitz recalls, referring to the uncertainty surrounding the vineyard’s future. However, public interest and demand for this unique Hamburg attraction were so high that the vineyard was re-established and replanted with 99 grapevines in 2022.
The reconstruction, funded by Hochbahn, also allowed the hobby vintners to make the vineyard more climate-resilient. “The white grape variety Phoenix was removed. Since then, only the red grape variety Regent has grown here,” Opitz explains. This particular cultivation is not only fungus-resistant but also well-suited for less-than-ideal soil conditions. Despite the perfect location and stunning views of Hamburg Harbor, the conditions for viticulture aren’t always perfect. “But the wine from Hamburg Harbor is more about symbolism,” Opitz adds with a chuckle.
A Taste of History and Symbolism
The professional guidance for the vineyard has been provided by the Currle family of vintners from Baden-Württemberg since its inception. Initially, the father, and now his daughter, Christel Currle, oversee the process. The vineyard’s origins are intertwined with Hamburg’s past. In 1995, the first 50 grapevines were planted in connection with a multi-day wine festival that took place in Hamburg’s Rathausplatz for nearly 30 years until 2015.
For Christel Currle, the Hamburg vineyard is truly special. “I don’t know any other vineyard where you have to buy a parking ticket before you can work there,” she says good-humoredly. Once a year, for pruning, the winery owner travels from the south to the north. “There is no vineyard that has such a location, such a great view, and such an atmosphere as Stintfang. Who else can look at the ‘Gateway to the World’ during harvest?”
The Elusive Stintfang Wine
The grapes, once harvested in sufficient quantities, are fermented on the mash or directly pressed in Stuttgart and then aged in the wine cellar. It takes about five months before the wine can be bottled, says the 56-year-old, who runs the family wine and sparkling wine estate in Stuttgart-Uhlbach in its third generation.
Christel Currle is skeptical whether there will be enough grapes for a Hamburg Stintfang wine this season. “It depends on the quantity and quality of the grapes.” More than 20 kilograms of good grapes would be ideal. In 2025, the harvest in the harbor yielded only 3.5 kilograms. Since the new planting, the already rare Stintfang wine has not been bottled again, as young vines need four to six years to produce truly high-quality grapes. However, the grapes are not discarded; instead, the Hamburg hobby vintners have made grape jelly from them. The last official Stintfang vintage was in 2019.
Even with a good harvest, the average citizen will not be able to buy the wine in a regular supermarket. Stintfang wine is exclusively reserved for the Bürgerschaft (Hamburg Parliament), which receives almost all bottles and gives them as gifts to its guests. In good years, the grapes have yielded 30 0.375-liter bottles of wine, according to the Bürgerschaft.
A Noble Cause and a Unique Experience
An additional three or four bottles, depending on the success of the harvest, are auctioned off by the Stintfang vintners for a good cause. “Two years ago, a bottle brought in 1,000 euros for the ‘Abendblatt hilft’ campaign. And that’s exactly the point,” Ekkehart Opitz adds. The Stintfang wine will always remain exclusive. “That’s what makes it so appealing.”
For those who wish to experience the taste of the red wine from the Hamburg vineyard, guided tours with the hobby vintners are available. During these tours, visitors not only learn all the facts and anecdotes about the Stintfang vineyard but also get to sample a Currle-Regent red wine – the same variety grown in Hamburg Harbor.
The Hamburg Harbor vineyard is more than just a place where grapes grow; it’s a living testament to dedication, community, and the surprising beauty that can be found in unexpected places. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a unique blend of urban life with the timeless tradition of winemaking, all set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic harbors.
Source: https://www.tageblatt.de/Nachrichten/Weinberg-mit-Blick-auf-Hamburger-Hafen-Exklusive-Tropfen-756430.html
