ABOUT WINE, HOME & NEW WORLDS: AN INTERVIEW WITH LISA VOLLMAYER
FROM NEW ZEALAND BACK TO HEGAU
Her vines grow right next to Hohentwiel, an extinct volcano in the middle of Hegau. The Vollmayer family has been growing wine here for four generations. Lisa and her two sisters are now also part of the business. As a trained oenologist, sommelier and globetrotter, she brings fresh ideas to the winery – while remaining closely connected to the place that makes Vollmayer wines so special.
For those who are not familiar with the Vollmayer Winery, please briefly introduce your family business.
“The Vollmayer Winery stands for sustainable, organic viticulture in the unique location of Hohentwiel. We cultivate the highest vineyards in Germany at 560 metres above sea level. The wines are characterised by mineral depth and freshness, influenced by the volcanic terroir and the high altitude. Our approach combines tradition with modern oenology and sustainability, now in its fourth generation.”
When did you realise that wine is not only a family tradition, but also your personal passion?
“Wine has been a part of my life since I was a child, but my enthusiasm grew even more during my trip overseas. After graduating from high school, I went to New Zealand to discover the world. By chance, I ended up doing an internship at a winery. That’s when I realised for the first time that wine is not just a tradition for me, but a passion – both a vocation and a hobby. The combination of soil, climate, nature, craftsmanship and enjoyment fascinated me so much that I studied wine business management. After completing my studies, I returned to the family winery and worked in sales, where I had a lot of contact with sommeliers and wine experts. This inspired me to train as a sommelier at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. This opened up a whole new world for me – full of enjoyment, diversity and complexity. One that still inspires me today.”
What are your main tasks in the summer?
‘In summer, I spend a lot of time on sales calls, visiting restaurants and attending wine tastings at our winery. When help is needed in the vineyard, I support my sister. As soon as autumn arrives, it’s time for the grape harvest. Then we are out every day checking the ripeness of the grapes. In the cellar, I then oversee the vinification process, from the grape to the finished bottle of wine.’
Is there a grape variety that you particularly like – and why?
“I don’t want to commit to just one. Every grape variety we grow has its own merits and unique character. But I do have a preference for Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and also the often underrated Müller-Thurgau. They all bring very different facets to the glass. From elegant Chardonnay to crisp Pinot Blanc to complex, juicy Pinot Noir. Not to forget the regional and traditional Müller-Thurgau, which is sometimes overlooked but has come back into focus thanks to the young generation of winemakers and is vinified with great care.”
What wines do you currently produce and what makes them special?
“We cultivate wines from three classification levels on our 15-hectare monopole site ‘Elisabethenberg’: the fresh and accessible estate vineyard, the characterful mountain vineyard and our highest vineyard with great ageing potential – including grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir. All wines display a clear style with a distinctive minerality that comes from the volcanic terroir. Our focus is on varietal elegance and balance.”
Where do you see the biggest differences between your generation of winemakers and that of your parents?
“My parents worked tirelessly and with great dedication to maintain the business, focusing on tried-and-tested methods. At the same time, they also promoted sustainability and organic farming, which they consistently implemented in the winery over 15 years ago. Their focus was on regional gastronomy and the end customer.
Our generation is continuing this tradition and developing it further: we work even more precisely in the vineyard, harvest more selectively and vinify in a more differentiated manner. We are also initiating new wine projects, using modern cellar technology and attaching great importance to clearly and authentically highlighting the terroir of each individual vineyard. In terms of sales, we have expanded our channels and are now also well positioned beyond the region.”
How does the Hegau region influence your wines?
“With its seven former volcanic mountains, it has a decisive influence on the microclimate of our vineyards. The Hohentwiel in particular is unique – it is the only volcano on whose slopes wine is grown today. Our vineyards are located in different orientations – from south-east to west – and at different altitudes. From the estate location – at 470 metres above sea level – the plain of our winery, to the steeper, mineral-rich mountain location, to the highest location at 560 metres with a particularly cool climate and barren volcanic weathered rock. The diversity of microclimates, soil types and altitudes gives our wines an enormous range and depth. The volcanic subsoil also gives them a characteristic mineral note that makes them unmistakable.”
You are also involved as an ambassador for the region – how did that come about and what is important to you in this role?
“This commitment is a matter close to my heart. I was actually asked if I would like to take on this role. Of course, I accepted, with the clear conviction that the Hegau region is unique. In this way, I promote the history, diversity and quality of the region to the outside world – and inspire people to love our home.”
You often attend events: what connections do you have to and around LAGO?
“We have long-standing connections and friendships with restaurants around LAGO. Many appreciate our wines and feature them on their menus. We occasionally work together at events to introduce guests to the diversity of regional wine culture. The Constance restaurant scene is generally very lively and open to regional products, which is of course extremely valuable for us as winemakers.
And soon our wines will also be available to enjoy on the LAGO roof terrace. We are particularly looking forward to the ‘WEIN & BEATS’ event on 30 August 2025, organised by the wine therapists. Together with six other Lake Constance wineries, we are organising an evening full of enjoyment – combined with cool beats and a flying buffet. It’s a great format that shows how diverse our local wines are.”
What does a perfect summer day on Lake Constance look like for you?
‘For me, a perfect summer day begins with a bike ride or a short hike through the vineyards and Hegau mountains. Around noon, I enjoy spending time by or on the lake. I like to end the day in one of our wonderful restaurants, with a fine meal and a nice glass of wine.’
What developments would you like to see for the region and, in particular, for regional viticulture?
“For the region, I would like Lake Constance and Hegau to continue to be perceived and appreciated as a special wine-growing region in the future – and for awareness of our wines to grow even stronger. In regional viticulture, it is important to me that we winegrowers network even more closely in order to further improve quality and awareness together. And it is just as important to me that sustainable and organic cultivation becomes increasingly important – so that the diversity and beauty of our homeland is preserved for future generations.”
MAGAZIN
The LAGO Shopping Centre in Constance on Lake Constance
A truly unique mix
Fashion, lifestyle and enjoyment in more than 70 shops, cafés and restaurants: that’s the LAGO Shopping Centre. Located in the heart of Constance, surrounded by the flair of Lake Constance, it offers you an extraordinary overall experience. Everything you need to have a good time can be found here: shopping, leisure activities, entertainment, culinary delights and services.
Enjoy diversity
And LAGO offers even more than that: the colourful life of the trendy shopping world, relaxing breaks with coffee or food and the casual generosity of the lake – a combination you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy it with all your senses.