Nikolaus Saahs Revives Historic Winery with 'Living Wine Press' for 2025 Harvest
Nikolaus Saahs, who took over the Nikolaihof winery in Mautern in 2005, is committed to preserving its historic structure. This year, he's introduced a 'living wine press' for the 2025 harvest, marking a significant change in the winery's traditional methods.
The Nikolaihof has long been known for its use of a wooden press, crafted from an elm tree around 350 years ago. This device, which uses manual pressure on grapes, was the primary method for processing the entire wine harvest until 1988. Saahs, who uses the press once a year, understands the importance of manual labor and time in traditional winemaking.
This year, however, both the press floor and the press basket were replaced for the first time. The new 'living wine press' is set to debut in the 2025 harvest, bringing a fresh approach to the winery's historic practices while still honouring its past.
The Nikolaihof, under Nikolaus Saahs' leadership, continues to balance tradition and innovation. The introduction of the 'living wine press' for the 2025 harvest is a testament to the winery's commitment to preserving its historic structure while embracing modern methods.
