VDP demands no-development zones

The German association of premium wine producers, the VDP, has questioned whether infrastructure projects should enjoy precedence over top vineyard sites, demanding taboo zones as well as an adjustment of priorities with regard to the preservation of top-quality sites. The current debate is focused on the road and bridge projects planned for the Mosel valley.

The federal association of premium wine producers VDP has taken the initiative against the construction of a major high bridge over the Mosel river as the focal point to demand politicians adjust their priorities in securing the existence of top-quality vineyards. According to the VDP, member producers who have vineyard sites in areas that will be affected by the construction fear the potential results, such as a collapse of the ecostructure, a sustained deterioration in the water supply and the microclimate as well as irreparable damage to the appearance of the Mosel valley.

They point out that the unique top sites such as thos in the Mosel valley are the basis of the current worldwide Renaissance of Riesling. Top sites in all German growing regions are the foundation of the exceptional economic success experienced by leading German wine producers both on the domestic and the international market, and these successes are inextricably linked with the continued existence of these top sites. (WF/press release)