How did the idea come about to rebuild the Royal Vineyard in close cooperation between the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation and Mosaik-Berlin gGmbH?

Andreas Kramp: It was more or less a happy coincidence: In the early 2000s, our head of the garden and landscape maintenance department was preparing an expert report on some trees in Sanssouci Park. During this report, he discussed the condition of the trees with the local district forester. They also talked about the dilapidated vineyard below the Belvedere Klausberg and the urgent need for a solution to preserve it. In the course of this conversation, the idea arose that this vineyard could be restored and recultivated as part of a joint inclusion project. The result can be seen today.

What were the biggest challenges you encountered during the reconstruction?

AK: Initially, there were many unknowns. It started with the historical site itself: What did it actually look like back then? Which fruit and wine varieties were cultivated? Are they even still available today? How were they cultivated? But there were also mundane questions about the infrastructure. What was the layout of the paths like, for example? There were hardly any plans for that. Then there was the issue of viticulture itself. We weren't winemakers and had absolutely no experience with wine. But since my father was a wine sales representative at the time, we managed to build a good network in the wine industry relatively quickly. I remember that I even traveled to the Moselle region to have them show me firsthand how wine is cultivated and what to pay attention to. Later, there were further trips with the team to the German wine regions. Since then, we've visited many wineries and learned something new everywhere.

Did the reconstruction follow the historical model exactly?

AK: In some places, yes, but not everywhere. The layout of the Lepère walls can be experienced today much as it was back then. Even when choosing varieties for the fruit trees, we were guided by which varieties were available on the market at the time and might have grown in the garden. It's a different story with the wine. In Frederick's time, primarily table grapes were cultivated. This means they were used for eating and not for winemaking. We, on the other hand, wanted to produce something "drinkable" and therefore had to rely on wine grapes that also thrive in our regional conditions. Furthermore, we had the entire project certified organic, which again influenced the choice of grape varieties. The reconstruction of the vineyard is not yet complete, however. We still need the support of donors. The restoration of the retaining walls and the imperial greenhouse in accordance with heritage preservation standards, or the refurbishment of the historic boiler house as a common room for the gardeners, alone costs a tremendous amount of money.

Were any old fruit and wine varieties from the time of Frederick II able to be salvaged?

AK: Indeed, during our cleanup and inspection work on the retaining walls at that time, we found around 40 vines that date back to at least the Imperial era. Among them are varieties that are now unknown, such as Black Hamburg or Agostenga.

Which grape varieties are cultivated today?

AK: Today, on the Royal Vineyard, we have primarily planted more modern grape varieties such as Cabernet Blanc and Regent.

Wine Night, wine picnic, wine tour, wine festival – there are many opportunities to enjoy Potsdam's wines. What makes this place special for you?

AK: Firstly, enjoying wine where it's produced is a truly special experience. Many people know this from their holidays. The same wine tastes completely different at home than at the winery you visited on your trip. Furthermore, this vineyard, with its rustic charm, possesses a certain enchantment. A place that lay dormant for a long time, overgrown with ivy and brambles, and is now awakening to life once more. It's a place to dream. And it represents Brandenburg's winemaking history like almost no other.

Red wine or white wine? What is your favorite?

AK: That depends on the occasion. In summer, I prefer a fresh, fruity white wine. In winter, for a festive meal, I'd rather have a red wine.