Portrait of Christian Dautel
i. Biography
The Climb
At Geisenheim University and the University of Bordeaux, Christian Dautel built the formal side of the job that underpins cellar work: site reading, grape handling, and the discipline of making decisions that hold up in bottle. The training matters here because it sits behind the way Weingut Dautel is run in Bönnigheim today.
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Today
The cellar brief at Weingut Dautel is straightforward: Christian Dautel is owner and lead cellar master, with the work centered on wines built for structure, filigree, and drinkability rather than show.
Signature
Christian's signature wines include Dautel Pinot Noir, 2023 Besigheimer NIEDERNBERG Chardonnay VDP.Erstes Gewächs, 2023 Bönnigheimer STEINGRÜBEN Riesling VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2023 Bönnigheimer SCHLIPSHÄLDE Riesling VDP.Grosse Lage, and 2023 Besigheimer WURMBERG Riesling VDP.Erstes Gewächs.
In Their Words “I want to put fine wines into the bottle that impress with their multi-layeredness and complexity and are simply fun to drink.” “We have here very special soils and a great climate to produce wines that impress with filigree and elegance.”
Recognition
The bar is set around the empty-carton standard: the bottle should be gone by the end of the evening, not sitting untouched in the cellar. That framing puts the emphasis on wines that are built to be finished, not merely admired.
FAQ
Asked of Christian
What is Christian Dautel's current role?
As of 2026, Christian Dautel is owner and lead cellar master.
Where did Christian Dautel train or study?
Christian Dautel trained at Geisenheim University and University of Bordeaux.
What is Christian Dautel known for?
Breaking tradition and producing Chardonnay in Württemberg.
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Christian Dautel in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.