Jean-Marc Schlink (Caves Schlink in Machtum) has dug out some old photographs spanning the estate’s first two generations, the first being that of founder Jean-Pierre Hoffeld and the second, his son-in-law, Jean Schlink.
Jean-Marc Schlink has had a rummage around in the family archives and dug out some old photographs that have been kept for almost 70 years. It is immediately apparent from these archives that viticulture is a tradition spanning many years, even though methods, techniques and production targets have clearly changed dramatically since this era pre-dating the locks built along the Moselle.
The estate was founded by Jean-Pierre Hoffeld in 1911. It was later taken over by the Schlink branch of the family in 1960, when Jean Schlink married Anne Hoffeld. These photographs go back to the days of the current winemaker Jean-Marc Schlink’s great grandparents. Jean Schlink, who came from a family of farmers in Bivels (near Vianden), moved to the Moselle to forge a new path and embrace winemaking.
Unafraid of shaking up established practice, Jean adopted modern tools. He also took a chance on selling wine by the bottle as opposed to relying solely on wholesaling. He instigated a minor revolution in terms of quality and this spirit continues to this day on the estate. René and his son Jean-Marc Schlink in turn took up the baton with ambitious projects of their own focused resolutely on their terroir. This is an enduring story indeed!