Saskia Andrea Prüm Continues a Centuries-Old Winemaking Heritage
BERNKASTEL-KUES, Germany – Along the steep, slate slopes of Germany’s Middle Mosel region, VDP Weingut S.A. Prüm is moving forward into its next chapter with a deep respect for its roots. Led by Saskia Andrea Prüm, the estate continues its long-standing tradition of producing terroir-driven Rieslings, marking a gentle but significant shift as she becomes the first woman to manage the historic family winery.
The relationship between the Prüm family and the vineyards of the Mosel Valley is a long one, with the family’s agricultural history in the area dating back to 1156. Generation after generation has cared for these lands, contributing to local landmarks such as the famous Wehlener Sonnenuhr (Sundial of Wehlen) vineyard sundial, built by Jodocus Prüm in 1842.
The winery under its current name, S.A. Prüm, was established in 1911 by Sebastian Alois Prüm. Decades later, in 1971, Raimund Prüm—affectionately called “the red Prüm” by colleagues and friends—took over the estate, focusing on expanding the family’s presence on the steep slopes that define the region’s viticulture.
On July 1, 2017, ownership officially transitioned to his daughter, Saskia Andrea Prüm. While the estate had historically been passed down through the male lineage, Saskia’s step into leadership represents a natural continuation of the family’s shared passion for winemaking.
Saskia’s path to managing the estate was shaped by formal education and hands-on experience. As a graduate viticulture engineer, her approach to winemaking is grounded in technical knowledge and a practical focus on the Riesling grape. Before returning home, Saskia spent several years traveling and working in various wine-growing regions around the world, gaining a broader perspective on global viticulture. She returned to the family estate in 2005, spending over a decade managing sales and internal operations before taking full responsibility for the business.
In a fitting historical coincidence, her initials (S.A.) mirror those of her great-grandfather, Sebastian Alois, who founded the modern estate over a century ago. Under Saskia’s care, the focus at S.A. Prüm remains firmly on authentic, thoughtful winemaking. The estate works strictly with the steep, challenging slate vineyards of the Middle Mosel to produce balanced wines that express their specific place of origin. She is supported by her father, Raimund, who still looks after the estate’s traditional guest house (Wein- & Landhaus), keeping the business true to its family-run nature.
“Caring for vineyards that have been in your family for generations is a quiet responsibility,” Saskia notes. “The goal is simply to listen to the land and make sure we pass it down in a healthy, sustainable state.”
By balancing the lessons of the past with a steady, modern approach to farming, Saskia Andrea Prüm is ensuring that S.A. Prüm remains a reliable and respected name for genuine Mosel Riesling.
Lyn Lee
