Roman wine press to touch
The large Roman wine press in Piesport, which dates back to the 3rd/4th century AD, was discovered in 1985/86. It is located on the western outskirts of Piesport and comprises more than ten rooms and seven basins for wine production. The complex was originally more than 44 meters wide and 20 meters deep, with the front extending to the banks of the Moselle and having been damaged by flooding. Particularly noteworthy is the arrangement of the basins, which were built from a mixture of lime and brick with sealed angles. These basins were used for mashing, pressing and collecting the must.
In total, there were several basins of different sizes, including two large ones for the mash and smaller ones for the must. Some basins contained evidence of a tree press with a heavy stone and postholes, indicating an early type of wine pressing. The site also had a common collection basin and additional basins that were added later to cover the increasing capacity.
In addition, cellar rooms were found, including one with a hypocaust, which indicates premature maturation of the wine by smoke, a method described in ancient sources. The finds indicate that the site was used until the early Middle Ages and provide information about wine production in the region. It is assumed that the wine press was operated by a larger, possibly state institution, which may have worked for the imperial court or the administration in Trier. The size of the facility suggests a vineyard area of at least 10 hectares, with a possible production of 60,000 liters of wine.
Want to find out more?
wine press tours - also with a glass of wine - can be booked individually at the tourist information office. We look forward to your inquiry.