Domaine Alice Hartmann: Luxembourg’s Legacy Meets Napa Valley Innovation.
Tucked away in the idyllic village of Wormeldange along Luxembourg’s Moselle River, Domaine Alice Hartmann stands as a symbol of Luxembourg’s premium wine-making legacy. We visited the winery some three years ago, and now it was time to have a closer look at this remarkable jewel in Luxembourg’s crown. Join us for a story that starts along the Moselle but ends all the way in Napa Valley.
A Story of Hard Work and Dedication
With roots stretching back to the late 1920s, the winery has a rich history intertwined with resilience, innovation, and quality—a reputation solidified by the singular dedication of Alice Hartmann, who took the helm after inheriting the estate under remarkable circumstances in an era when women rarely held such roles. Her commitment to excellence and her unique approach in winemaking helped shape the winery into one of Luxembourg’s finest estates, attracting admiration not only locally but internationally.
Today, Domaine Alice Hartmann continues to thrive under the co-ownership of Pierre Wesner and Jean Godart, who acquired it in 1996, and their families. The current CEO and co-owner, Jos Wesner, the son of Pierre Wesner, has steadily carried forward this legacy. Jos took over his father’s share of the business in 2020, bringing with him an unexpected blend of skills from his career as a part-time pilot and his hands-on experience in winemaking. This distinctive combination has propelled Domaine Alice Hartmann’s ambitions beyond Luxembourg to the renowned Napa Valley, with a strong foothold in high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
A Journey to Napa: Expansion and Innovation
Domaine Alice Hartmann’s Napa Valley journey began serendipitously, sparked by frequent flights to San Francisco and wine tours through Napa’s vine-laden hillsides. This steady immersion in California’s winemaking culture nurtured a vision of bringing the quality and philosophy of Domaine Alice Hartmann to one of the world’s most famous wine regions. This ambition materialized in 2019 with the establishment of a distinct project in Napa Valley, aptly named “Project Two,” situated in Howell Mountain, where prestigious vineyards produce some of California’s finest Cabernets. The first vintage, a Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, will be officially released in December 2024.
The Napa initiative has grown since then, adding “Project One” as a complementary wine—a Bordeaux-inspired blend sourced from premium bulk wines in Napa. Domaine Alice Hartmann’s Napa wines adopt an innovative, dual approach: Project One emphasizes a sophisticated blend from select vineyards, allowing flexibility in response to challenging vintages like 2020 when wildfires impacted grape quality. In contrast, Project Two offers complete control over the vineyard and winemaking process, from harvest to bottling, embodying the domain’s signature philosophy of quality control and terroir representation.
Crafting Luxembourg’s Finest Wines
At the heart of Domaine Alice Hartmann is an unwavering dedication to Luxembourg’s winemaking traditions, combined with a commitment to innovation that sets the winery apart from its peers. This is particularly evident in their vineyard selections and the range of grape varieties they cultivate. Initially focused solely on Riesling, the estate now also includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, introduced in the late 1990s. These grape additions reflect an intentional diversification that aligns with global wine trends while respecting the unique terroir of Luxembourg.
Domaine Alice Hartmann’s primary vineyards lie in some of Luxembourg’s most prized terroirs, including the Wormeldange Koeppchen vineyard, Grevenmacher Fels, and Wintrange Felsberg. Each of these sites is known for its distinct character, allowing the winery to showcase Riesling’s terroir-expressive quality through various single-vineyard releases, each produced with the same vinification methods to accentuate subtle differences.
Their Crémants, another hallmark of the winery, have gained recognition for their elegance and finesse. The Brut, Rosé, and Grand Cuvée—blends of Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir—are highly sought after, embodying the meticulous craftsmanship of the estate. Notably, Domaine Alice Hartmann’s Crémants are served at Luxembourg’s most prestigious occasions, including parliamentary functions and even at the Grand-Duc’s table, a testament to their stature and quality.
An Alice Hartmann Selection
For this article we had the opportunity to taste and review a selection of Alice Hartmann wines. Below our reviews and ratings.
Hartmann Brut Crémant NV
Riesling (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (20%)
The Hartmann Brut Crémant NV greets with a fragrant burst of lemon spritz and ripe tropical fruits, underscored by a soft hint of vanilla bean. The influence of Riesling brings an aromatic brightness, with delicate citrus and floral notes weaving through the bouquet. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir contribute roundness and structure, adding layers of complexity.
On the palate, this Crémant is both playful and sophisticated, with flavors of juicy pineapple, lemon zest, and a touch of green apple. The texture is creamy, thanks to a balanced aging process in French oak and stainless steel, which adds depth and nuance without overpowering the fruit. A subtle hint of brioche and almond lingers, hinting at the méthode traditionnelle aging.
The limestone soil adds a crisp mineral finish, bringing a refreshing clarity to the wine’s full-bodied profile. This Crémant is beautifully balanced, with lively acidity and a refined mousse
We award this wine with a 91-point DWA score.
Hartmann Brut Rosé Crémant NV
100% Pinot Noir
The Hartmann Brut Rosé Crémant NV dazzles with its salmon pink color and delicate copper shimmer, topped by a stream of fine, lively bubbles. The bouquet is captivating and layered, presenting aromas of wild strawberries, cherry confit, and fresh blood orange zest, subtly balanced by a hint of vanilla and light toasty notes.
On the palate, it’s both generous and precise, showcasing the vibrancy of 100% Pinot Noir from Wormeldange. The texture is juicy and energetic, with a firm yet smooth grip. Layers of stone fruits—particularly ripe cherries and plum—are elegantly framed by a taut mineral backbone, likely attributed to the vineyard’s terroir.
The finish is long, complex, and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression of tart red fruits and a crisp, mouthwatering edge.
We award this wine with a 92-point DWA score.
2022 Wintrange Felsberg Riesling
100% Riesling
The 2022 Wintrange Felsberg Riesling by Alice Hartmann opens with a lush aroma profile where tropical fruits—pineapple and juicy pear—meld with fresh citrus notes of lemon and lime. This Riesling is expressive on the palate, offering a rounded body that balances the vibrant tropical and citrus flavors with a refreshing acidity. A soft, creamy texture adds depth, creating a beautifully layered mouthfeel.
As the wine evolves, flavors of crisp green apple and bright orange zest shine through, complemented by a hint of aromatic herbs and a subtle spiciness. The finish is long and clean, leaving an impression of citrus and fresh greenery that makes this a versatile and invigorating wine.
We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
2022 Clos du Kreitzerberg Pinot Noir
100% Pinot Noir
The 2022 Clos du Kreitzerberg Pinot Noir reveals an enchanting bouquet that is both refined and evocative, showcasing aromas of sour cherry, fresh strawberry, and a touch of raspberry. Hints of winter spice and subtle wood notes add warmth and depth to the nose, while a touch of wild berry and a whisper of earthiness bring complexity. The wine’s bright, translucent ruby color hints at the finesse that follows on the palate.
In the mouth, this Pinot Noir is a masterclass in balance and elegance. Ripe cherry and red currant flavors dance across the palate, moving gracefully between vibrant acidity and ultra-fine tannins that are seamlessly integrated. Floral nuances and a touch of licorice add layers to its delicate profile. The texture is both light-footed and fulfilling, with a finish that lingers with a playful, almost ethereal quality, balancing between fruity brightness and a gentle, dry finish.
This is a Pinot Noir of remarkable finesse and poise, reminiscent of a finely crafted Burgundy, yet with a character all its own.
We award this wine with a 94-point DWA score.
Special Cuvée Adigio
100% Chardonnay, 50% French (Saint-Aubin) – 50% Luxembourg
The Special Cuvée Adigio from Domaine Alice Hartmann brings together a unique blend of Chardonnay from both Luxembourg and Burgundy, featuring grapes from the esteemed Premier Cru vineyard in Saint-Aubin, Sur Gamay. This partnership yields a Chardonnay of medium golden hue, with an inviting nose of ripe yellow fruits and toasted almond.
On the palate, it offers generous flavors of apple, pear, and a touch of orange zest, accented by subtle vanilla and a pleasing sweetness. The wine is rich and full-bodied, with a buttery texture reminiscent of Beaune, making for a bold and satisfying experience. However, the moderate acidity leaves it leaning more towards roundness than freshness, making this an ideal choice for lovers of richer, fuller Chardonnays.
Hints of vanilla, oak, and creamy butter complement the pear and apple notes, creating a harmonious balance between fruit and oak. This is a Chardonnay that leans into its luxurious character.
We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
2018 Project One
Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)
The 2018 Project One by Alice Hartmann marks an ambitious and remarkable venture into Napa Valley, crafted with a Luxembourg winemaker’s precision and attention to detail. This limited-edition wine, capped at just 1,200 bottles, reveals itself as a powerhouse with Bordeaux-like elegance. On the nose, it opens with rich, layered aromas of vanilla-laced currant liqueur, polished oak, and aromatic herbs, hinting at the depth and complexity to come.
The palate is equally impressive, brimming with deep blue and black fruit flavors—blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant—balanced by mocha, sweet tobacco, and a touch of dark chocolate. The wine’s structure is dense, with a full-bodied roundness and superb concentration that speaks to the character of Napa Valley’s finest red wines. Ultra-fine-grained tannins and a silky, lingering finish underscore the finesse and potential for cellaring, revealing this wine as young but already showing glimpses of greatness.
Project One is both powerful and refined, bringing Napa Valley fruit and Luxembourg precision into a beautifully balanced, memorable wine that will surely reward those patient enough to hold onto it. A stunning debut that not only rivals a well-made Bordeaux but also sets a new standard for international collaboration.
We award this wine with a 95-point DWA score.
Building a Global Presence
Domaine Alice Hartmann’s wines, particularly their Rieslings and Crémants, have garnered a discerning international following. Though production volumes remain limited, the winery has selectively allocated its wines to strategic export markets, including London and New York, where they are featured in high-end restaurants and wine bars. In the U.S., the Napa project provides an entry point to showcase the Hartmann brand, with plans to expand further into select metropolitan areas where premium European wines find an enthusiastic audience.
The future vision for Domaine Alice Hartmann involves broadening their presence in niche markets, particularly among sommeliers and wine professionals who appreciate the unique story and high quality of Luxembourg wines. This strategy not only positions the winery as a premium brand but also promotes Luxembourg as a source of exceptional wines capable of standing alongside those from its larger neighbours.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Innovation
Domaine Alice Hartmann’s unique approach—balancing innovation with tradition, and quality with authenticity—cements its reputation as a pioneering force in both Luxembourg and Napa Valley. By maintaining low production volumes and a commitment to sustainable practices, the winery upholds a high standard of quality that has made it a favorite among connoisseurs and collectors alike. As they prepare for the release of their Napa vintage in December, it’s clear that the legacy of Alice Hartmann, forged by an unwavering pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire a new generation of winemaking on both sides of the Atlantic.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts. We would like to thank Jos Wesner and Jessica van der Schee of Domaine Alice Hartmann for their time and the wines provided for this interview.
