235 years ago, the young Ludwig van Beethoven met the von Breuning family, my direct ancestors, in Bonn. This was the beginning of a lifelong, very close bond between Beethoven and my ancestors, and we are proud to bear the von Breuning name.

Helene von Breuning recognized the genius of the young 15-year-old Beethoven and strongly supported him in his early career. Beethoven was a frequent visitor to the Breunings' home. He taught the family's children piano. Eleonore von Breuning became his first love. He dedicated several of his pieces to her.

Brother Stephan became a close, lifelong friend of Beethoven. He accompanied him from Bonn to Vienna and worked as a librettist on several of Beethoven's works, including his only opera, Fidelio, originally titled "Leonore."

As the oldest sparkling wine producer in the Ruwer Valley, sparkling wine is at the heart of what we do. In honor of my family's history, three of our Riesling sparkling wines are named LUDOVICO, ELEONORE, and STEPHANUS.