Brothers Christian and Oliver Zeter bottled their first vintage in 2007 and have already earned themselves a place in the wine world. Today they cultivate six hectares of the best sites in Palatinate; some are their own vineyards, some of which they lease from growers with whom they have built and maintain long-term relationships. Oliver’s passion for Sauvignon Blanc manifested itself in the planting of seven clones on soil that was perfectly suited to the variety. Not only does he make four table wines, one of which is sweet, but it is also a component in his Goldschatz TBA. Zeter is one of the rising stars of the Pfalz. Click here for a brief resume of the estate The Bear The drinking bear that adorns the label comes from the quill of a well known Pfalz artist named Otto Dill, a friend of Oliver’s great grandfather Walter Baer (German for bear). On one occasion in 1933 Walter was unable to meet his friends for a regular ‘glass of wine or two’ and the artist sent the sketch on a postcard to his friend Walter the ‘bear’, and the postcard was signed by all the friends present that day. Oliver has the postcard in his kitchen. He declared that the bear had been with him all his life and when he made wine he would go on the label. www.oliver-zeter.de The New Domaine Below is an image of the charming new Oliver Zeter estate - renovated over 18 months - and now a purpose driven building housing tasting room and cellar. Oliver and the team welcome guests so please do head there next time you happen to be in the neighbourhood. Go to www.oliver-zeter.de for contact details.