Hochheimer wines, originating from the town of Hochheim am Main in the Rheingau region of Germany, have a history of wine production dating back several centuries. By the early 20th century, the town was renowned for its Riesling wines, known for their distinctive balance of sweetness and acidity, cultivated in the unique microclimate of the region. The proximity of the vineyards to the Main River and the favorable soil conditions contributed to the high quality of the wines.
In Britain, Hochheimer wines became particularly popular under the shortened name "Hock," a term that came to be used broadly for white wines from Germany. The wines gained further prestige during the 19th century, partly due to their association with the British royal family, especially Queen Victoria, who helped popularize them in England.
Around 1900, the Hochheim region was experiencing the effects of viticultural challenges, notably the phylloxera infestation that had impacted vineyards across Europe. Despite these difficulties, winemakers in Hochheim adapted by replanting vineyards with resistant rootstocks and adopting modern techniques.
Wine production remained largely a labor-intensive process, dominated by small, family-run operations. Hochheimer wines continued to be highly regarded, both domestically and in key export markets such as Britain and the United States.