Explore More - 2019

Princess Stephanie

Princess Stephanie LÖwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg Could you tell us a bit about the history of the Löwenstein estate? In the 17th century, following the Thirty Years’ War, many aristocratic families left their destroyed old castles. The Löwenstein family looked for the warmest place in their little empire and chose Kleinheubach, on the river, to build a new governmental and residential castle. It was built in 1721 in typical baroque style, and there are seven large halls on the first floor and around 50 bedrooms, with additional houses for the soldiers, horses, stable team and housekeeping staff. The beautiful park is 17 hectares stretching down to the river. I prefer our smaller private home, but I love Kleinheubach Castle and my office in the former carriage building. How different is your life as a modern-day princess compared to the stereotypical image of tiaras and ball gowns? Although I have the word “princess” in my name, the family no longer has power under German law, so there is less of a representative duty. Modern law allows the women of aristocratic families to do just what they want, so I became a pediatric surgeon and later the CEO of the family business. Freedom is our highest privilege in Europe and I am very aware of this. Sometimes I do wear the family jewelry for traditional parties, but in truth, I do not like high heels and itchy silk. It is fun for carnival, but daily life in jeans is so wonderful! Could you tell me about your involvement in the winemaking? It is hard work and I really admire our wine team. They are the best in the business and the wine estate was fully modernized in 2010. As a family, we all like to take some time to help in the vineyard, but our main job of managing an area the size of Manhattan is very time consuming. What is it that makes your wine so special and unique? In times of climate change and technology development, wine making in Germany has a bright future. We are lucky to have the Homburger kallmuth, the best geologic site in Europe. It is a southwest-facing terraced vineyard with 12 hours of sunshine in summer, when temperatures can exceed 60°C. Even in winter, there is almost no freezing weather. The vines grow on red sandstone, and Above: Princess Stephanie is redefining what it means to be a modern-day princess 132 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE 2019

CULTURE the lime above is washed over the grapes by rain and wind. Perfect! The Romans realized this 2,000 years ago and started an herb garden there, so you will also find 120 different Mediterranean herbs in our wine spot. We are very proud and grateful for this and you can taste it in our very natural wines. Do you feel it is important for aristocratic families to be connected to the rest of society and how do you achieve this? Traditional aristocratic families make up a small minority. But as young people marry into different families, this minority continues to become even smaller. This is the modern world and the future. Today, aristocratic families with their beautiful estates are privileged to be well known in their communities. They should use their prominence to set an example of their values, to care, to stand up against injustice. It is no longer about genetics, but we still need leaders to fight for values whether they are castle owners or successful business leaders. How can these traditional families embrace the modern world? It is all about human interaction. These days most aristocratic children go to school and university and meet international friends. Friendship and connections are a deep human desire in all of us and it is important to cultivate freedom and tolerance. Sadly, my husband died so early, eight years ago, so I am dedicated to showing our four children how wonderful freedom is and how important value-driven decisions are every single day. I love them very much and to be loved helps them to develop their own understanding of responsibility. What are your hopes for the future? I really hope that peace and freedom continue, that our family will stick together in love and care and that our business and property will always be successful enough to enable us to take care of those who suffer. And I hope that German coffee improves! Should you be sailing with us along the Main River, consider reserving the Modern Aristocracy excursion including Privileged Access to Schloss Löwenstein and perhaps complement your onboard meal with a glass of Fürst Löwenstein wine produced at the estate. Above, clockwise from top right: The estate covers an area the size of Manhattan; delicious wines produced by Princess Stephanie; the magnificent Kleinheubach Castle; the grand entrance to Kleinheubach EXPLORE MORE 2019 | VIKING.COM 133