The Ruppertsberg Cooperative is one of the most dynamic in Germany. In the 1980s the growers completely rebuilt their wine cellars and have continuously invested in new equipment. Winemaking in the Mittlehaart goes back to Roman times, they originally planted vines there because the area is one of the warmest winegrowing regions of Germany. The loam and sandstone soils from around Ruppertsberg and up to just above Bad Durkheim are some of the best in the Rhine valley. Great emphasis is put on individual vineyards using cover crops rather than herbicides and harvesting at optimal ripeness in each plot.