Verband Deutscher Pradikats (VDP)
Definition - What does Verband Deutscher Pradikats (VDP) mean?
Verband Deutscher Pradikats is a German wine classification and labeling system that emphasizes quality control, traditional characteristics and environmental consciousness. Also known as VDP, Verband Deutscher Pradikats are wineries that have gained international and national recognition for their long standing high standards and quality.
A membership to the VDP cannot be bought or applied for, the winery must be invited to join, afterwhich the VDP recognizes the vineyard and permits them to use the VDP grape eagle as a recognition of membership and a symbol of the highest quality wine and consumer satisfaction.
WineFrog explains Verband Deutscher Pradikats (VDP)
The Verband Deutscher Pradikat memberships describe the top 200 elite German wineries. It was renamed VDP in 1971 and due to German legislation, they redesigned the membership requirements emphasizing quality over quantity. This organization adheres to strict rule enforcement, regular audits to check wineries’ grapes for region typical varieties (no hybrids) and reduced yields (commercial maximization practices are not allowed).
Members are encouraged to use the highest quality vines, growing practices and environmentally friendly processing methods. VDP has a three tiered classification system with Grosse Gewächs as the highest, Klassifizierte Lagenweine and Gutswein as the lowest. This classification is determined by type of grapes grown, quantity of annual yields and quality standards. The eagle and grape bunch logo on the bottle can also include signifiers that indicate the wine’s classification. The grape eagle is easily recognized throughout Europe as a wine made with the highest standard and personalized care.
