Founded in 1955 by Alfred Specht, the vineyard of 13 hectares is divided into 40 plots located in Mittelwihr and on the more well-known villages of Beblenheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé. The vines are ideally located on the under Vosges hills around these villages. Each plot is worked on separately to maximise each wines potential. Specht is the German word for woodpecker. Thibault and Benjamin Specht are two cousins running the domain now, taking over for their fathers some years ago. However their fathers are still active in the vineyard. They produce a Grand Cru Mandelberg, 1 of the 51 Grand Cru appellation of Alsace. Mandelberg means almond tree hill, and the hill is sun drenched. There really are almond trees on this hill which is proof of its pleasant climate. The landscape is gorgeous in the spring with the blossomed trees. The wine made with the grapes coming from Mandelberg hill reflects this microclimate : fruity, powerful and generous. Domaine Specht is in conversion to organic farming.