The dukes "von der Leyen" were the owners of a large administration building with huge wine-cellars. The estate was built by the family "von der Leyen" during two time periods: during the year of 1665 the courtyard with the large cellars and in 1679 the administration building. During his reign as elector and Archbishop of Trier; Carl Caspar von der Leyen (he held these positions from 1652 until 1676) took care, that the courtyard and administration building were being build. The 30-year-war (1618 - 1648) just having taken it's toll, it is said that Carl Caspar von der Leyen was particularly active in having the state of his reign rebuild. The taxes having to be paid to the duke by the farmers and wine-growers back in those days were a tenth of their harvest. The estate was used as the central collecting point for all subjects. Due to this fact, the small street leading to the estate even today is still called "Hebegasse", which means "collecting alley".

In the history books it is also stated that on April 29th 1733 the senate refused the request made by the duke von der Leyen for 100 oak trees. He had requested those to build a new house with the intend to create a great ornamental house to improve and adorn the city. But the electorial approval was not given. The administrator of the estate; Juror Moritz, posed on June 22nd 1757 the question, if the payment having to be made for the transport of the many barrels of wine could not be reduced. But since the city mayor was not present during the time of  the question, it was not discussed. After the question was put to the city mayor the senate denied the request on June 25th 1757.

At the turn of the 18th century the estate was placed in the hands of  Mr. Valentin Schwarz. He also held the position of assistant city mayor from 1790 until 1797. The position of the assistant city mayor changed on August 17th 1797 to the then chairman of the city council, Mr. Nikolaus Friderici. Mr. Schwarz continued the managing of the estate, which also ensured, that the family Schwarz furthermore owned the administration building. An unwed son of the family, Mr. Johann Schwarz, lived in the administration building until the year of 1860. The house then changed ownership to the wine merchant Mr. Peter Hauth from the neighbouring village Wehlen. In 1903 the estate was purchased by the merchant and publican Franz Popp and his wife Maria Popp, nee Phillips. They established the name "Doctor Weinstube". They could not have thought of a more fitting name for the estate, as it perfectly described the history of the estate: the dukes of von der Leyen having build and owned the estate and also having been owners of large vineyards, among them the famous vineyard "Doctorberg". Since the earliest of the centuries the wine cellars of the courtyard have given home and storage to many an excellent barrels and bottles of Moselle wine!

(original text out of "Bernkastel im Wandel der Zeit" by Franz Schmitt - "Bernkastel during the change of times)
(The above mentioned text has been translated based on the general understanding of the historic  script.)

Indulge in the historic atmosphere and enjoy our sincere welcome. Take delight in the Doctor wine surrounded by the charm of the centuries past!