Michael Zehe grew up in the heart of one of Rheinhessen’s most renowned wine regions, the historic village of Flörsheim-Dalsheim (founded 763 ad.). From an early age, he was surrounded by vineyards, spending time as a child in the vineyards with family and friends.

Though his professional path led him to a successful career in engineering, founding Rowe Oil in 1995, his connection to the land and the dream of crafting his own wines never faded.

That dream began in 2009 when Michael and his wife, Velichka, embarked on an ambitious winemaking venture in Bulgaria. They revitalized the land, transforming many small parcels of vineyards, neglected during the time of communism, into a premium, boutique estate, called Villa Velis.

As the project evolved, the boutique winery in Bulgaria was becoming too restrictive in size, and it became clear that better winemaking options were required. This led to the building of a new purpose built winery in 2017 back in Michael’s home village in Germany, beginning a unique, cross-border project, entitled Velis Vineyards.