Outstanding Vinothek in Franken
It's good if someone has a connection to the heritage conservationists. You can talk to people. In any case, it didn't take Thomas Fischer long to convincingly present his idea of renovating the house from 1880 that lies right next to the old "Krone" inn: It would be a main attraction for Wiesentheid, he cajoled. The Lower Franconian community could easily climb two or three notches up the scale of tourist destinations. There had been no vinothek until now. There wasn't even a winemaker.
The famous Franconian vineyards start a few kilometres away, Fischer implored, and the popularity of the Schloss and Schlosspark meant that most travellers simply drove past the village after leaving the motorway. Even the parish church of St. Mauritius, built by the master builder of the baroque, Balthasar Neumann, remained an insider tip. Visitors were regularly dizzy under the ceiling fresco by Giovanni Francesco Marcini, because they felt that the huge dome of a cathedral from the Italian Renaissance was opening above them.
It is a pity that people are missing out, lamented Fischer in his pitch. In the end, he prevailed. It seemingly runs in the family. Even the grandfather, who had moved from Sudetenland to the Main after the war, did not hesitate long. He bought the "Krone", then realized: I have an inn, but no wine of my own. So he launched into wine production. The grandson remembers times when the tastings were so enshrouded in the cigarette smoke of the other guests you could barely breathe. Until he took over the business. Until the neighbouring house caught his eye. It was a heritage-listed building. So he asked a graphic artist friend to just start sketching some designs.
In contrast to the cozy, wood-panelled and long outdated style of the old drinking inns – Fischer posited a more modern, contemporary attitude towards nature, aromas, and the role of the winemaker as one who expresses the character of a region and a terroir with authenticity. And with that, a fresh approach to those who come to explore it with all their senses.
Because the visitors had certainly changed since the old era of rustic taverns! Younger, well-informed, cosmopolitan. Good reasons for Thomas Fischer to decide against using the traditional Franconian Bocksbeutel bottles. They simply don't fit with the modern appearance of his business. Nor do they fit well in the refrigerator.
The drawings were good. Fischer opened the vinothek and by using fresh green highlights in the decor, developed an atmosphere of lightness and elegance. He also demonstrated his respect for the region by the materials used: the wood comes from the Steigerwald, the shell limestone from the Main. And visitors - from everywhere.
Opening Time
Monday - Friday: from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; 1:30 - 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; 1:30 - 6:00pm (January - March: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm only)
Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
