Outstanding Vinothek in Rheinhessen
When Cathrin Tronser looks out from the spacious stone terrace across the Rhine to the Rheingau region of Hesse, she could almost forget that she is actually at her workplace. For the past year, the 43-year-old has been managing the Vinothek in the Ingelheimer Winzerkeller, which was founded in 2019 by the city and 26 businesses to bring wines from Ingelheim to life. And it's not just the view of the vines and landscape that is special, but also the imposing building itself.
Opened in 1904 to house the local winegrowers' cooperative, it had been lying idle for a long time. After extensive renovation work, the west wing now houses its own restaurant, while in the east wing, next to the tourist information office, the vinothek welcomes all those who are interested in the local winemakers. "There are 25 wineries represented here, each with two to three wines, as well as a distillery from Ingelheim," explains Cathrin Tronser. From sparkling Secco to dry Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) to sweet cherry dessert wine – all are neatly arranged by winemaker, with some 72 varieties stored in specially made metal wine racks on the walls.
The raw sandstone harmonizes perfectly with the modern furniture made of light and dark lacquered oak. Those who have found what they are looking for in the wine tasting menu or are in the mood for a tasting of three- or six-wines, can either linger inside at one of the bar tables or, in mild weather, take a seat at one of the tables on the terrace. "It's not important to us whether a guest wants to spend hours tasting their way through the menu or just enjoy a wine spritzer over cheese and pretzels - we want to be a place for everyone who has an affinity for wine," says the Mainz native, who is assisted in her work by Lukas Weitzel.
The 25-year-old is not only an "Ingelheim boy", but also a well-connected wine expert. Together, the duo works hard on regular event formats in order to make the varied offerings of the vinothek accessible to a wider audience. Sometimes a winemaker comes in person to present special wines. Other times, the in-house "Saturdays at the Vinothek" series puts conviviality front and centre. "There are more and more younger winemakers. And you can observe that wine is increasingly losing its supposed elitism and enjoyment is more in the foreground."
In addition to the guest room and terrace, visitors can also enjoy the sizeable winter garden with lush tropical plants - it connects the two wings of the building. "In the basement there is also a vault for events, and below that an antique wine cellar where empty, historic barrels with ornate carvings are stored, commemorating special events such as the moon landing or a flood in the region," says Cathrin Tronser. Of course, this cellar is also always worth a visit.
Opening Time
Tuesday - Thursday: 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 1:00 – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 – 7:00 pm
