*Press Dinner at Winzerhof Stahl*
When Christian Stahl invites to dinner, you expect the extraordinary. Nestled in the historic Franconia region between Würzburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, his estate in Auernhofen is home to a spectacular, Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant. Stahl is a culinary chameleon. He is a celebrated “Winemaker of the Year,” an acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, and a restless innovator. For years, he has shattered stiff traditions, giving German wine culture a bold, modern identity built on precision and courage.But what happens when a flavor pioneer turns his focus entirely to the non-alcoholic wine?
Welcome to The Super-Sober Experience at Winzerhof Stahl. This isn’t just about skipping the booze; it’s about celebrating conscious enjoyment. Whether you embrace a healthy lifestyle, take a sober-curious break, expect a baby, or act as the designated driver, Christian Stahl ensures you never sacrifice flavor. Join me on a journey to Franconia, where complex aromas and vibrant bubbles prove that world-class dining doesn’t need a single drop of alcohol to shine.
DISCOVER WINZERHOF STAHL
Winzerhof Stahl in Auernhofen is far from a traditional winery, it is an architectural statement. Here, Christian Stahl has created a stunning sanctuary that seamlessly blends modern precision with the historic charm of a listed heritage estate.
The moment you step into the enclosed courtyard, you instantly feel its unique energy. The combination of classic cobblestones and Mediterranean flair creates an incredibly warm, inviting atmosphere. As we were welcomed into the courtyard, I could almost hear the laughter of happy couples; after all, Winzerhof Stahl is the premier wedding venue in Germany’s beautiful Tauber Valley. From romantic ceremonies right in the “Hasennest” vineyard to vibrant receptions with up to 135 guests in the converted barn (“Tenne”), this estate makes wedding dreams come true.
MICHELIN-STARRED FINE DINING AND BOUTIQUE LODGING
For food lovers, the ultimate highlight is the Fine Dining Restaurant Stahl. Inside these venerable walls, Christian Stahl and his team craft a Michelin-starred culinary experience that awakens every sense.
The best part? You don’t have to leave after the final course. The estate features stylish boutique rooms that invite you to extend your stay, relax, and wake up to the fresh scent of the surrounding vineyards.
Whether you are visiting for an exclusive dinner, a relaxing weekend getaway, or the most important day of your life, Winzerhof Stahl isn’t just a place to visit, it is a destination where you’ll want to stay.
THE PERFECT START – BUBBLES WITHOUT TROUBLES
The evening kicks off exactly how a Super-Sober Experience should: carefree, elegant, and with a true highlight in our glasses—the 2025 Stahl Nachschlag “Bubbles without Troubles.” This bright yellow, non-alcoholic sparkling grape Secco is the definition of pure freshness. Forget those sticky, sugary alcohol substitutes you might have tried before; this is the exact opposite.
On the nose, it hits you with vibrant citrus fruits, crisp gooseberry, and fresh currant. On the palate, it strikes a brilliant balance between juicy acidity, delicate sweetness, and elegant carbonation. The bubbles dance so gracefully that you won’t miss the alcohol for a single second.
A Quick Side Fact for Rosé Lovers: If you prefer a splash of color in your glass, Christian Stahl has you covered. Reach for the “Pink Bubbles against Troubles.” This stunning rosé version packs the exact same cheeky, refreshing flavor profile with a beautiful blush tint.
Holding this glass under the open sky of the historic Franconian courtyard, one thing becomes instantly clear: this isn’t about giving something up. This is the dawn of a whole new way to celebrate—crystal clear and incredibly delicious.
WOOD-FIRED TARTE FLAMBÉE MEETS HIGH-END MIXOLOGY
As the sun begins to set, the rich aroma of fresh woodsmoke fills the crisp Franconian air. Right there in the courtyard, ultra-thin and crispy Flammkuchen (traditional German flatbreads) slide straight out of a blazing-hot wood-fired oven.
To pair with it? An aperitif that officially elevates the Super-Sober Experience into the realm of fine art: The “PETAL & PRESSURE.” This drink is a masterful creation that blends the absolute best of two worlds. Its foundation is the famous 1-2-Zero Riesling Sparkling from the renowned Johannes Leitz Winery in the picturesque Rhine region of Geisenheim.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
This drink isn’t just mixed; it is engineered for maximum flavor:
- The Crisp Base: The vibrant, bubbly Leitz Riesling meets the sharp, elegant tartness of Verjus (unfermented green grape juice).
- The Herbal Note: House-made lemon balm syrup introduces a delicate, aromatic sweetness.
- The Magic Spray: Right before serving, a custom oil-based Zitrella-hop essence is misted over the glass.
The result is pure sensory magic. The moment you lift the glass, the intense aroma hits you first. The hops add a bold, earthy depth, while the Zitrella notes amplify the crispness of the Riesling.
Pairing the hot, savory, salty tarte flambéee with this ice-cold, highly complex drink is nothing short of genius. Anyone who still claims that a party needs alcohol hasn’t tried this mix. It has so much depth and character, you won’t shed a single tear for the missing percentages.
WEINGUT LEITZ – THE LEGENDS OF GENTLE DE-ALCOHOLIZATION
The team at Leitz Winery is legendary in the wine world. They are deeply committed to nature and famous for their highly conscious use of natural resources. But how do they make a non-alcoholic Riesling taste so incredibly authentic? The answer lies in a state-of-the-art process called vacuum distillation, which is essentially pure wellness for the wine.
THE SCIENCE OF PRESERVING FLAVOR
Traditional alcohol removal can destroy a wine’s delicate character with high heat. Leitz does things differently:
- Low-Temperature Boiling: Inside a vacuum, the boiling point drops drastically. Alcohol evaporates at just around 27°C (80°F) instead of the usual high temperatures.
- Gentle Extraction: This ultra-low heat gently draws the alcohol out of the wine without cooking it.
- Aroma Protection: Because the process is so gentle, the vibrant, crisp Riesling aromas are perfectly preserved.
The result is a zero-proof wine that retains its true soul, structure, and terroir. It is cutting-edge technology serving absolute enjoyment.
THE SUPER-SOBER MENU AT WINZERHOF STAHL
Trout | Kohlrabi | Salted Lemon
La Maison Tea Royal No. 9
Herbal Garden Sparkling Tea
Asparagus | Veal | Potato
Stahl „Nachschlag“ – No Bubbles – No Alk – No Troubles
Skrei (Winter Cod) | Veal | Cucumber | Grape Mustard
2025 Emil Bauer – Bubbles Blanc
Flat Iron | Beetroot Mille-Feuille| Couscous
A. Diehl – Cuvée Rouge
Crêpes Suzette
La Maison Tea Royal No. 7
Blooming Sparkling Rosé Tea
LA MAISON – WHERE FINE TEA CULTURE MEETS ROYAL FIZZ
If you think tea is just a cozy drink for a lazy afternoon, La Maison is about to change your mind. Tucked away in the idyllic landscapes of Styria, Austria, this innovative brand has elevated the art of sparkling tea to a level usually reserved for the finest Champagne houses. They don’t just brew tea here; they compose it with a winemaker’s precision.
The Secret Ingredient From the Vineyards. What makes these sparkling teas so incredibly rich and full-bodied? The secret lies right in the soil. La Maison is one of the very few producers to tap into the natural synergy of their own vineyards. By using grape seeds and grape skins from their organically managed estates, they infuse the tea with natural tannins and complex bitter notes.
This process gives their signature Tea Royal the structural backbone, depth, and sophisticated mouthfeel that standard soft drinks completely lack. It is a brilliant bridge between world-class viticulture and premium mixology—offering a truly royal sparkle without a single drop of alcohol.
HERBAL GARDEN No. 9 – A STROLL THROUG NATURE
Served alongside the delicate trout, the Tea Royal No. 9 unfolds its true magic. The journey begins with a base of mild green tea, delivering grassy, vibrant aromas and a subtle hint of spice. Then, highly prized Greek Mountain Tea takes center stage. It infuses the drink with a signature lemon-mint freshness, hiding a whisper of warm cinnamon deep within its flavor profile.
The Ultimate Culinary Counterpart. This sparkling tea acts as a crisp, invigorating answer to the dish’s salted lemon. It carries a wonderfully clean, almost restorative energy—brilliantly channeling the holistic benefits that Greek Mountain Tea is celebrated for in its Mediterranean home. It’s a beautifully bitter, deeply refreshing pairing that cleanses the palate and elevates the entire seafood course.
BLOOMING ROSÉ No. 7 – FLORAL ELEGANCE IN A GLASS
For the sweet finale of our Crêpes Suzette, the Tea Royal No. 7 lights up the dining room. It boasts a picturesque, salmon-pink hue courtesy of premium hibiscus blossoms, which also infuse the drink with a bright, fruity citrus note.
The backbone of this blend is finest Ceylon tea—named after the historic title of Sri Lanka. This ingredient delivers subtle, sophisticated floral notes that stay beautifully elegant without ever overpowering the palate.
Ce n’est pas du thé – It is an Experience
There is one golden rule to remember: you don’t drink Tea Royal from a mug. To unlock its true potential, serve it ice-cold in a fine wine or Champagne glass. This allows the delicate orchestra of premium teas, fresh herbs, and botanicals to breathe and release its full elegance.
It is the ultimate sparkling alternative for anyone who wants to raise a glass and toast a special moment without compromising on taste. A true masterpiece from Styria, proving exactly how sophisticated a Super-Sober lifestyle can be.
WINZERHOF STAHL – EPICENTER OF THE NEW TASTE MOVEMENT
Then, of course, there is the host himself. Christian Stahl from Simmershofen in Franconia is far from your traditional winemaker. He is a culinary visionary who radically reinterprets the potential of Germany’s historic Franconian slopes for a modern generation.
His signature creation, “Nachschlag” (No Bubbles – No Alk – No Troubles), has already achieved legendary cult status. Christian spent years meticulously fine-tuning the balance of this alcohol-free alternative. He refused to settle until he created a drink that doesn’t need carbonation or alcohol to command the room. Instead, it delivers the pure, raw power of the Franconian vineyards, captured in a bottle that stands for crystal clarity and uncompromising taste.
A Masterclass in Zero-Proof Food Pairing. Stahl doesn’t do half measures. He crafts wines—and non-alcoholic alternatives—that tell a story of sheer courage and artisanal perfection. How perfectly this craftsmanship works shines through during this specific, Michelin-starred course:
- The Match: The precise, fine minerality of the “Nachschlag” acts as the perfect canvas for the plate.
- The Magic: It effortlessly elevates the flavors of tender veal, crisp fresh asparagus, and edle potatoes into a completely new dimension.
During this pairing on eye-level, you won’t miss the alcohol for a single second. It is proof that true luxury is about depth of flavor, not percentages.
EMIL BAUER & SÖHNE – PURE NATURE FROM THE PFALZ (PALATINATE)
The brothers Alexander and Martin Bauer from Landau-Nußdorf are the true rebels of Germany’s Pfalz (Palatinate) region, but they are rebels with a deep love for nature. Their approach to viticulture is radically sustainable. Instead of relying on herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or insecticides, they put their full trust in the power of the ecosystem.
By using targeted cover crops and green manure, they naturally enrich their soils. Together with their partner Fair’n Green, they actively rewild vineyard areas, creating vital sanctuaries for insects, birds, and local wildlife. You can truly taste this vibrant biodiversity in every single drop.
Their Bubbles Blanc is an absolute game-changer. It brings that classic, joyful Palatinate spirit straight into your glass—lively, refreshing, and packed with a fruit precision that flawlessly complements the delicate winter cod (Skrei).
It is no surprise that this blend hit the bullseye for me, as it unites three incredible grape varieties:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Delivering signature crispness and vibrant green aromatics.
- Cabernet Blanc: Providing essential structure, spine, and depth.
- Muskateller (Muscat): Rounding out the blend with a touch of beautiful, exotic perfume.
The result is a bright, animating taste experience that perfectly preserves the soul of the grape. This wine proves just how much fun and depth alcohol-free drinking can offer when it is crafted with expert intuition and absolute respect for the planet.
A. DIEHL – THE RED REVOLUTION FROM EDESHEIM
The A. Diehl Winery in Edesheim (Palatinate) is famous for its exceptional single-varietal wines and an incredible instinct for blending. Andreas and Alexandra Diehl are true masters at carving out the unique personality of every single grape. With their non-alcoholic Cuvée Rouge, they boldly answer the eternal question: Can red wine actually work without the alcohol?
Crafting a zero-proof red is widely considered the supreme discipline in winemaking. A. Diehl’s blend of Regent and Pinot Noir is technically flawless. However, when paired with our rich, full-flavored Flat Iron Steak, the wine took a bit of a backseat for my personal taste.
To be completely fair, when it comes to reds, my heart belongs to bold, high-character powerhouses like an expressive Syrah or a deeply complex Pinot Noir. Because of that, my bar for a non-alcoholic counterpart is set exceptionally high.
THE ELEGANT DANCER, NOT THE HEAVYWEIGHT BOXER
But this is exactly where the Cuvée Rouge reveals its true strength. It isn’t trying to be a heavyweight boxer; it is an elegant dancer. Its finest moments happen during the lighter, breezier times of life.
I picture this wine as the ultimate summer sundowner on the patio. Drop a few fresh blackberries into the glass, and its bright fruit notes instantly start to shine. It also shows its full potential when paired with:
- A refreshing watermelon and feta salad
- A delicate, earthy wild mushroom pasta
It is a beautiful wine for those moments that call for pure lightness, crisp finesse, and effortless enjoyment.
A VICTORY FOR CLARITY
Thinking back to just a few years ago, the non-alcoholic wine market was still in its infancy. Today, this spectacular evening stands as living proof of a genuine flavor revolution. My personal verdict on the Super-Sober Experience? An absolute, resounding success!
Out of the seven zero-proof pairings presented throughout the night, an impressive four bottles made it straight onto my personal shopping list. In a world where people are often skeptical about alcohol-free alternatives, that is an incredible result. It proves that when culinary visionaries like Christian Stahl, the Bauer brothers, La Maison, and the Leitz team join forces, you don’t need a single drop of alcohol to experience a true rush of the senses.
I left the estate with a crystal-clear head, a thrilled palate, and absolute certainty: sobriety is not about deprivation. It is the ultimate new way to experience life in High Definition. Bold, honest, and incredibly delicious.
MY TIP 4 NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES TO BUY RIGHT NOW
- Stahl “Pink – Bubbles Against Troubles”
- Stahl “Nachschlag” (No Bubbles – No Alk – No Troubles)
- Leitz 1-2-Zero Riesling Sparkling
- Emil Bauer “Bubbles Blanc”
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
A massive thank you goes out to Winzerhof Stahl, Gourmet Connection, and Reidemeister & Ulrichs for the exclusive invitation and the absolutely flawless organization of this unforgettable evening.
Have you ever been to the Must-visit fine dining spot Winzerhof Stahl?
If you tag your picture on Instagram with @labsalliebe and use the hashtag#labsalliebe, I won’t miss a post and will be happy to leave you a comment as well. Can’t wait to see your creations.
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