Six awards for wine commitment

Once again this year, the German Wine Institute (DWI), in collaboration with Original SELTERS and DER FEINSCHMECKER, has honoured "Outstanding Wine Restaurants" that stand out for their special commitment to wines from German regions.

Grapes Weinbar inMunich was honoured by the jury as the winner in the "Wine Gastronomy" category. Behl's Genusshotel im Brennhaus from Blankenbach came out on top in the "Hotel Gastronomy" category. Landhaus Halferschenke in Dieblich was chosen as the winner in the "Superior Gastronomy" category, while the prize for "Gourmet Gastronomy" went to the Gut Lärchenhof restaurant in Pulheim. The Pelican Fly in Düsseldorf secured the award in the "Next Generation" category. A special SELTERS prize was also awarded for the second time, this year going to Vinothek Bahnsteig 1 in Mayschoß on the Ahr.

The competition jury was made up of SELTERS Managing Director Otto J. Völker, Editor-in-Chief of DER FEINSCHMECKER magazine Gabriele Heins and catering professionals Paula Bosch, Christina Fischer and Gunnar Tietz. The quality standards for judging the restaurants were set high. In addition to the scope and quality of the wine on offer, factors such as pricing, staff training, the possibility of serving wine by the glass and wine events also played a decisive role in the jury's judgement.

The great interest shown by the catering trade continued unabated in the tenth edition of the competition. "This year, too, it was not easy for the jury to make a decision, as the quality of the entries was extremely high. The catering establishments are excellent examples of how local wines can be harmoniously integrated into innovative catering concepts and presented in an exceptional atmosphere," explained DWI Managing Director Monika Reule. "For wine lovers, the award-winning wine restaurants and vinotheques are highly recommended addresses that impress with a wide range of wines and an outstanding gastronomic offering," continued Reule.

The award ceremony will take place on site in the restaurants, with film portraits of the restaurants being produced and subsequently published on the DWI's social media channels. The "Excellent Wine Gastronomy" prize is endowed with EUR 2,000 each, which can be used for campaigns relating to German wine. The winners also have the opportunity to engage the German Wine Queen to host a wine event.

The award winners at a glance

• Next Generation category: Pelican Fly, Düsseldorf - The Düsseldorf restaurant Pelican Fly was honoured in the new "Next Generation" category. The unique wine bar in the centre of the city is a meeting place for all kinds of people - young and old, "freaks and tourists". Pelican Fly delights its guests with a special atmosphere that celebrates diversity and joie de vivre. Behind the success is Toni Askitis, who brings a breath of fresh air to the catering scene with innovative concepts and a strong focus on social media. Pelican Fly is not just a restaurant, but a lively place where enjoyment and community come together. www.pommesundwein.de
• Category upscale gastronomy Landhaus Halferschenke, Dieblich: Landhaus Halferschenke was honoured in the "upscale gastronomy" category for its outstanding range of dishes and impressive wine list. The family business in Dieblich impresses with a perfect blend of big names, avant-garde winemakers and up-and-coming talent - with a clear focus on the Moselle. But lovers of other regions will also get their money's worth. The menu is characterised by passion, expertise and attention to detail, which is reflected not least in the excellent value for money. www.halferschenke-dieblich.de
• Gourmet Gastronomy category: Restaurant Gut Lärchenhof, Pulheim - The Gut Lärchenhof restaurant sets standards in gourmet gastronomy and was deservedly honoured in this category. With an outstanding selection of sparkling wines (including tasting dates), the drinks menu offers an unrivalled experience for lovers of the finest wines. The range of wines is characterised by attention to detail and fair pricing. This approach combines excellent quality with an outstanding price-performance ratio. www.restaurant-gutlaerchenhof.de
• Hotel Gastronomy category: Behl's Genusshotel im Brennhaus, Blankenbach - Behl's Genusshotel im Brennhaus was honoured for its outstanding performance in the Hotel Gastronomy category. With an impressive overall concept, the family business has earned a place at the top of the industry. The carefully curated sparkling wine and wine list with a remarkable depth of vintages deserves special mention. Wine connoisseurs appreciate the precision and passion with which the range is put together, as well as the wide selection of mature German and international wines. www.behl.de
• Wine catering category: Grapes Weinbar, Munich - Grapes Weinbar in Munich sets standards with its outstanding wine list, its commitment to quality and its excellent service. With an impressive selection of German sparkling wines and a remarkable depth of vintages, Grapes knows how to inspire. The selection testifies to a profound knowledge of the German wine landscape and is a real treasure trove for any wine connoisseur. The menu features the names of established and established wine producers as well as up-and-coming newcomers and avant-garde trendsetters. Grapes is more than just a wine bar - it is a place where wine is lived and celebrated. www.grapes-weinbar.de
• Selters Special Prize Bahnsteig 1 - Vinothek | Event | Restaurant Mayschoß: The warm hospitality, coupled with a sophisticated gastronomic offer with a regional focus, make the Vinothek Bahnsteig 1 in Mayschoß a unique and inspiring place - and thus a deserving winner of the Selters Special Prize. The Vinothek impresses with its extraordinary feel-good atmosphere and the inspiring commitment of owner Thorsten Rech, who showed remarkable courage after the devastating flood disaster and rebuilt the family business with a fresh concept with great vigour. www.bahnsteig1.org