New sommelier at the Esplanade

SAARBRÜCKEN: Christian Pufahl is to become the new Head Sommelier at the two-star restaurant Esplanade. From 15 July 2025, the wine expert will take over responsibility for wine expertise at the restaurant and will work with head chef Silio Del Fabro, host Vanessa Herrmann and sommelier Jerome Kauffmann to create unforgettable moments of pleasure for guests.

A key aim is to carefully expand the already impressive wine list, which currently boasts 900 wines. In addition, the team, under the expert guidance of Pufahl, plans to develop an exclusive millésime wine list that brings together the best and rarest wines in the world. This will place an even greater focus on wine at the Esplanade in future. Together with Jana Kiefer, he would also like to further refine the non-alcoholic accompaniment and set exciting new accents.

"I'm really looking forward to the new challenge in Saarbrücken," emphasises Pufahl. "Together with the great team at the Esplanade, I want to continue to contribute my knowledge from starred gastronomy and my self-employment and inspire guests with a sophisticated, inspiring combination of wine, cuisine and service."

Christian Pufahl can look back on an impressive career in renowned restaurants. Stations in his career have included:

• **Hotel Deimann *S- Restaurant Hofstube (1 Michelin star), Schmallenberg
• Grammons (1 Michelin star), Dortmund
• Restaurant Krone (1 Michelin star) Neupotz/Pfalz

His commitment to quality and creativity has been recognised several times. For example, the restaurant guide Gusto voted him and his team at Hofstube 2024/2025 among the top 10 for homemade non-alcoholic alternatives. In March 2025, he and the Rocaille team received the Star Wine List award for the best Italian wine list. With the appointment of Christian Pufahl, the Esplanade is continuing its mission to combine excellent cuisine with passionate hospitality - and to offer guests in Saarbrücken and beyond exceptional culinary experiences at the highest level.