Fantastiska Vinotek

There is much to discover in and around Ingelheim: the wonderful nature of the Kaiserpfalz palace, which can be easily reached via various biking and hiking paths; the Rhine, which can be explored along its banks or by ship; and naturally the famous spa town of Wiesbaden and its neighbor Mainz, birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg. One absolute must in Ingelheim is an excursion to the former Cistercian Monastery from the 13th century. A historical monument which has been brought back to life through the dedication of the Wasem family. 

After three years of renovating and rehabilitating, the winegrowing family raised the curtain on the ensemble in 2012 — as more than just a space to sell wine, but also as a place for visitors to enjoy a "special experience." 

At the heart of the old monastery, all around the vinothek, Holger and Burkhard Wasem and their wives Karin and Ilona built up four different culinary options: from the self-service Weinscheune to the large seminar space for events and celebrations to the cross vault room with its fine country manor cuisine to the gourmet restaurant in the barrel vault. It's a carefully harmonized culinary quartet. 

Maintaining tradition is a given for Holger and Burkhard Wasem, but it means more than just holding on to the past. One must instead set the goal of staying curious and open to innovation so as to improve on what's come before. The brothers are the fourth generation to lead this estate, first founded in 1912. On its 34 hectares of vineyards they cultivate international red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as classical varieties such as Spätburgunder and Frühburgunder. The latter is tied closely to the winery, as great-grandfather (and estate founder) Julius Wasem received the German Federal Cross of Merit in 1964 for his work to preserve the variety, which was threatened with extinction. 

Beyond wine tastings for private parties of ten persons and above, the Wasems also offer two very special events. One is the "Weinflight," which combines wines and Rheinhessen culinary specialties, all explained by the winemaker himself. There is also a fantastical evening amidst the monastery's walls, with illusionist Oliver de Luca leading a magical review of the world of the Middle Ages, as well as psychic sessions from the 18th century and unexplained phenomena of the modern age. To keep the nerves in check on this thrilling evening of ghostly experiments, guests will be treated to a three-course menu and a five-flight wine tasting. Good wine, good food and a bit of a haunted show — always an amazing adventure.