Outstanding Vinotheks Details

The 70-year-old sofa might well be considered a 'special keepsake.' It belonged to Fritz and Luise Bihlmayer, the co-founders of the estate. Today, freshly reupholstered, it stands in the vinothek in Löwenstein in Weinsberg Valley, a little stretch of paradise in the middle of Württemberg. 

The Bihlmayers have applied tremendous love and devotion to the furnishing of their vinothek, which opened in 2015 after a year of construction. It's a bright space with sandstone-colored floors and large windows. The shelves, tables and high tables are made of oak. The central focus is a four-meter-long table built from 400-year-old beams, once part of an old shed. Both the 80-square-meter vinothek as well as the rooftop terrace (120 square meters) are devoid of any excess adornment. The latter is the perfect spot for wine events, offering guests a wonderful view of the area, including the Löwenstein old town, the upper Weinsberg Valley and the Löwensteiner Wohlfahrtsberg vineyard. 

Weingut Bihlmayer was founded 50 years ago and remains, even today, an independent family business with four generations living under the same roof. Bernd Bihlmayer (upper left in photo) serves as director, while his wife Sabine handles wine sales and the estate's kitchen. Two of the four daughters also work with their parents: Cathrin, the oldest (upper right in photo), as a certified engineer in oenology and viticulture; and Amelie, the youngest, as sales and marketing director. Cathrin is married to Alexander Kaestel, an oenologist originally hailing from the Pfalz. Their two children, Emil and Henri, keep great-grandparents Doris and Herbert Bihlmayer on their toes. In short, from start to finish, it's a family affair! Guests feel the personal touch in all of the estate's events, whether it's a rooftop brunch, a lively summer celebration or the popular South African wine evening. 

The classic-styled wines from the estate's own vineyards feature popular varieties such as Riesling, Spätburgunder, Trollinger, Lemberger, and, of course, Weißburgunder and Grauburgunder. Five of the 19 hectares cultivated by the family reach a 50 degree incline. The terroir: colored marl, gypsum keuper and reed sandstone. 

The wines are available for tasting every day, and private events and moderated wine tastings can be arranged, either as wine-only tastings or accompanied by finger foods, dinner or fine catered dining. The family-run Weingut Bihlmayer, a charming oasis in the middle of paradise.