Heckenwirtschaft Will – Autumn Service Güntersleben

What is a Heckenwirtschaft?

The Heckenwirtschaft – also called Häckerwirtschaft or Besenwirtschaft – is a Franconian institution. Based on an old privilege, winemakers are allowed to serve their own wines directly on their farm or in their living room for a limited time, without a restaurant license. Tradition dating back to the 9th century, documented in writing by Charlemagne. The sign is a broom made of brushwood or a bunch of branches outside the door: if it's hanging out, it's open.

The Wills in Güntersleben

The Heckenwirtschaft Will is one of the established addresses in the Franconian wine region between Würzburg and Volkach. The Will family cultivates vineyards in Güntersleben and produces wine in their own style: the Güntersleber Silvaner (often marketed as 'Gü-Silvaner') dominates here, classically dry, mineral, and unfiltered. Alongside, there are Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, and occasionally Spätburgunder. The wines are served in the typical 0.25-liter Schoppen carafe.

Food

The menu is classically Franconian and concise. Hausmacher Bratwürscht with sauerkraut, sauce, and bread; baked Camembert with toast and cranberries; Häckerplatten (homemade sausages and seasoned cheese); Vesperbrot (open-faced sandwiches). No menu with twenty dishes, no service frills – Franconian farm cuisine as it is.

The Autumn Service

The Heckenwirtschaft Will opens annually in several phases (spring, summer, and autumn). The autumn edition – usually the second half of August and the time just before the grape harvest – is one of the most popular: the vineyards are full, the grapes hang on the vines, and the atmosphere is familial. Long wooden benches, chatty regulars, hikers on the Main hiking trail, cyclists from the Main cycle path – everyone finds themselves here.

Güntersleben – Wine Village in the Heart of Mainfranken

Güntersleben is located in the Würzburg district, about 12 kilometers north of the city on the slope above the Main river. The village belongs to the 'Fränkisches Weinland' appellation and, with its vineyards, the Würzburg city forest, and the nearby Main river loop, is a classic excursion destination. Anyone who has sat in a Heckenwirtschaft understands why Franconia is not only known for beer but also for being one of Germany's most traditional wine regions.