Westhofen Cellar Taverns

The Tradition of the Straußwirtschaft

The Straußwirtschaft is a historically evolved form of wine service that has its roots in the early modern period: Winemakers were allowed – and are still allowed today – to serve their own wines to a limited extent without a regular gastronomy license in their courtyard or cellar. As a sign that the Straußwirtschaft was open, a broom (Strauß) was traditionally hung above the entrance – hence the name. This tradition lives on powerfully in Rheinhessen, the Palatinate, and along the Middle Rhine to this day and is one of the most vibrant legacies of German wine culture.

Westhofen Cellar Taverns 2026

In Westhofen, one of the most important wine villages in the 'Wonnegau' region, several wineries open their courtyards as Straußwirtschaften every year. The 2026 season runs from the end of April to the end of August, offering the opportunity to visit a Westhofen winery almost daily or at least several days a week for over four months. Two of the best-known Straußwirtschaften are Weingut Christian Klein (Thursday to Sunday from 5 PM) and Weingut Hirsch-Stabel (weekends and public holidays from 5 PM).

The Offer

Only the respective winery's own wines are served at the Straußwirtschaften – dry Rieslings, Silvaners, Weißburgunders, Grauburgunders, Spätburgunders, rosé wines, and occasionally sparkling wine creations. The food is typically hearty and paired with the wines: 'Spundekäs' with pretzels, 'Handkäs mit Musik', 'Saumagen', sausages, ham platters, cheese platters, onion tart, 'Federweißer' (in season), and sweet specialties. The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting, with guests often sitting at long tables and quickly striking up conversations.

A Sensual Wine Experience

Compared to a classic wine festival in a central square, the Straußwirtschaft offers a fundamentally different experience: more intimate, quieter, more personal. The winemaker or a family member serves the wine themselves, stops by to inquire about your wishes, and sometimes tells you about a special vintage or a new vineyard. This personal touch makes the Straußwirtschaft the most honest form of wine encounter – without marketing, without staging, simply wine from producer to consumer.