Müller Das Weinhotel

The Silvaner was fantastic, and we made sure to say so. The staff were nice and the food was solid, but our latest visit left us unsure about coming back next year. We’ve stopped here for dinner and local wine on the way from Italy to Denmark for the past three years, and have tried most of the top wines. The whites have been good. ETHOS seems quite experimental, though so far it feels more like a story than a proven idea. This time we ordered their “top” red, but something seemed off, or perhaps it’s simply a terrible wine. We know wine from vineyard through cellar to table. We politely asked for a replacement, even just half a glass of something else, and were still charged the full 16 Eur for a glass we hadn’t drunk. No concern was shown. Maybe the owner has trouble accepting criticism of their own products. Looks like we’ll need a new tradition next year.

Our deluxe room was bright, airy, spacious, and clean, with daily housekeeping and fresh towels. Being right in the center made it easy to reach all the local shops. Breakfast was typical German fare. I did wish the room had wine glasses so we could unwind with a bottle of local wine. And with so many fresh berries for sale from local market gardeners, it would have been nice to have them as another breakfast option.

I had to cancel at the last minute because my wife was ill, and the man I spoke to on the phone came across as unpleasant and unprofessional. They couldn't find my reservation in the end, which did take care of the issue. I think I spoke with a stakeholder in the business, and the way it was handled has put me off returning. I can't comment on the food. Service problems and a bit of attitude in hospitality businesses aren't unusual in Germany, so don't be discouraged if you've run into that too.

The Müller family runs this lovely boutique hotel in Franken and also makes very good wine. It's a real gem, with a warm family feel.