Winzerhof Stahl

The story

Winzerhof Stahl: Michelin-Starred Fine Dining & Winery in Aub, Germany

A Family Estate Since 1814

Winzerhof Stahl is a family-run winery and fine dining restaurant in the Franconian village of Auernhofen, between Würzburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The estate has been in the Stahl family since 1814, evolving from a mixed farm into a 45-hectare vineyard and, over the past two decades, into a destination for wine and food lovers. Christian Stahl, together with his wife Simone, oversees both the winemaking and the kitchen.

Wine Leads the Kitchen

The guiding principle at Winzerhof Stahl is that wine leads the kitchen, not the other way around. Christian Stahl composes a 9-course tasting menu to match his own wines, creating what the restaurant describes as "unique harmony and tension" on the palate. The menu changes seasonally; the spring 2026 edition features dishes such as Hasennest with trout and kohlrabi, Skrei with veal tongue and cucumber, and dry-aged lamb with cherry and salt yoghurt. Each course is paired with wines like the Silvaner Pfülben or Chardonnay Sonnenstuhl.

The Michelin Guide awarded a star in 2024 and retained it in 2025, praising the "exquisite taste." The restaurant also earned 4.5 out of 5 Hauben in Der Große Restaurant & Hotel Guide, 3 Gabeln and 90 points from Falstaff, and was named "Newcomer of the Year" by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung in 2024. The wine list itself has won accolades: the Sauvignon Blanc Franken Felswand Trocken 2023 scored 96 points from James Suckling and made his Top 100 Wines of Germany, while the estate was awarded 4 Trauben in the Henris Weinguide.

Atmosphere and Setting

Dining takes place in the historic main house of the winery, a protected building. The atmosphere is refined but unpretentious, with a focus on the interplay of wine and food. The restaurant offers a private room for groups and ample parking. For those who wish to stay overnight, the estate has guest rooms in a modern loft and a rural guesthouse, with a shuttle service available.

Modern Cuisine Rooted in the Vineyard

The cuisine is modern and seasonal, with a strong sense of place. Christian Stahl, an autodidact, brings a winemaker's sensitivity to his cooking: the character of his wines defines the aromas of the dishes. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian or vegan 4-course menu from its casual dining kitchen for those who prefer it, though the full starred experience is built around the wine pairing.

The winery itself sells a line of delicacies from the Stahl kitchen, allowing guests to take home the flavors of the estate. With a Michelin star, a deep connection to the land, and a philosophy that places wine at the center, Winzerhof Stahl offers a distinctive fine dining experience in the heart of Franconia.