As always a little bit of geography, because even wine connoisseurs have to let their fingers do the walking and look up where the tiny hamlet of Kanzem is located: it actually lies south of Trier, in the german region of Rheinland-Pfalz. The grapes grow on steep hillsides, on ground that the vintners of Bordeaux can only dream of. Honestly, the wines from this area belong to some of the most expensive, exclusive and of highest demand in the country.
The mansion sits directly on the river with its hiking trails and bicycle paths. Since 2007 it is owned by Georg F. Thoma. His daughter Anna Reimann and husband Stephan are the hosts in this small jewel and parallel to opening this guesthouse, they also founded their own vineyard in the same village.
Those who come for a visit, get to know a very likeable and down to earth hostess attired in her vintner-rubber boots-outfit. On the one hand she is quite a bit of a wine expert, on the other hand, architecturally knowledgeable, which is revealed when she gives you a guided tour. This know-how about the renovation is not a coincidence: Anna Reimanns grandfather was Fritz Thoma, a renowned professor of architecture in Trier.
The most important insight of this project is: somebody invested good intuition, bags of money and time, in order to create a top quality guesthouse out of this place that is so steeped in history.
In collaboration with the Swiss architect Max Dudler, the property was renovated within a timeframe of three years; the building’s facade was restored to its original condition and the interior was where a few modern details were allowed to be highlighted, especially the breakfast room with a integrated bar for wine-tastings is more in keeping with the times. Apart from that, this is a perfect mixture of the old combined with the new.
And Cantzheim is a place, where you very quickly feel at home. This is especially due to the really wonderful old building and the exceptionally beautiful rooms.
The Rooms
There are a total of five guest rooms, all of which are very straightforward and personal. Three wonderfully bright rooms with large, top-quality bathrooms can be found in the main building. Two rooms are located in the modern building next door, the Remise.The Remise also has a jaw-dropping exterior: It was built out of tamped concrete, made to fit into the surroundings and can also be rented as a holiday apartment.
Celebrations
As is usually recommended for a modern vineyard, the Cantzheim estate is also highly suitable for celebrations or even organise a convention: Available are the West Salon, the vaulted cellar, the bar, the new Orangerie (also a bit modern) and of course the large garden. Everything from two to 80 people is doable – there is also a very professionally-fitted kitchen, which can only be operated by an external caterer. Cantzheim can arrange for the right one, because they don’t currently have a chef of their own.
Culinary
In addition to an excellent breakfast, Cantzheim offers a restaurant since the summer of 2024. The new head chef, Maurice Redeligx, delights Cantzheim guests every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. with exclusive seasonal cuisine. After many years of experience working with top chefs like Claus Peter Lumpp (Restaurant Bareiss, Baiersbronn), Nils Henkel (Burg Schwarzenstein, Geisenheim), and Helmut Thieltges (Restaurant Sonora, Dreis), Maurice is now realizing his own vision in Kanzem, aiming to “create a place where guests can truly enjoy themselves.”
Drinks
Naturally the guest may / should / must drink the wine of the place’s own vineyard (it really does taste very good!). It’s available at the bar and now and again there are wine-tastings where the bosses make a personal appearance. PS: Indeed the grapes grow directly behind the building, but the production of Cantzheim wines are carried out in a different building in the town.
Ideal for
Wine-lovers, Saar & Mosel visitors, people, who still have a taste for the beautiful and good. Otherwise to be recommended: An E-Bike-Tour from here to Saarlouis (where you can check in to the Pretty Hotel La Maison) and then via Lake Bostal (Bostalsee) (where you can check in to the Pretty Hotel Seezeitlodge) and then return to Kanzem.
Prices
Doubles from 139 Euros per night and room, including breakfast.
Booking & Contacts
Cantzheim Weingut und Gutshaus
Anna & Stephan Reimann
Weinstraße 4
54441 Kanzem an der Saar
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 6501 607 66 35
Web: www.cantzheim.eu
