Note: An article from mainzMAGAZIN (opens in a new tab) Fall/Winter 2021

Some people may ask themselves this question when they enter the cozy wine bar in Mainz's Neustadt district. Located directly on Rheinallee, the hustle and bustle of the street is forgotten when the Onkel Oskar team warmly welcomes its guests in the cozy interior of the listed building or on the lovingly designed terrace.

The small but exquisite menu has a Mediterranean feel and delights vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike: small delicacies such as homemade dips, olives,  cheese and ham, focaccia—that is, Italian flatbread—with various toppings, and seasonally changing dishes are the perfect accompaniments to the bar’s star attraction—the wine! Naturally, the selection is very regional, with around 100 wines to choose from, many of them from Rheinhessen or neighboring wine regions, complemented by a few international wines. Enjoyment guaranteed! On top of that, you’ll get a dose of wine knowledge on the house, because the Onkel Oskar team is extremely knowledgeable and always has the perfect recommendation for every taste.

But who is Uncle Oskar? Sven Hillenbrand-Weisheit, who runs the wine bar together with Lisa Triller, reveals the story behind the name: "We named the bar after my wife's very lovable uncle, who used to live here in this house." What made him so remarkable? Oskar liked to wear women's clothes, even during the Nazi era. "He had to hide this inclination." Pictures on the wall remind us of Uncle Oskar.

By the way: the owners also have something to offer those who prefer to enjoy a good glass of wine accompanied by Mediterranean snacks in the old town: the new Dagobert wine bar with its inviting outdoor terrace. The name refers to the street where the bar is located. What makes it special is its focus on natural wines. Unfiltered and without sulfur, they are very much in vogue.