They are a common sight in Mainz: young people strolling relaxed through the old town in cool hoodies with logo prints and wine glasses in their hands. Paul Koop and his three teammates Simon, Lennard, and Björn purposefully guide city visitors to hidden corners and wine bars between the historic half-timbered houses. Or they visit wine shops and the New Synagogue in Mainz's Neustadt district.

Wine and finger food are available at every stop along the way. Paul, Simon, Lennard, and Björn know their (adopted) home very well and vividly convey the way of life of the people in Rheinhessen: “Mainz embodies two thousand years of history, from the Romans to Napoleon, Rheinhessen cuisine with ‘Weck, Worscht un Woi,’ and open-hearted locals who always have a cheeky quip ready at any time of day,” explains Paul.

The young man knows a thing or two about cuisine: his family is in the restaurant business, and he himself works as a flight attendant in Lufthansa's first class. In 2020, he founded MainzGuide – city tours with a difference. He was inspired to do so by an original tour in Frankfurt. The cosmopolitan Paul breathes new life into the classic "tourist tour" and brings a breath of fresh air: the lively city with its diversity is presented in a relaxed manner – this is how you welcome international guests.

In 2022, the enterprising Paul also opened the pop-up bar Paul's Wine Bar. The event location complements MainzGuide's comprehensive offering and is a stop on the tour. The wine tours are advertised on social media, especially on Instagram.

The "Wine House Tour" in the old town is particularly popular: the most beautiful places such as the cherry orchard, three wine locations (for example, the legendary Weinhaus Bluhm) and the three wines Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Rosé are on the two-hour program: always presented in an informative and entertaining way.

The Neustadt district also has a lot to offer: visitors are served rosé wine at the New Synagogue. The unique architecture is reminiscent of the 2,000-year history of Mainz, a SCHuM city, and its Jewish inhabitants. Riesling follows during a visit to a wine shop. The tour ends with "Raumland-Sekt" from one of Germany's best sparkling wine producers – with lots of information about a time when Mainz doubled its population.

These tours are not only available in summer with a stop at an ice cream parlor, but also in winter: white and red mulled wine provide welcome warmth.

MainzGuide is also active when it comes to rainbow issues: Inspired by Christopher Street Day, Paul Koop offered a wine walk with Secco and queer facts from Mainz's city history as part of the after-work event "Queer und Quirlig" (Queer and Lively). "The queer MainzGuide tour was very well received, so we will repeat it!" says the cosmopolitan Mainz resident with conviction.

When river cruise ships dock in Mainz, Paul and his team are often booked as MainzGuides for an international audience. The crew specializes in team events: MainzGuide organizes everything related to team meetings—from coworking spaces and delicious food to visits to wineries in the vineyards—and, of course, relaxed tours of the old town in cool hoodies.

The 2023 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award in the “Wine Tourism Service” category goes to “MainzGuide.” The jury was deeply impressed by the creative approach of reimagining the classic city tour with wine and a modern twist.