Blog The Nack
We are going to NACK
“Let’s go to the Nack!” That’s what people in Rheinhessen have been saying for over a hundred years when they want to enjoy delicious food paired with fine wine. But for the past twenty years, it really should have been: “Let’s go to Christoph’s!” The former Nack winery in Gau-Bischofsheim, not far from Mainz, is now home to a culinary gem in the romantic half-timbered house in the town center: the restaurant “Das Nack”—run by Christoph Arenz and his family.
A trained chef, he grew up near Cologne. After completing his apprenticeship, he gained extensive professional experience—primarily in upscale restaurants in Switzerland. In his first venture as a business owner, Christoph ran the restaurant at the historic Reichenstein Castle in Trechtingshausen on the Middle Rhine for ten years. In 2006, he seized the opportunity and took over the Rheinhessen wine restaurant: Since then, he has been serving upscale country-style cuisine with a French-Mediterranean flair at “Das Nack.”
Rheinhessen at its best
Pure Rheinhessen joie de vivre and enjoyment: that's the best way to describe an evening at this popular wine restaurant. The open, friendly Rheinhessen way of life suits the Rhinelander – he lives and breathes regionality. Christoph Arenz and his well-coordinated kitchen crew prepare fresh dishes using products sourced mainly from regional suppliers. "There's always a large pot simmering on the stove – we prepare our own stocks!" he says proudly.
The most popular dishes available all year round are the Eifel primeval beef fillet and Galician-style octopus: a specialty that enthusiasts are willing to travel long distances to enjoy. The seasonal cuisine is based on the culinary cycle of the seasons and the availability of fresh produce, from asparagus in spring to chanterelles in summer and goose in autumn.
The walk-in vaulted cellar has several cozy alcoves with modern furnishings: aptly named the wine cellar, wine lounge, and wine bar. In summer, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace. For weddings, family celebrations, and corporate events, the legendary blue hall on the first floor with its elegant furnishings can accommodate 150 people.
A place with soul
"I want to create a place where people can meet, chat, and enjoy themselves," says Christoph. That's why this cheerful Rhinelander works in the restaurant business. The family-run service, which includes his partner Anke, mother Ilse, and daughter Laura, creates a very personal atmosphere. Even on your second visit, you feel like a regular.
Christoph personally curates the wine list: He visits the wineries and is friends with many local winemakers. 80% of the wines come from renowned regional winemakers such as Manz, Wittmann, Kühling-Gillot, and Gunderloch. 20% of the wine list features international red wines from Spain, Italy, and Argentina—perfect for pairing with the Mediterranean dishes. Curious wine enthusiasts can choose from over 20 wines and sparkling wines by the glass. The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2025 in the “Wine Gastronomy” category goes to the restaurant Das Nack in Gau-Bischofsheim. The jury honors the restaurant’s ideal ambiance, its sophisticated cuisine featuring regional ingredients, and its rich selection of Rheinhessen wines.
The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2025 in the “Wine Gastronomy” category goes to the restaurant Das Nack in Gau-Bischofsheim. The jury honors the restaurant’s ideal ambiance, its sophisticated cuisine featuring regional ingredients, and its rich selection of Rheinhessen wines.
About the blogger
Wolfgang Junglas, a TV and wine journalist, works in the entertainment department at SWR Television in Mainz, where he produces programs such as “Election of the German Wine Queen.” He is an author, chairman of Weinfeder eV, president of FIJEV, and an adjunct lecturer at Geisenheim University—and, since 2021, the blogger for GWC Mainz | Rheinhessen.