Blog The Nack
We are going to NACK
"Let's go to Nack!" That's what people in Rheinhessen have been saying for over a hundred years when they want to enjoy delicious food with good wine. But for the past twenty years, it should really be, "We're going to Christoph's!" The former Nack winery in Gau-Bischofsheim, not far from Mainz, is now home to a culinary gem in a romantic half-timbered house in the town center: the restaurant "Das Nack" – run by Christoph Arenz and his family.
The trained chef grew up near Cologne. After completing his training, he gained extensive professional experience, primarily in upscale restaurants in Switzerland. In his first venture as a self-employed chef, Christoph ran the restaurant in the historic Reichenstein Castle in Trechtingshausen on the Middle Rhine for ten years. In 2006, he seized the opportunity and took over the Rhine-Hessian wine restaurant: since then, he has been offering upscale country-style cuisine in a French-Mediterranean style at the restaurant "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 takes care of 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. Twenty percent of the wine list features international red wines from Spain, Italy, and Argentina—perfect for pairing with Mediterranean dishes. Curious wine experimenters can choose from over 20 open wines and sparkling 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 ideal ambience, the sophisticated cuisine with ingredients from the region, and the 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 commends the ideal ambience, the sophisticated cuisine with ingredients from the region, and the rich selection of Rheinhessen wines.
About the blogger
TV and wine journalist Wolfgang Junglas works for SWR television in Mainz in the entertainment department, where he is responsible for programs such as "Wahl der Deutschen Weinkönigin" (German Wine Queen Pageant). He is an author, chairman of Weinfeder eV, president of FIJEV, and lecturer at Geisenheim University—and, since 2021, blogger for GWC Mainz | Rheinhessen.