Falstaff Magazine has just presented its latest reviews in the "Wine Bars" category, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront in Vorarlberg. With 92 points, we are the highest-rated wine bar in the "Ländle" outside of the Arlberg region.
In about 2 weeks, we will be celebrating the 6th anniversary of our wine shop in Dornbirn. High time for a brief look back and to share a few thoughts with you.
Yes, how much did we overthink things in the beginning and obsess over the topic of food? Alongside classics like prosciutto and Bregenzerwald cheese, we had ceviche, oysters, foie gras, langoustine on Asian salad, octopus salad, beef tartare in little cones, various bruschettas, and much more on the menu. Then the guest would arrive, be perfectly content with "a little snack," and when told about the daily special, would often just say, "Just make me a little platter!" To go with it, they’d order a glass of Veltliner—preferably one from the Wachau and, well, "not exactly the most expensive one." At first, you’re happy about the support and the high foot traffic, but you soon realize that you're missing the mark. I kept asking myself if I had become a wine academic just to serve prosciutto and Veltliner for the rest of my life? I actually wanted to bring the world of wine to Vorarlberg. In the end, we gave up on the creative dishes and focused on the essentials. BUT, how well would we have scored with Falstaff in the "Food" category a few years ago? Water under the bridge.
The pandemic was a very educational and, for us, fundamentally positive time. For the first time, we were perceived as retailers, and the support and solidarity in the Ländle during the first lockdowns was very strong. Zipping across the country on empty roads to deliver wine was fun. After all, wine is a "vital food staple." Working with the restaurant industry on our "Saturday Night Packages" was also a great experience.
Parallel to the pandemic, we had a neighbor in the building who made our lives hell over closing time violations. Some people buy expensive watches; we financed lawyers and court costs. Alternatives like our pop-up at Bar10Zimmer ended up being costly and nothing but trouble.
Our second location in Hard became Hohenems, and so we just expanded our wine bar empire in the beautiful Jewish quarter. We served prosciutto and Veltliner again. Very soon, we were confronted with staffing challenges, and we couldn't quite win over the hearts of the locals in Hohenems either. Nevertheless, the wine shop in the historic Hirschfeldhaus is ideal for our Weinstein Academy, Christmas parties, and other festivities. All kinds of people come to see us in Hohenems, just not the locals.
Now we are looking toward the end of 2024, and I would like to note the following:
For 6 years, we have strived and tried to live up to our vision. Renowned and prestigious wineries define our portfolio, and we are proud to represent some of them exclusively in our region and in Austria. Our wine fair, WINE TIME, is a true heavyweight event in Vorarlberg, especially because of the high-level masterclasses. The first class of our Weinstein Academy graduated in October, and I am surprised and delighted by the great learning success of my students. Many of the best restaurateurs in Vorarlberg and beyond are among our B2B clients, and we are privileged to help shape their wine lists. In the online sector, we have built the foundation for a virtual location and look forward to a digital future with confidence. The majority of our customers have remained connected with us since the beginning. A few others have moved on over the past 6 years. Some fell in love and got married at our place, while others split up and lost their way. A few of our customers have passed away. Real life plays out here in our wine shop, and wine helps people come together. We see ourselves as a connecting link, with wine always at the forefront and above all else. Even though the economy is currently struggling and our society is becoming increasingly crazy, I am positive about the future. Loosely following Oscar Wilde: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking to the stars.”
Thank you to Mama “Lady Weinstein,” Daddy Cool, our friends and guests, our many helping hands and staff, and last but not least, my dear Sarah, who has to listen to my anger and frustration far too often.
