Winzer Sommerach

Winzer Sommerach is the oldest winegrowers' cooperative in Franconia – founded in 1901 by 35 winegrowing families who joined forces to survive during a time of phylloxera infestation and plummeting prices. Today, 90 families carry on this tradition, cultivating around 200 hectares on the Main River loop and tending the Sommeracher Katzenkopf vineyard, one of the most important sites in the region. Their motto, "High standards make the difference," is not just a slogan: every bottle can be traced back to a specific winegrower and their vineyard – transparency and community as a lived principle for over 120 years.

Winzer Sommerach – Franconian classics from the Main loop

Anyone familiar with the history of the Sommerach winegrowers understands why this cooperative remains so special to this day. In 1901 – more precisely on December 18th – 35 winegrowing families from Sommerach joined forces to defy an existential crisis: phylloxera, poor harvests, and low wine prices had put Franconian viticulture in dire straits during the second half of the 19th century. The idea was as simple as it was powerful – together we are stronger. This makes Winzer Sommerach the oldest winegrowers' cooperative in the Franconian wine region .

Today, the cooperative comprises 90 families , many of them descendants of the founding fathers from 1901. They cultivate around 200 hectares of vineyards in the most beautiful locations along the Main River loop – a continuity that can be tasted in the wines. The cooperative's motto is: "High standards make the difference."

Sites and terroir: the Katzenkopf and its neighbors

The heart of the portfolio grows on the Sommeracher Katzenkopf – a VDP-classified Erste Lage (Premier Cru) vineyard located directly on the Main River bend, just a few kilometers from Würzburg. Viticulture there is not a recent history: it was first documented in 1084 when Ulrich, provost of Bamberg Cathedral, transferred vineyards around the Katzenkopf to Münsterschwarzach Abbey. In addition to the Katzenkopf, the Engelsberg and Rosenberg vineyards are also among the cooperative's holdings.

Across a total of 196 hectares along the Main River, predominantly Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, and Pinot varieties thrive. The soils, composed of shell limestone and Keuper marl , combined with a continental climate of warm days and cool nights, produce wines with a clear profile and good structure.

Style and philosophy: Tradition meets attitude

What sets Winzer Sommerach apart from many other cooperatives is that each wine can be traced back to a specific winemaker and their vineyard. Many bottles even bear the face of the family responsible – a level of transparency usually associated with small, private wineries. This fosters trust and a sense of identification, both among the producers and the wine drinkers.

Sustainability is not just a marketing buzzword, but a lived reality: Through its FAIR'N GREEN initiative, the cooperative is committed to increasing biodiversity in the vineyard, continuously reducing pesticide use, and promoting resource-efficient practices. The cooperative sets clear guidelines, which the member families then implement in their vineyards.

The range deliberately spans a wide spectrum: Classic Franconian wines in the traditional Bocksbeutel bottle stand side by side with modern lines such as the St. Valentin Edition . At the top is the "Supremus" label – wines from the oldest vines and best sections of the Katzenkopf vineyard, produced with minimal yield and selective hand-harvesting.

Awards

The quality of this work has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2009, Winzer Sommerach was named the best German cooperative. The Bavarian State Honorary Prize for Viticulture was awarded to Sommerach in 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2011 .

The product range at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find 24 wines from Winzer Sommerach, ranging from entry-level to premium single-vineyard wines. Here's an overview of the most popular bottles:

Summer Mood White – a fresh and fruity cuvée of Müller-Thurgau and Bacchus, light and sparkling with only 9.5% alcohol, from EUR 6.35
Summer Mood Pink – with flavors of raspberry and strawberry, best enjoyed ice-cold, from EUR 6.35
Sommerlust Rotling, fruity and refreshing, with subtle acidity and strawberry aroma, ideal with light summer cuisine, from 6.35 EUR
Sommerlust Rivaner fruity – an uncomplicated, fruit-forward interpretation of the variety, from 6.35 EUR
Silvaner dry 1.0 l – the Franconian classic in the large bottle, from 6.95 EUR
Sommeracher Bacchus semi-dry – aromatic and full of character, from 7.95 EUR

Prices range from 6.35 to 12.80 EUR – a selection that covers both relaxed summer evenings and sophisticated wine moments.

Manufacturer's address

Free Shipping

Good wine should bring joy – not be complicated. That's why we offer free shipping within Germany and Austria for orders over €99 and ensure fast, reliable delivery. Whether it's a single bottle or a discovery case, your order will arrive safely packaged and hassle-free. Clear, fair, and without surprises – just the way we want to buy wine ourselves.

Transparency and fairness

Our customer model reflects our brand values: accessibility, authenticity, a spirit of discovery, and sustainability . Everyone can join us and will be treated fairly. The more you become part of the Vinoscout community, the more you benefit. We believe in a collaborative wine culture where connoisseurs and newcomers learn from each other. No hidden costs, no complicated terms and conditions – just transparent benefits that grow with your passion for wine.

Security & Trust

Over 150,000 satisfied customers speak for themselves. At Vinoscout, you shop securely – with protected payment methods and reliable shipping. Your data is just as safe with us as your wines. Trust isn't just a marketing promise for us, it's the foundation of every order.