We’re going to the NACK
“Let’s go to the Nack!” – That’s what people in Rheinhessen have been saying for over a hundred years. At the Nack enjoy delicious food paired with good wine. Though for the past twenty years, it might be more accurate to say: “We’re going to Christoph’s!” The former Nack winery in Gau-Bischofsheim, not far from Mainz, is now home to a culinary gem nestled in a romantic timber-framed house in the village center: the restaurant Das Nack – run by Christoph Arenz and his family.
Experience with historic buildings
A trained chef, Christoph grew up near Cologne. After his training, he gained extensive experience – especially in fine dining in Switzerland. In his first venture as a self-employed restaurateur, he ran the restaurant at the historic Reichenstein Castle in Trechtingshausen in the Rhine Valley for ten years. In 2006, he seized the opportunity to take over the Rheinhessen wine restaurant. Since then, he has been offering refined country-style cuisine with French-Mediterranean flair at Das Nack. Rheinhessen at its best – joy of life and indulgence: That’s the best way to describe an evening at this beloved wine restaurant.
Enjoyment with cheerful hospitality
The open, welcoming spirit of Rheinhessen suits this Rhinelander well – he lives and breathes regionality. Together with his well-rehearsed kitchen team, Christoph Arenz prepares fresh dishes using mostly locally sourced ingredients. “There’s always a big pot simmering on the stove – we make our own stocks!” he says proudly.
The most popular year-round dishes include Eifeler Urrind (a regional heritage beef fillet) and Galician-style octopus – a specialty that many regulars are willing to travel far for. Seasonal dishes follow the culinary rhythm of the year and the availability of fresh produce: asparagus in spring, chanterelles in summer, goose in autumn.
The easily accessible vaulted cellar offers several cozy modern-style seating areas: appropriately named Wine Cellar, Wine Lounge, and Wine Bar. In summer, the outdoor terrace beckons. For weddings, family celebrations, and corporate events, the legendary Blue Room on the upper floor accommodates up to 150 guests in an elegant setting.
A place with a soul
“I want to create a place where people can come together, connect, and enjoy themselves,” says Christoph. That’s why this cheerful Rhinelander chose a career in gastronomy. With the support of his partner Anke, his mother Ilse, and daughter Laura, the family-run service creates a very personal atmosphere. By your second visit, you already feel like a regular.
Christoph personally curates the wine list: he visits the vineyards and maintains friendships with many local winemakers. 80% of the wines come from renowned regional producers such as Manz, Wittmann, Kühling-Gillot, and Gunderloch. The remaining 20% are international red wines from Spain, Italy, and Argentina – perfectly complementing the Mediterranean cuisine. Curious wine lovers can choose from more than 20 wines and sparkling wines by the glass.
The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2025 in the category “Wine Gastronomy” is awarded to Das Nack in Gau-Bischofsheim. The jury praised the ideal atmosphere, the high-quality cuisine made with regional ingredients, and the rich selection of wines from Rheinhessen.
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About the blogger
TV- and wine journalist Wolfgang Junglas is responsible for tv broadcasts such as “The Election of the German Wine Queen” in the entertainment editorial department at SWR Television in Mainz. He is also a writer, president of Weinfeder e. V., president of FIJEV and lecturer at Geisenheim University, Geisenheim.
Learn more about Rheinhessen and its wine capital Mainz in their page: Mainz | Rheinhessen