Weinbarvierzwein85 in Leiwen: Finally opened after 17 months!

Weinbarvierzwein85 in Leiwen: Finally opened after 17 months!

Something very special is happening in Leiwen on the Moselle: the new wine barVirteen85 will soon be opening its doors. Norbert Schmitz, the operator of the bar, has been preparing for a long time so that he can finally get started after more than two years of waiting. The opening was originally planned for May 2023, but due to official delays, this date had to be postponed several times. Schmitz is critical of the long approval process, which took a total of 17 months. “It is frustrating that conditions are being required individually,” he explains and is now hoping for a start soon.

The heart of the wine bar is a beautifully renovated old farmhouse from 1851. This historic building once served as a tithe farm and impresses with its listed building renovation, which was carried out from 2010 to 2017 and was awarded 1st place in the 2018 Federal Prize for Crafts in Monument Preservation. With an urban design that includes open roof beams and a gallery, the wine bar creates a cozy atmosphere in which guests can linger over fine wines and small dishes.

The wine bar's offer

Chef Sebastian Scharf has come up with a lot of ideas. The wine list will feature at least 30 different wines, with 8 to 10 wines served by the glass each day. “This gives you the opportunity to try different flavors,” explains Schmitz. The wine selection is complemented by a small, fine menu with freshly baked sourdough bread as well as regional cheese and ham plates. Here, attention is paid not only to quality, but also to regionality: the ingredients come from local producers.

For Leiwen, which is very popular as a wine and tourist town, gastronomy is of great importance. Local mayor Joachim Hagen emphasizes: “The opening of the wine bar is an important signal for the region.” It is all the more pleasing that the wine bar is planning a soft opening on September 9, 2023, followed by an official opening at the end of September.

The bureaucratic hurdles

But what is behind opening a restaurant? Before Schmitz could start operations, he had to deal with a variety of bureaucratic requirements. As explained by the platform for new businesses, among other things, a business must be registered and a restaurant license obtained. These permits are not only time-consuming, but also costly, with the cost of the restaurant permit can be up to 500 euros.

Important requirements also include evidence of personal and professional suitability, hygiene training and compliance with building regulations. “It is no small thing to start a catering business,” says Schmitz, who not only aims for a quiet life in retirement with his project, but also wants to create a quality of life for the community.

The fourteen85 also offers overnight accommodation and plans regular events to make the atmosphere even more lively. The culinary exclusivity, combined with the charming surroundings, promises a new attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Restaurant openings are always an exciting thing. We can't wait to see how the wine bar fourteen85 in Leiwen develops and what wines and culinary delicacies it will present to visitors.