Munich, Bavaria, Germany – In a move to rekindle its centuries-old viticultural past, Munich has crowned its first-ever Wine Queen, Hanna Heim. The 32-year-old historian, originally from Lower Franconia, was selected from a field of four finalists yesterday, July 18, 2026, during a ceremony that signals a new chapter for wine cultivation in the Bavarian capital.
A Historic Return to Munich’s Wine Roots
For centuries, wine grapes flourished on the slopes of the Isar River in Munich. However, this tradition faded, giving way to the city’s renowned beer brewing culture. Now, with the re-establishment of vineyards and the election of a Wine Queen, Munich aims to reclaim its place as a wine-producing region.
Hanna Heim, whose spontaneous decision to run for the title was driven by her desire to support the burgeoning local wine scene, brings a clear vision to her new role. “I would love to establish a Menzing wine walk and a Munich wine fountain – there’s a Munich beer fountain, but no wine fountain yet, and that urgently needs to change,” Heim stated, outlining her initial plans to the jury.
The Selection Process: All-Female Finalists
The call for a “Wine Sovereign” in the Isar metropolis had initially hoped to attract male candidates, but ultimately, all twelve applicants were women, with four reaching the final round. When asked about the appeal of becoming a Wine Queen in the modern era, Heim remarked, “I just thought it was a wonderfully crazy idea for Munich.” Her fellow finalist, Bettina Leger, a native Münchnerin, expressed her honor at the prospect, unaware that she would soon be named Munich’s Wine Princess, serving as Heim’s deputy for the next two years. Both believe the wine industry needs innovative ideas for the future, which they plan to develop in collaboration with the local wine association.
Menzing Winegrowing Association Spearheads Revival
The election was organized under the patronage of the Menzing Winegrowing Association. This organization, founded two years ago by wine enthusiasts from the Untermenzing district, has grown to approximately 130 members. Their primary goal is to restore wine to its former prominence in Munich. “In the twelfth century, Munich was a wine city, before beer. We want to catch up, and we have big plans,” said Christian Dauber, chairman of the association.
The task ahead is substantial, as commercial wine production has been absent from Munich for over 200 years. Roja Delarami, a jury member, emphasized the need for significant attention to this new beginning. “We therefore find it absolutely appropriate that we elect a Wine Sovereign,” she added.
First Munich Wine Grapes Take Root
While the German Wine Queen typically manages around 400 appointments annually, Munich’s first Wine Queen will start with a more modest schedule of twelve events, some of which are still being finalized. Her immediate priority will be to promote the city’s own vineyard. The Winegrowing Association has leased a field and planted the first 1,000 grapevines in the spring. Depending on factors such as sun exposure, rainfall, pest control, and wind, the vines are expected to develop at varying rates. The association anticipates a significant harvest and the first bottles of genuine Munich wine within two to five years.
This initiative represents a blend of historical homage and modern ambition, as Munich seeks to diversify its cultural and economic landscape by re-embracing its vinicultural heritage. The efforts of Hanna Heim and the Menzing Winegrowing Association are poised to introduce a unique flavor to the city’s identity, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience a taste of Munich’s past and future.
