As always, a little geography first, because even wine connoisseurs may have to look up where the tiny village of Kanzem is: it lies on the Saar River south of Trier, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The grapes grow on steep slopes, on soil that Bordeaux winemakers can only dream of. Honestly, the wines from this area are among the most expensive, exclusive and sought-after in the country.
The manor house sits right on the river, with its hiking trails and bike paths. It has been owned by Georg F. Thoma since 2007. His daughter, Anna Reimann, and her husband, Stephan, are the hosts of this little gem, and alongside the guesthouse they also founded their own winery in the village.
Visitors meet a very likable, down-to-earth hostess in her winemaker’s rubber boots. She is quite the wine expert, but she also knows a great deal about architecture, as becomes clear when she shows you around. That is no coincidence: Anna Reimann’s grandfather was Fritz Thoma, a renowned professor of architecture in Trier.
The key takeaway: someone invested a fine instinct, plenty of money and a lot of time to turn this place, so steeped in history, into a first-class guesthouse.
Together with the Swiss architect Max Dudler, the owners spent three years renovating the property. The facade was restored to its original state, while the interior was allowed a few modern accents; the breakfast room, with a built-in bar for wine tastings, is especially contemporary. Otherwise, it is a perfect blend of old and new.
Cantzheim is a place where you feel at home very quickly, thanks above all to the wonderful old building and the exceptionally beautiful rooms.
The Rooms
There are five guest rooms in all, each one simple and personal. Three wonderfully bright rooms with large, high-quality bathrooms are in the main house; two more are in the modern building next door, the Remise. The Remise is a striking sight in its own right: built of rammed concrete to blend into its surroundings, it can also be rented as a vacation apartment.
Celebrations
Like many modern wine estates, Cantzheim is also ideal for celebrations or meetings. Available spaces include the West Salon, the vaulted cellar, the bar, the new (and rather modern) orangery and, of course, the large garden. Anything from two to 80 guests is possible, and there is a professionally equipped kitchen.
Culinary
In addition to an excellent breakfast, Cantzheim has had a restaurant since the summer of 2024. Head chef Maurice Redeligx delights guests from 6 p.m. with refined seasonal cuisine. After many years of experience working with top chefs like Claus Peter Lumpp (Restaurant Bareiss, Baiersbronn), Nils Henkel (Burg Schwarzenstein, Geisenheim), and Helmut Thieltges (Restaurant Sonora, Dreis), Maurice is now realizing his own vision in Kanzem, aiming to “create a place where guests can truly enjoy themselves.”
Drinks
Naturally, guests may – should, must – drink the estate’s own wine (it really is very good!). It is served at the bar, and every now and then there are tastings hosted by the owners themselves. P.S.: The grapes grow right behind the house, but the Cantzheim wines are made in another building in the village.
Ideal for
Wine lovers, visitors to the Saar and Moselle, and anyone with a taste for the good and the beautiful. We also recommend an e-bike tour from here to Saarlouis (where you can check in at the Pretty Hôtel La Maison), then on to Lake Bostal (home of the Pretty Hôtel Seezeitlodge) and back to Kanzem.
Prices
Doubles from 139 euros per night, including breakfast.
Booking & Contact
Cantzheim Weingut und Gutshaus
Anna & Stephan Reimann
Weinstraße 4
54441 Kanzem an der Saar
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 6501 607 66 35
Web: www.gaestehaus-cantzheim.de
