Piesport. Home of the world famous Goldtröpfen vineyard. And home of top chef Thomas Schanz, whose roots are here. His parents have been producing wine here for decades. In 1992, Erich and Gabriele Schanz opened a guest house on the Bahnhofstraße in Piesport. Thomas Schanz was 12 at the time and in the years that followed, he got to see a lot of life and work in the hospitality business, which, just like the interaction with guests, had a huge impact on him.
So, it was only logical that he first trained as a hotel manager and then, on the advice of his mentor, also as a chef. He has always really enjoyed working in a kitchen. As an apprentice chef at the well-known Traube Tonbach hotel in Baiersbronn, he quickly became aware of how easily the work came to him and how creative he could be – and so his passion for cooking was firmly established. Following his apprenticeship, he left to work for various masters of their trade: for Markus Plein at the Alten Kelterhaus in Wintrich, for Klaus Erfort in Saarbrücken and for six years as sous-chef for Helmut Thieltges at the Waldhotel Sonnora in Dreis.
In 2011, he added a restaurant extension with seating for 30 to his parents’ small hotel. The modern new build combines Mosel slate, light fabrics and warm materials to create an elegant, timeless ambience with an easy-going, relaxed feel-good atmosphere. Glass panels allow small glimpses into the creative kitchen of Thomas Schanz and arouse interest in many a culinary delight.
Only three months after opening, Thomas Schanz was awarded his first Michelin star and just four years later he achieved what many chefs dream of – he cooked his way to a second star. 2017 saw prestigiousaccolades such as “Rising Star of the Year” by Gault Millau and “Restaurant of the Year” by Feinschmecker magazine. And the dream continues - in 2022 Thomas Schanz has earned his third Michelin star!
