Brauschmiede has brought brewing back to charming Mainbernheim after a thirty-three year absence. The atmospheric walled medieval town in the Kitzingen county of Lower Franconia dates back the the 9th century. So, it would even be worth visiting without a brewery but obviously more so now with one!
lovely Mainbernheim
Though nestled in wine-dominated Lower Franconia, Mainbernheim historically had its share of breweries. Even an uninformed walk through the town brought me to four of them: Schützenhofbräu, Zum Schwarzen Adler, Zum Goldenen Löwen and Zum Falken. Sadly, Schützenhofbräu was the last to close it’s doors in 1985.
some of the former breweries of Mainbernheim
If using public transportation, Mainbernheim is most easily reached via Iphofen, which is served by regular trains between Würzburg and Nürnberg. It’s about a 4 km walk from there along a fairly flat bike path. There are buses but it’s unlikely they will be useful when trying to visit during the limited opening hours of Brauschmiede. It’s a nice walk nonetheless, even on the less than perfect day I did it. Iphofen is a pretty town if you have time to check it out while waiting for your return train.
Brauschmiede
Schmiedgasse 2a
97350 Mainbernheim
www.brauschmie.de
Iphofen station 4 km/Kitzingen station 5.5 km/limited bus service
Opening hours:
1st Saturday of each month 10:00 to 20:00 (check website to be sure)
Output: ? HL
Brauschmiede history
Brauschmiede was founded in 2016 by local general practitioner, Dr. Peter Winkler. After retirement, he fulfilled his lifetime dream of starting a brewery with some like-minded friends. They brew a couple of times a month and the beers can be tested on the first Saturday of each month.
lovely interior of Brauschmiede
The beer
The first beer brewed by the group is their Schmiedekeller, an unfiltered amber Kellerbier. This and their Schmiedeland, a golden Landbier, are always available. They generally have their Pale Ale and a seasonal beer. On my visit, it was their Schmiedewinter, an unfiltered Dunkel. I started with their Landbier Hell, expecting a it to be the most bland so I was pleasantly surprised to find it nicely hopped. I had their very tasty Kellerbier next. There was a problem with the Schmiedewinter keg so my sample seemed a bit overly yeasty. It was still tasty but I think that what I got was less than ideal. I thought about having another but decided on a second Kellerbier as it was my favorite. The Pale Ale looked quite cloudy, as well and I generally stick to more traditional styles when in Franconia.
Brauschmiede beers
The food
There is no food on offer at Brauschmiede but you can bring your own. People take full advantage of this. It’s like being at an indoor Biergarten. Large groups brought real feasts. I’ll admit to being a little envious as I’d just picked up a couple of sandwiches at the Nürnberg station.
bring your own picnic to Brauschmiede
The owners were welcoming and certainly most of the people there seemed to be regulars. I got there right at the opening and most of the tables were reserved for 13:00. It was pretty much full by noon. One woman came in right after me and set up a huge spread. It looked like she was at her own home, and was obviously a regular with the best table there. There were a few similar groups. It sure looked like a great way to spend a rainy Saturday in February!
I’d be happy to return since there is a new beer each month. I’ll be sure to reserve and bring more stuff to nibble on.
Beers on tap:
Schmiedekeller and Schmiedeland, plus two more including: Pale Ale, Schmiedewinter and Bockbier. Check their website for the upcoming tasting as it states which beers will be on tap. The next beer appears to be a Märzen on March 7, 2026.
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