Unstoppable Günther Jauch Finds Fulfillment in Wine and Work
Gunther Jauch resists quiet retirement - Günther Jauch remains unwilling to engage in inactivity
German television legend Günther Jauch doesn't see the point in taking it easy during retirement. "A life of eternal leisure? That's a foolish idea of happiness," asserts the 68-year-old. The affable presenter has declared that nothing about his current life – be it hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" or running his winery in Kanzem – is making him yearn for the slow lane just yet.
Jauch, who has a soft spot for the Saar region, took over the prestigious Riesling estate 15 years ago and is showing no signs of slowing down. He splits his time between the bustling world of showbiz and the agriculture-focused Kanzem, chipping in wherever he can from cleaning vineyards to managing the telephone line at the winery office.
Despite the comings and goings, Jauch has a steady presence at the winery. "Agriculture never sleeps, after all," he jokes. This year, he's been particularly concerned about the drought that hasn't allowed the younger vines to flourish, but the old roots of the oldest trees reach down 15 meters, making them resilient to the dryness.
The well-known TV personality purchased the legendary winery in 2010 to prevent it from leaving the family after almost 200 years. His support has been instrumental in propelling the winery into the limelight again. According to Jauch, this achievement brings a sense of contentment that isn't often found on the small screen.
For a man who once described winemaking as an "eternal apprenticeship," learning is integral to his journey. Jauch holds the view that he will never be a true winemaker – nor does he aspire to be. Instead, he sees himself as a learn-by-doing enthusiast who has only begun to truly understand the art of winemaking. His words are met with laughter from the cellar masters, who find it amusing that the man often mistaken for the foreign minister of the winery has limited practical knowledge.
Jauch's foray into winemaking has opened new horizons for him. He compares the laid-back atmosphere of vineyard life to the electric energy of television – and he relishes both of them. He finds a sense of camaraderie among the winemakers that is reminiscent of the strong ties he has forged in the television industry over the years.
When Jauch's life began to intertwine with the winery, he was welcomed into the tight-knit Saar community, which banded together to help during the worst year of his winemaking career – 2024, when flooding on the Saar River devastated the estate and peeled away 70 percent of the harvest. The country music playing on the terrace when a family stopped by the transformed vineyard served as a poignant reminder of that challenging time and the support of the community that saw them through.
For all the progress made at the winery, there is still much to be done, with modernization efforts constantly on the horizon. Tourists flock to the manor house, which has been renovated to accommodate seasonal workers, as well as visitors who come to explore the beauty of the rejuvenated park and revel in the unique experience of learning about the winemaking process.
On a relaxing day at the historic estate, Jauch finds peace in the simple pleasures of the land he now owns. A casual conversation on the terrace or a reflective gaze through the window is all it takes for him to find the joy and satisfaction that he craves.
Jauch reminisces about his childhood visits to the picturesque region, but Potsdam maintains its allure as his first home. For now, the idea of relocating permanently to the Saar seems off the table. Despite the pleasures of running a vineyard and the warmth of embracing a new community, Jauch feels the pull of his heritage.
Nevertheless, Jauch has carved out a life that sets the pace to his own beat. He's a testament that retiring is not a state of being, but a journey – and one that can be enjoyed with a glass of exquisite Riesling in hand.
- Günther Jauch's affinity for the Saar region extends beyond just hosting shows, as he also runs a food-and-drink establishment, a prestigious Riesling winery in Kanzem, offering a unique lifestyle that complements the electric energy of television.
- The community policy in Kanzem played a significant role in supporting Günther Jauch during his most challenging year at the winery, evidenced by the country music playing on the terrace when a family stopped by during the flood in 2024.
- Günther Jauch, garnering fame from the small screen, finds a sense of fulfillment not only in the intricacies of winemaking but also in the home-and-garden aspect, from modernizing the manor house to cultivating the park for tourists and visitors to enjoy, combining his career with his newfound love for the Saar region.
