Philipp Possmann was known throughout nineteenth century Frankfurt Main for his homemade applewine—a tart, pale yellow drink he made in the basement of his restaurant and served to eager customers. Due to popular demand, Mr. Possmann embarked on a more wide-scale production and distribution of his wine. Since then, what began as a small one-man-business has survived through the setbacks of two World Wars to develop into Germany’s market leader for applewine. Today, Possmann employs over 100 people and sells nearly 20 million liters through Germany and the world.

Frankfurt Main represents the heart of German apple wine culture. While most people (rightfully so) equate Germany with its wonderful beer, applewine is the most popular drink in Frankfurt Main and throughout the state of Hessen. Frankfurt Main’s 60 applewine cellars are to Frankfurt Main what beer halls are to Munich. Traditional apple wine restaurants often feature outdoor apple wine “gardens” that are similar to the Bavarian beer gardens. It’s no wonder that World Traveler magazine called applewine the “fuel of Frankfurt.”