Günther Jauch Embraces the Vineyard Life in Kanzem
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- Günther Jauch remains unwilling to engage in idleness
Günther Jauch, the iconic TV personality known for hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," has no plans to retire. In an interview with the German Press Agency at his Kanzem winery southwest of Trier, he shares his joy in his winery ownership and television career, expressing no desire for retirement. "I'm still missing something - except for my thinning hair," he says with a laugh.
I Don't Retire, I Evolve
Jauch can't imagine a future of "eternal idleness." "Retirement is an outdated concept. A fulfilled life is about continued growth and purpose, not just doing nothing," the 68-year-old explains. He's content for those who find happiness in retirement, but that's not his world. Instead, he's focusing on a busy schedule at RTL and the picturesque Othegraven winery.
A Helping Hand in the Vineyard
Even after 15 years of winery ownership, Jauch remains humble, calling himself an "eternal apprentice winemaker." He may not be a cellar master or vineyard expert, but he chips in where he can - maintaining the park, attending to office duties, chatting with workers, and pouring wine for customers. Lately, Jauch has been concerned about the drought. "The old vines are resilient, but the young plants are struggling," he says.
From a Television Icon to a Winemaker
In 2010, Jauch took over the renowned Riesling operation, which was about to be sold out of the family after nearly 200 years. His grandmother Elsa von Othegraven was the sister of Maximilian von Othegraven, who once ran the estate. Since then, Jauch has expanded the vineyard by five hectares, all while learning the ins and outs of the winemaking world.
In the Heart of the Winemaking World
Jauch has found a new sense of camaraderie in the local community. "It's a tight-knit, supportive group. If someone needs help, everyone pitches in," he shares. This feeling of solidarity is a stark contrast to the high-stress, fast-paced world of television production.
In 2023 and 2025, Jauch's winery was named "Winemaker of the Year." These accolades are personal highlights for Jauch, a testament to hard work and dedication. Under his ownership, the estate has seen significant updates and improvements, including modern facilities, a bottle hall, and a reconstructed manor house for seasonal workers. The revitalized winery is open to visitors, who've been praising the estate since its renovation.
2024 proved to be a challenging year for Jauch. A high water level on the Saar flooded large parts of the estate and caused significant damage. Despite these setbacks, Jauch remained undeterred, focusing on rebuilding and restoring the winery to its former glory.
Back to His Vilage Roots
When Jauch wants to unwind, he cherishes the simple calm of Kanzem. "I find peace sitting on the terrace, enjoying the scenic view. My days are filled with work and purpose, but when I'm there, I keep quiet and appreciate life," he shares. He also reads books with real-life connections, shying away from fictional stories and novels.
Though Jauch frequently visited his great-uncle's winery as a child, Potsdam remains his first home. "For now, we're content living here. It's not on the table to move permanently," he says.
In short, Günther Jauch has discovered a new passion in Kanzem, balancing his television career with a peaceful, family-oriented life rooted in the tradition of winemaking. Running the Othegraven winery has allowed Jauch to find a slower pace, encouraging growth and camaraderie in a beautiful, supportive community.
His domains of influence: Günther Jauch's interests and endeavors span beyond the realm of television, extending to his family-oriented winery. He carefully cultivates a lifestyle that harmonizes his television career with a tranquil vineyard life, showing a keen interest in policies that affect both spheres: the community policy and the employment policy of his winery.
A gastronomic paradise: At his Othegraven winery, Jauch treasures the "food-and-drink" aspect that enriches his daily life. He enjoys uniting with fellow vineyard owners in the local community, sharing stories and exchanging ideas about winemaking, creating a friendly and cooperative atmosphere reminiscent of a home-and-garden gathering.
Celebrity influence: Jauch is a revered figure in the entertainment industry, having gained popularity through his hosting of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?". However, his focus extends beyond the glamour of "celebrities", and he derives joy from nurturing the simple joys of life found in the countryside, sharing in the communal bond of the winemaking world.
