Man to become Franconian Wine King - three candidates - A Historic First: Man Competes for Franconian Wine Crown After 74 Years

For the first time in its 74-year history, a man is vying for the Franconian Wine Crown. Maximilian Lang, a 23-year-old trainee in viticulture and oenology, will compete against three women at the election on March 13. The event marks a historic shift for the long-standing tradition in Bavaria’s premier wine region.

The Franconian Wine Queen has been crowned annually since 1950, celebrating the region’s winemaking heritage. Last year’s title went to Antonia Kraiß from Nordheim am Main in the Kitzingen district. This year, the contest moves to Bad Kissingen, where candidates will face questions on wine tourism, digital transformation, and labelling rules.

Lang, from Hüttenheim in the Kitzingen district, is the village’s first-ever Wine Prince. If chosen, he will spend a year promoting Franconia’s vintners as the region’s Wine Majesty. His competitors include Lisa Faber from Obernbreit, Sonja Sehm from Bürgstadt, and Angelina Seiler from Stammheim—all from Lower Franconia. The jury features representatives from politics, business, and civil society. Each candidate may also present their favorite wine during the selection process. The winner will serve as an ambassador for Franconia’s 6,000 hectares of vineyards, the largest wine-growing area in Bavaria.

The election on March 13 will determine whether Lang becomes the first male Franconian Wine Majesty. The winner will take on a year-long role supporting local winemakers and promoting the region’s wines. The contest remains a key event for Franconia’s wine industry.