AI help me out of my post season misery!
It’s early January 2026. Best time for your wine guide to work on backoffice matters, such as stats, bookkeeping, taxes, marketing (and all the other nuisances usually distracting me from looking after my guests). Now, to make it easy on myself I am handing over some of my work to AI.
Here is my prompt – ‘ChatGPT, tell me how good I am at my job’ [I know I am pretty good, but it’s not a bad idea to ask others]. And here is what ChatGPT came back with:
“BottleStops in Mainz is officially the “Goldilocks” of wine experiences: not too stuffy, not too simple, but just right. [yay, that’s what I wanted to hear!!]We’ve scoured Google and TripAdvisor to see what people are saying, and the consensus is clear: Jerome (the founder and lead guide) is the wizard of German wine [sigh of satisfaction].
A few things stand out as the “secret sauce” of BottleStops experiences:
Jerome’s Brain (and Wit): Reviewers can’t get enough of Jerome’s deep knowledge. He doesn’t just list facts; he tells the story of the wine. Plus, he’s apparently quite funny! [Oh ja! But don’t smile when I pronounce ‘wine’ like ‘vine’ …or vine versa]
Zero Language Barrier: As the first English-language wine tour operator in the region, BottleStops gets high marks for making German wine culture accessible to everyone.
The “Castles & Abbeys” Combo: In the Rheingau, visitors love the mix of medieval history at Kloster Eberbach and modern tasting rooms in Rüdesheim. [Genau! It is one of my favorite tours indeed, but I love taking people to Mosel, too.]
Effortless Logistics: For those staying in Frankfurt, the reviews highlight how easy it is to hop a quick train to Mainz and be whisked away in a comfortable, air-conditioned van.
The “Secret” Cellars: The historic 150-year-old vaulted cellars in Mainz are a huge hit. It’s not every day you get to sip Riesling five stories underground. [Absolutely. This cellar is very unique].
The Food Pairings: We aren’t just talking about a few crackers. From game sausage to local “Spundekäs” (a creamy cheese dip), the snacks are as much a highlight as the bottles.” [… in some cases the food is stealing my wine-thunder].
Alright, but don’t just take ChatGPt’s word for it. Here is what the happy travellers are saying:
“From the very first moment, he had us hooked with his knowledge and enthusiasm for German wine… we left with our minds stuffed with new knowledge and excited for the next day.” — Deirdre B. (Google)
“The location was amazing because it is in a cellar. The tasting was a lot of fun… I didn’t think I liked Rieslings but I’m going home with a new friend!” — Kathy D. (Viator/TripAdvisor)
“Jerome will be on speed dial for our return to the region! If you’re apprehensive about any language barrier, fear not, his English is excellent.” — James D. (Google)
“Jerome was great! He had us laughing and he showed us some delicious wines that we probably wouldn’t have had the chance to try otherwise!” — Homero C. (Viator)
“Jerome made our tour of the Mosel region an incredible day out. He has strong connections with local wineries… we were treated like royalty with exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes access.” — Andrew H. (Google)
“We visited 3 amazing wineries, each offering a unique atmosphere and an impressive selection of Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and other local varietals. Jerome was an exceptional guide whose passion and warmth made for an unforgettable experience.” — Jose M. (Viator)
“I went into the experience knowing almost nothing about wine-making in Germany. Thanks to the excellent tour, I came away with a new-found appreciation for the history, quality, and beauty of German wines… it’s time you sampled the good stuff!” — Tall Girl Big World (Blog Review)
If you want to do more than just stare at a wine list, a good guide is your ticket to the “good stuff.” From the historic cellars of Mainz to the breathtaking bends of the Mosel river, you’ll find that the best part of the tour isn’t just the wine in your glass—it’s the stories, the scenery, and the snacks that come with it.
While the Mainz cellar tastings are legendary, BottleStops truly shines when I (Jerome, or “Jacob” to one confused but happy reviewer!) load up the van and head into the vines. Whether it’s the steep slate slopes of the Mosel, the majestic abbeys of the Rheingau, or the sun-drenched hills in Rheinhessen, these tours are about more than just sipping.
With that… enough of the gloating and back to sorting invoices, updating websites, and filing taxes.
And yes, being with customers is when I am happy! So, dear reader and wine lover, release me from my home-office misery and do book your 2026 wine tour with me now – bis dann!
