Franconia

In its early history back to the Iron Age (around 800 B.C.) the region was dominated by the Celts. With the increased expansion of Rome in the first century B.C. and the advance of the Elbe Germanic tribes, the Celtic culture began to fall into decline. 

The Franks forcibly settled the region from the early 6th century AD, and in the 8th century the Merovingian dynasty declared it to be a royal land. Franconia became one of the five original Germanic Tribes of early medieval Germany.

Franconia's duke became the first elected German King known as Conrad I (911 -918). The church was always strong in the region, which included an archbishop in Wurzburg. Under Conrad III and Frederick Barbarossa, Franconia became the center of power in the Holy Roman Empire.  Eventually the Franconian region was divided between the kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurttemberg and the Grand Duchy of Baden. 

2016 - Franconian flag flying in my uncle Franz's garden in Ochsenfurt, Germany

Franconia is well known for its quality wine. The greatest part of the wine region is situated around Wurzburg along the Main (pronounced 'mine') River. There is evidence that wine has been produced in this area for over 1,000 years. In an old document from the year 777 there is a note of a winery being given by Charlemagne to  Fulda Abbey. 

These vineyards are located between Sommerhausen and Wurzburg. 

The mild climate and the high mineral content in the soil, which is unique to Germany, along the Main River makes it an excellent location to produce the dry white wines of the region. 

Unlike many other German regions, a large amount of the Franconian wine is consumed in its own region. Many local cities have their own weinfest to celebrate their local wine.