University Founder Julius Echter Adorns the Bavarian Museum Wine
10/14/2025An important personality from Franconia can be seen on the label of the new Bavarian museum wine: Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, founder of the University of Würzburg.
Science and Art Minister Markus Blume presented the new Bavarian Museum Wine in Munich. The special edition for the state museums in Bavaria consists of award-winning Silvaner wines from four Franconian wineries.
The label for the special edition was selected this year by the State Coin Collection. It shows a silver medal with a special connection to Franconia and its history: It depicts Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn (1545-1617), Prince-Bishop of Würzburg and re-founder of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg in 1582.
Julius Echter is also known for establishing the Juliusspital - a hospital that refinanced its upkeep through viticulture. Echter commissioned important buildings in Würzburg, including the Neubaukirche, the former university church, and the Old University.
The Bavarian Museum Wine 2025 is available for direct sale in selected museum shops. Here is the press release from the ministry.
New university wine is in the works
The University of Würzburg is also bringing out its own wine, together with the winery Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg. The UniWein is currently being finalised in the cellars beneath the Würzburg Residence.
The new vintage will be available from next year via the University of Würzburg GmbH in the university shop, in the wine shop of the Staatlicher Hofkeller, in their online shop and in specialist shops. The 2024 vintage of the UniWein is also still available at these points of sale.
