Everything about this brewery is superb. It is situated on the banks of the Jungfernsee in an historic former dairy. It has a delightful beer garden overlooking the lake as well as a spacious beer hall. Jürgen Solkowski, its owner since 1999, has not only rebuilt the property after its destruction by fire in the 1950s but also fitted it out with excellent brewing equipment. Jürgen is a well-experienced graduate brewer, so his choice of equipment and brewing expertise is the very best. In particular he has researched the brewing of Berliner Weiße – not the post-WW2 concoction which is so sharp that you have to dilute it with sweet cordial but a pre war soft refreshing drink ideal for a hot humid summer’s day. I particularly enjoyed his Weiße. However he brews a range of beers which are all delicious.
The best way to approach the Meierei is on a boat trip from Wannsee. On your journey you’ll see many interesting and beautiful sights as well as remnants of the division between East and West Germany. If it suits you, you can then take a short walk behind the Meierei to a bus which takes you to Potsdam.
I and my colleagues enjoyed a pleasant morning with Jürgen. First we toured the brewery and sampled a hell (light beer). Then we enjoyed a traditional German lunch with a range of beers including an excellent Autumn Bock. Our visit was all too short. As the Meierei also operates a gasthaus, my wife and I are hoping to make a return visit sometime in the spring or summer so that we can see the beer garden at its best.
