KarSey Winemaking

is a young, avant-garde natural wine project located in Ebrach, in the heart of the Steigerwald forest in Franconia (Franken).

Founded by Pia and Christopher (Cris) Karamarko-Seybold, the project is part of a "new wave" of Franconian winemakers who are moving away from traditional mass production and the iconic Bocksbeutelbottle in favor of wild, unmanipulated "Vins Vivants."

The Winemakers: Pia & Cris Karamarko-Seybold

• The Founders: Originally from Middle Franconia (a region more famous for beer), the couple moved to the Steigerwald to start their winery from scratch.

• Philosophy: They describe their work as "the natural way of wine." They follow a strict no-chemical, no-additive philosophy. Their goal is to produce "untamed" wines that mirror the climate of each specific year rather than striving for a consistent, year-to-year flavor profile.

• Process: They believe in patience and "slow winemaking." Their wines often undergo extremely long skin maceration—sometimes two months or more—and spend significant time resting in the barrel (up to several years) before they are deemed ready for bottling.

Terroir & Region

• Location: Ebrach / Steigerwald. This area is distinct for its Keuper soil (gypsum and marl), which provides a deep, savory minerality quite different from the limestone found in other parts of Franconia.

• Microclimate: The Steigerwald is cooler and more forested than the Main River valley, leading to wines with high natural acidity and great tension.

The Wines

Because KarSey is a micro-producer, their cuvées change frequently based on the vintage, but they generally focus on:

• Natural Whites & Orange Wines: Often based on Silvaner or Müller-Thurgau, characterized by deep textures, hazy appearance, and complex herbal notes due to long skin contact.

• Style: Their wines are intentionally "rough around the edges"—unfined, unfiltered, and wild, often appealing to those who enjoy the "funky" side of the natural wine spectrum.