THE MOSCOW MENU AND WINE DIPLOMACY

150 years of Konrad Adenauer, 150 years of Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger: two anniversaries, one extraordinary evening bringing together great politics, famous wines, and culinary excellence in a unique way.
On Friday, 2nd October 2026, the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger invites guests to a special dinner in the historic banqueting halls of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst – a place where Konrad Adenauer was often a guest.

At the heart of the evening is the legendary banquet that Adenauer hosted for Nikita Khrushchev and the Soviet leadership on 11th September 1955, during his visit to Moscow. Inspired by the historical original, Executive Chef Lars Wolf and the Hanse Stube team will reinterpret the legendary Moscow menu with the highest culinary artistry.
Yet the true message of this festive banquet lay not only on the plate, but also in the glass. When the talks reached an impasse, Konrad Adenauer had one of the world’s most famous Rieslings served to the Soviets: Bernkasteler Doctor from the Wegeler wine estates. The atmosphere is said to have eased. A few days later, the diplomatic breakthrough was achieved: the last approximately 10,000 German prisoners of war were allowed to return home. Adenauer’s success went down in the annals of the Federal Republic as “wine diplomacy”.
Between the courses, Dr. Daniel Deckers, wine historian, author, and longtime editor at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, will offer fascinating insights into the connection between wine, diplomacy, and German history. The evening will be hosted by Joachim Frank, chief correspondent of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

Experience a culinary journey through time, where great politics, exceptional wines, and the finest cuisine come together in a truly special way.

Guests wishing to extend the evening with an overnight stay at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst will benefit from an exclusive special rate of EUR 390 in a Grand Deluxe Room, including breakfast for two, by quoting the keyword “150 Years of Konrad Adenauer” when booking by phone at +49 221 / 270 – 1.

Date: Friday, 2nd October 2026
Time: From 6:30 pm

Please note: This event is already fully booked. We are pleased to offer an additional date on Saturday, 3rd October 2026. Tickets for the additional event are available here. Alternatively, you are welcome to join our waiting list.