The Genius Behind Zapfler Craft Brewery

The mastermind behind Zapfler Craft Brewery is Dirk Frauenheim, founder and head brew master of the whole Zapfler operation. 

It all started back in 2013, when two German guys were out drinking in Jintan and were missing a good glass of German beer from the Black Forest region. Dirk’s friend Rolf suggested that he should brew his own beers right here in China.

In 2014, Zapfler Jintan opened in the area of Jinsha Park, which today has expanded to 15 fermenters. After establishing their brewery in Jintan, it was time to share their great beers to the Shanghai crowd. 

Dirk at Jintan Zapfler Brewery 

They opened their hole-in-the-wall location on Yongkang Lu as their first Shanghai location. With 12 refreshing craft beer flavors, the tap room was a hit amongst beer lovers and party goers in the city. 

3rd Anniversary Party – Zapfler Shanghai, Found 158 – May 2020

After three years, Zapfler moved to its current home at the spacious underground area of Found 158 in 2017. This location became a one-stop shop as a restaurant, bar and brewery shop. The same year, Zapfler was awarded Craft Beer Bar of the Year by That’s Shanghai and won Reader’s Choice by ShanghaiWOW.

Oktoberfest 2020 – Zapfler Shanghai, Found 158 – October 2020

With the successes of its first two locations, Zapfler opened in Changzhou in 2018. Located in the former textile factory in Canal 5, surrounded by creative and cultural companies, this became the home of their third location.

Expansion of another brewery happened in 2019 with the opening of Xitang brewery and the fourth restaurant in Suzhou (Wujiang), bringing all the refreshing beers and traditional German food to more of China.

With multiple locations under their belt and an expanding product line, Zapfler continues to bring the great flavors of German beer that are locally brewed in China to the masses.

A German Christmas Feast

Celebrate Christmas like the Germans do at Zapfler! Enjoy a 4-course German feast on the 24 and 25 for a festive Christmas with family and friends. Reserve your tables now. 

Stay Warm 

The winter season continues with brisk, cold temperatures. Zapfler has got you covered with a variety of hot drinks. From classic glühwein to spiked eggnog, try all five seasonal beverages. For non-alcoholic options, Jingle Choco and Sober Ginger are there to keep you company.  

A Feast Fit for a Queen & King 

Zapfler’s Winterfest Feast is still available. Don’t miss out on the scrumptious set menu for a filling meal. Great for sharing between 2-3 people. 

Zapfler’s Beer Buddy 

Zapfler’s new product that came out this year, Beer Buddy is filled with 3 Liters of refreshing craft beer. With a variety of flavors already available, a new Beer Buddy flavor joined the Zapfler family just in time for the holiday season. Meet Bee My Honey, a delicious craft beer for those who are naturally sweet… and those craving a pint to satisfy your beer cravings. Its mixture of honey, malt and yeast combines a touch of sweetness for everyone to indulge in. 

Wisdom from Dirk 

「Brewing beer is my passion, so I spend a lot of time researching beer specialties and reading every book I can about brewing beer. I follow the longstanding tradition of German settlers to bring the German beer culture and German coziness – 『Gemuetlichkeit』 – to other countries in the world. Beer changes strangers into friends! It’s my mission to make Zapfler's craft beer and the German beer culture known all around China.」

With so many offerings, the only problem is having enough time to enjoy all of the special menus and deals. Book your tables now by calling: 5386 2337.

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