For decades, Winkler has been one of the most decorated chefs in Germany. Again and again he defends the third star. He died unexpectedly at the age of 73.
The successful star chef Heinz Winkler is dead. He died at the age of 73, as announced by the Heinz Winkler residence in Aschau. "Yesterday, Friday, October 28th, 2022, our boss, friend, companion, grandfather, father - Heinz Winkler passed away. A great person left us. After a short, serious illness, his family said goodbye in deep sadness. [...] One Legend of culinary art passed away," read a Facebook post.
The Heinz Winkler residence was "his passion and his greatest life's work," it said. "This life's work will be continued in his spirit by his children, grandchildren, the mothers of his children and by his closest confidants."
In his decade-long career as a top chef, Heinz Winkler led several restaurants to numerous Michelin stars, including the famous Munich upscale restaurant "Tantris", where he succeeded Eckart Witzigmann. In 1979, the "Michelin Guide" named him Chef of the Year. In 1981 he already cooked his third star. He defended the award for ten years.
Since 1991, Winkler has been the head chef at Residenz Heinz Winkler in Chiemgau, where he maintained the status of a 3-star restaurant for many years and made it a popular hotspot for stars. In 2001, Winkler was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his services in gastronomy.
Winkler was commanded in South Tyrol in 1949. He lost his mother early. He started his cooking apprenticeship at the age of 14. He later worked for French star chef Paul Bocuse, among others. Winkler has been married three times and has three children. According to the "Bild" newspaper, Winkler collapsed yesterday evening in his house in Aschau, Bavaria. During the night, the devices were turned off in the hospital after his condition had continued to deteriorate.
