However the access to the nobel beer was restricted, as for centuries the privilege for the production and distribution of wheat beer in Bavaria lay exclusively in the hands of the aristocratic family Degenberger, the counts of Bogen, located in the Bayerischer Wald.

By inheritance the „Weissbierregal“ – the right to brew wheat beer – is passed on to Duke Maximilian I., the later Elector. Maximilian sees enormous economic potential in distributing the top fermented beer and soon starts founding new breweries all over Bavaria, the first of which was opened in 1607 in Kelheim. It is the very same brewery that will be obtained by the Schneider family in 1928.

Until the 18th century wheat beer clearly dominates the beer market. Then the tide turns: The preferences of beer drinkers change and the so called "Braunbier" (brown beer) is becoming ever more popular. Therefore the state revenue from brewing monopols drop rapidly. Still: the exclusiveness of brewing wheat beer is maintained, it is now simply less profitable.

With the development of new refrigerating machines, such as those provided to the Bavarian breweries by legendary German engineer Carl von Linde (1842-1934) since 1871, bottom-fermented beers become increasingly available and popular, since brewing "Lager“ "Dark beers“ now is also possible during the warmer seasons.

Fortunately at the very same time Georg I. Schneider is able to take over the abandoned brewery "Zum Maderbräu“ in Munich. After roughly a year of building alterations he, together with his son Georg II. Schneider, already estabilshes his own company "G. Schneider & Sohn“ and starts production in September 1872. "Schneider Weisse“ is born …

No less in his private life is Georg II. a man who follows his heart – and marries a protestant woman, nothing short of a scandal in catholic Bavaria. The marital bliss is short-lived, as the founding member of the "Bayrischer Brauerbund" (Bavarian brewing association) dies at an early age, aged 44, and in the same year as his father. Despite this double blow the brewery remains in possession of the family.

Inspired by pioneering explorers as Heinrich Barth (1821-1865) countless German researchers leave their home country to travel remote parts of the world, especially in northern and central Africa. Georg III. Schneider is also fascinated by the unknown and becomes a passionate collector of exotic rarities – and a true crocodile fan. But he is also himself driven by pioneering ambitions …

However the focus for Georg Schneider III. lies in the expansion and reconstruction of the Munich brewery. The ever growing number of guests per se is much appreciated, but also brings the taprooms simply to the limits of their capacity. The young entrepreneur thus decides to renew and enlarge the "Bräuhaus".

Georg III. Schneider is also only granted a very limited lifespan. He dies in 1905 at the age of just 35. He leaves two daughters behind, his only 6 years old boy Georg IV. and his wife Mathilde. Together with close relatives the widow is acting as director of the brewery facilities in place of her underaged son – and withstands all adversities of her time with great endurance and will power.

Inspired by the protest marches of the so called „suffragettes“ for women's right to vote in England more and more women question their role as foremost mothers, wives and housekeepers – and seek more responsibility in the world of emplyoment. But it still is a long road to climb. So, when Mathilde Schneider takes over the administration of the brewery from her recently deceased husband, she has to lead "covertly".

The single mother continues her husband's life's work leading from behind. Under her secret management Schneider Weisse eventually rises to become the biggest wheat beer brewery in Southern Germany before the First World War. During the following global conflagration however the brewery plunges into crisis, suffering from the confiscation of trucks, sparse resources and related brewing restraints issued by the government.

The situation for the brewing industry does not improve in the post-war years. During the inflation the beer prices climb to an all time high of 12.700.000 Reichsmark per liter. Almost half of the Bavarian breweries are forced to shut down. It proves Mathilde's outstanding strength of character that in such dark times she still manages to not only hold together the Schneider company but also her family.

But it's not for long that the brewery can benefit from the expansion. The Great Depression and its dramatic consequences for mass unemployment and impoverishment accelarate the rise of the national socialists, who eventually seize power in Germany in 1933. Georg IV. withstands the pressure of the Nazi-thugs and refuses to join the national socialist party NSDAP – and endures the inevitable reprisals.

With the outbreak of the Second World War new measures of rationing are being taken, resources are sparse and the German population has to settle for small beer and whey lemonade. In the following bomb war on German cities the brewing facility in Munich as well as most of the brewery-owned outlets in Munich and Augsburg are being destroyed.

After the war Georg IV. Schneider stands before the smoking ruins of a decade-long development work. He decides to start over in the former „Kurfürstliches Weisses Hofbräuhaus" in Kelheim – at considerable risk, as, even if the production site was spared from greater damage, they still are in need of substantial reinvestments.

With the reconstruction of the fermentation cellar in 1983 Georg V. Schneider keeps to the traditional brewing method with open vats by applying an innovative and even patented procedure, while elsewhere cheaper tank fermentation is preferred. The next steps are the rebuilding of the brewhouse in 1989, the modernization of the botteling facilities and the new construction of the logistic centre in nearby Saal an der Donau.

Sales facilities are also renewed completely at this time. The most challenging construction project is the "Weisses Bräuhaus im Tal" in Munich. The first floor and the gable are being renovated in two construction phases, 1988 and 1993. It is only now that the devastations of the war can be restored to their original state before 1905.

Since having taken over as senior manager in 2000 Georg VI. Schneider is constantly seeking to broaden the range of Schneider Weisse wheat beer specialities  – always driven by the highest ambitions when it comes to quality. At the same time he is extending the brewery's distribution network on a global scale. Schneider wheat beers are now available to true connoisseurs on six continents.

Especially in one respect Georg VI. resembles his ancestors  – in being different. Furthermore he has inherited his passion for arts and creativity from his father. As a sophisticated painter he not only accentuates new colors in his wheat beer creations, but also on the canvas: The special look of the Schneider Weisse bottle labels is based on his design.

For Georg Schneider good entrepreneurship is based on social responsibility. That's why he is involved in several networks and initiatives for the improvement of the political and social foundations of our time. Besides that the unconventional employer values responsibility and trust above all as the foundation of good leader- and partnership, no matter if towards employees or partners.

Founded more than 140 years ago in Munich, Schneider Weisse continues on a course to success at home and abroad. From the original founder of the brewery to his grandchild in sixth generation the Schneiders managed to ensure sustainable economic growth through innovative entrepreneurship. Good to know that with Georg VII., son of today's head of the brewery, the future of the family business is secured.