From a Heritage of Excellence to a Global Vision for Tomorrow
Our Story
The PUERTO FANTASÍA GROUP stands at the crossroads of legacy, innovation, and global ambition. Our story begins not just with business, but with a mindset — one of curiosity, craftsmanship, and the refusal to accept limitations.
The Ziegler Family Home, Freudenberg — ca. 1865
Brennerei Gebr. J. & M. Ziegler — the founding distillery
After completing his training as a brewmaster, Gustav Joseph Ziegler, the founding ancestor of the family, realized that brewing beer alone would not satisfy his pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon an old family distilling privilege, he began producing spirits infused with the same precision and care that had defined his brewing. His brandies quickly gained a reputation far beyond the borders of his village. Gustav Joseph ultimately held three master titles: Brewmaster, Cooper, and Master Distiller.
In the decades that followed, each generation carried forward his drive for quality. The fourth generation — Josef and Matthäus Ziegler — became the namesakes of the distillery as it is known today. In the 1980s, Thomas and Christine Ziegler elevated this legacy with Wildkirsch No. 1 — a distillate that became a benchmark of craftsmanship.
"What began in 1865 as the entrepreneurial awakening of the Ziegler family has evolved, step by step, into a globally active enterprise shaped by over 150 years of experience."
A New Strategic Direction
Following the sale of shares in the historic distillery to the Rewe-Leibbrand Group, the family pursued new directions in entertainment, hospitality, culture, and living. In 2009, after the passing of his father Thomas Ziegler, Matt S. Ziegler became the sole heir — assuming responsibility for a multi-generational legacy while transforming it into a modern, diversified group with global reach.
The Birth of Puerto Fantasía
The decision to invest in experiential destinations was deeply personal. Some of the most lasting childhood memories were not formed in the stills or warehouses — but during rare moments of togetherness in a theme park. These moments of joy inspired a new direction: to invest in spaces where people come together to experience wonder, belonging, and connection.
Since January 2025, in the year marking the 150th anniversary of the family's entrepreneurial legacy, Matt S. Ziegler continues to shape the group's global vision as sole proprietor — including full ownership of PUERTO FANTASÍA S. de R.L. de C.V., the group's principal operating entity in Latin America.