The series depicts the life of the Wiesinger family, who own the brewery, starting at the turn of the century when father Anton Wiesinger was awaiting his appointment as commercial councillor. Other themes include strokes of fate, such as the death of his first wife, but also economic ups and downs and the meeting with his second wife. The start of the First World War is initially celebrated, but the Wiesingers also become disillusioned when their heir Toni returns home broken from the front. The second son, Ferdl, who has returned from the USA, is supposed to save the now ailing brewery.
