The series is based on an aristocratic German family (The Guldenburgs). It deals with the various relationships and problems the family goes through. The Guldenburgs live outside Hamburg at Castle Guldenburg, which is set on a large farm and is also the location of the family brewery (the chief source of their fortune). A Hamburg family - the Balbecks are the rival Beer-makers and seek to buy-out the Guldenburgs.