21 – 24 April 2016
Great things are happening in Germany. Spectacular vineyard scenery, a centuries-old wine culture and unrivalled selection of “cool climate” grapes – including the finest Rieslings in the world –, are the traditional hallmarks. Add to that a new generation of visionary winemakers and you have a magical combination. Highly-talented and motivated, they skillfully combine traditional and modern approaches to create stunning wines which are rated among the world´s best – brilliant buys at a fraction of the price.
The focus of our tour is on these gifted winemakers, each with a story to tell. Carefully chosen from three exciting regions, they form a contrastive programme of terroirs, wine styles and winemaking philosophies:
Rheinhessen
Kuehling-Gillot, Falstaff Vintner of the Year from the famous Roter Hang (red sandstone cliffs on the Rhine), Carolin forms a viticultural dreamteam with winemaker husband Oliver Spanier from the trendy Wonnegau.
Thoerle, „Shooting star“ of Rheinhessen, whose wines have been enjoyed in the highest of circles, including Lufthansa First Class and the state banquet in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
Nahe
Schlossgut Diel, aristocratic estate in the lower Nahe, much-lauded for its Rieslings as well as its ground-breaking Pinots (white and red).
Doennhoff, one of the ten „Greatest Winemakers of the World“ (s. Decanter 5/2015). Dazzling wines at all quality levels from a dramatically beautiful part of the river.
Emrich-Schoenleber, top producer and guardian of steep slope viticulture in the upper Nahe, with exquisite Rieslings that clearly show their origins.
Tesch, visionary winemaker who transformed the family estate by radically streamlining the product portfolio, introducing a revolutionary labelling system and opening up new and unexpected sales channels.
Rheingau
Georg Breuer, one of the first to produce dry styles, this innovative estate farms organically in the slate and quartzite cliffs around Ruedesheim (famous wine village). A small proportion of historic varieties (Weisser Heunisch or Gouais blanc) complete their well-structured range.
Chat Sauvage, eye-catching new winery specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot noir, providing a touch of Burgundy in the Riesling-dominated Rheingau.
Complementing our visits to nine outstanding estates, we have three very special events: a presentation of wines from across the Nahe region (Weinland Nahe e.V.), a vertical tasting dating back to the 1980s (Kloster Eberbach) and the VDP Weinboerse (spring fair of the highly-regarded association of the country´s top producers), where you can taste your way through hundreds of the country´s finest wines, all under one roof.
Enjoy exclusive discussions with the winemakers, gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and trends of Wine Country Germany and see for yourself why German wines are greater than ever.
