Sunday, March 22, 2026

Guy Bonnefoit, the Renowned French-born Wine Expert, Author, and Sommelier, Passed Away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 87

Picture: Tobias Knewitz and Guy Bonnefoit in 2014


Guy Bonnefoit, the renowned French-born wine expert, author, and sommelier, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 87. His death occurred just weeks after the passing of his wife, Luzia, on February 2, 2026.
Collegium Vini, an association of wine lovers in the Frankfurt/ Germany area. 
Guy Bonnefoit was a highly influential figure in the culinary and wine world in Germany:
  • Sommellerie Pioneer: He was considered one of the early architects of the German sommelier profession, significantly shaping the scene through his expertise and commitment to knowledge sharing.
  • Steigenberger Group: From 1961 to 1988, he held several leadership roles within the group, eventually serving as the head of gastronomy, where he oversaw the culinary quality for 30 hotels.
  • Author and Educator: He was a prolific book author and gastronomy consultant, known for his deep understanding of flavors and wine.
  • Legacy: A memorial service was held on March 16, 2026, at the cemetery in Alzenau, followed by a requiem at the parish church of St. Justinus.

Barbara Wanner: Guy Bonnefoit was a remarkable figure in the world of wine, and one of the early architects of German sommellerie.
 
In the 50th anniversary year of the @sommelierunion, this feels like an important moment to look back. Sommellerie is still a relatively young profession in Germany. The fact that we now have such a strong, diverse and highly professional sommelier scene was never something to be taken for granted. It was built over time through commitment, knowledge sharing and genuine conviction. Guy Bonnefoit was one of the people who helped make that possible.
 
I had the great privilege of taking over the Trophée Ruinart, Best Sommelier of Germany, from him. He remained by my side for many years afterwards, as an advisor, as a juror and as a wise and generous companion. We also continued to work closely together for many years in Reims, at the Comité Technique of the Trophée Ruinart Europe.
 
What he leaves behind is more than memory. It is a spirit, a way of approaching the profession, and an undiminished joy in it. We need sommeliers as ambassadors for wine and many other beverages. We need them as hosts with esprit, presence and heart. We need them especially now, in an industry under pressure and in need of fresh energy.
 
Guy helped lay that foundation. It is up to all of us to keep building on it.
 
And the fact that he followed his beloved Luzia only a few weeks later makes this farewell all the more moving. May they both be remembered with deep respect and affection.
 
Ludwig Fienhold (in German): Guy Bonnefoit: Abschied von einem der groessten Weinexperten
 
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Saturday, March 21, 2026

Fantastic Winemaker Dinner with Count Cassian Goess Enzenberg, Owner of Manincor, #worldclass Winemaker in Alto Adige, Italy, at Restaurant Ama in Washington DC, with Owner/ Chef Johanna Hellrigl (March 2026)










 
Fantastic winemaker dinner with Count Cassian Goess Enzenberg, the Owner of Manincor, a leading winemaker in Alto Adige, Italy, at Ama in Washington DC downtown, with Owner and Chef Johanna Hellrigl. 
 
We will visit Manincor during the upcoming Alta Adige/ Trentino Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours in September 2026. There are still 2 rooms available.
 
In preparation of the upcoming tour to Trentino/ Alto Adige, Annette and I visited Manincor last year and wrote about it on schiller-wine blog (see below). 
 
Invitation
 
On March 16th, we will feature a five course wine tasting dinner featuring Manincor Winery from Süd Tirol. 
 
This dinner is deeply meaningful to Ama.
 
Manincor is the winery Ama carries more bottles from than any other and is celebrated as one of the world’s most soulful biodynamic estates. Located in South Tyrol, Manincor has been stewarded by the same family since the 1500s and is revered for farming with the highest level of ecological intention. Their vineyards thrive in living soil, guided by biodynamic principles that honor natural rhythms and biodiversity. The result is wine that expresses the land with purity, balance, and vibrancy, with minimal intervention and a deep reverence for both people and place.
 
Manincor’s philosophy aligns closely with Ama’s mission of health, sustainability, and regeneration. This region is also the homeland of Ama’s founder’s father, which makes this evening particularly special. Ama is honored to welcome Cassian, the son of Count Michael Goëss-Enzenberg of Manincor for a night celebrating living wines, living soil, and living heritage.
 
Tickets are $165 Per Person, not including tax & gratuity. Food is individually plated, but we have everyone seated at one long communal table to make the experience more personal and memorable. You will have the option to order wine from the dinner afterwards if you are interested.

New Paths that are Actuality Old (Suedtirol Wein - Vino Alto Adige)

One of the largest estate wineries in Alto Adige is run strictly biodynamically

With 50 hectares of grape growing areas, the Manincor Estate Winery in Caldaro is one of the largest in all of Alto Adige. And also one with some of the richest traditions: grapes have been grown here for more than four hundred years, a tradition which Count Michael Goëss-Enzenberg continues – along new paths that are actuality old.

Count Goëss-Enzenberg, who is himself a trained oenologist, has focused on biodynamic cultivation in his estate winery since 2005, and that means: the revitalization of the soil with compost, special sowing of greenery, allowing chickens, sheep, and bees in the vineyard, and last but not least creating herbal teas with which the grapevines are treated. Chamomile helps the plants to overcome situations of stress, stinging nettle tea gives them energy, and horsetail herb supports the healing of injuries.

But as old as the knowledge about cultivation is at the Manincor Estate Winery in Kaltern, that’s how modern the winery is, which was built underground three stories below the vineyards. In the end, the grapes from a half million vines are brought together here, and a total of fifteen different grape varieties are made into wine here. But in spite of the size, the work in the winery is still always work by hand – with a particular attention to small scale: “Also trying and doing our best possible work even down to the smallest detail is our path to the highest natural quality,” says Count Goëss-Enzenberg. Because, “For me, wine is the greatest sensory expression of agricultural culture.”

And at the Manincor Estate Winery in Caldaro, they know their way around with focus on the senses, with passion, with authenticity, and with heart. For more than four hundred years. After all, a free translation of Manincor is “hand on heart. ” 
 
Arriving
 





Winemaker Dinner
 



Welcome
 








First
 





Second
 






Third
 






Fourth
 




 
Fifth
 





The Wines
 


Bye-bye
 
 
At the Manincor Estate in Caldaro, Alto Adige, Itlay: Large, Biodynamical and with a Winemaking History dating back to the 1600s - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025 
 






From June 16 to July 3, 2025, Annette and I spent time in wine country Italy, by car.

For an overview of the whole trip, go here: Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025 

 
Fifth Stop: Trentino-Alto Adige
 
The last stop of our Italy wine tour 2025 was the Trentino-Alto Adige region. We stayed 3 nights in Lana at Hotel Tiefenbrunn and 3 nights in Bolzano at Hotel Laurien.
 
We visited 10 wineries, most of them during the second half of the stop when we were based in Bolzano. 
While in Lana, we had a light dinner at Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn in Lana and went out for dinner to Sissi (1 Star Michelin) in Merano and to Gasthaus Appollonia (Bib Gourmand Michelin), up in the mountains, above Nalles. 
 
While in Bolzano, we had dinner at Toma by Lisa (wine bar), Loewengrube in Bolzano (Michelin listed) and Voegele (Bib Gourmand Michelin) in Bolzano.  
 
Manincor  

Our last winery visit of the day was Manincor, a large, highly respected, biodynamically run estate with a history dating back to the 1600s. 

Manincor (GoogleAI based) 

Manincor is a highly respected biodynamic winery located in the Alto Adige region of Italy
. With a winemaking history that dates back to the early 1600s, the estate is known for its elegant white and red wines made from a wide range of grape varieties. 
 
History and location
 
Estate heritage: The historical buildings of the Manincor estate, located on the shores of Lake Kaltern (Lago di Caldaro), date to 1608. The name "Manincor" translates roughly to "hand on heart," a phrase that is also part of the family coat of arms. The current owners, the Goëss-Enzenberg family, took over the estate in 1991.
 
Underground winery: In 2004, the winery built a multi-level, gravity-fed cellar almost entirely underground, with a rooftop designed to be a continuation of the vineyard.
 
Viticultural innovation: The winery transitioned to biodynamic viticulture in 2005, with its first fully biodynamic vintage released in 2006. 
 
Biodynamic farming philosophy
 
Manincor has been a leader in biodynamic farming in Europe, seeking to revitalize its soil and create healthy vines. The winery uses preparations such as chamomile and stinging nettle tea, and encourages biodiversity in the vineyards by allowing chickens, sheep, and bees to roam. In the cellar, work is guided by the lunar cycle. 
 
Signature wines
 
Manincor produces a diverse portfolio of white and red wines from its 50 hectares of vineyards. 
 
Reserve della Contessa (white blend): A highly regarded white blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc from the Terlano sub-region.
 
Pinot Blanc Eichhorn: Made from the Eichhorn vineyard, this wine is known for its fruity, complex, and mineral-driven character.
 
Pinot Noir Mason: The estate's sought-after Pinot Noir features aromas of cherry, blackberry, and roses. 
 
Lagrein Rubatsch: A velvety red wine made from the native Lagrein grape, featuring deep berry and woodland notes.
 
Schiava Kalterersee Keil: A light, juicy red wine made from the indigenous Schiava grape.
 
Cassiano (red blend): An elegant red blend, marrying character and complexity.
 
Le Petit (sweet wine): A rare and special late-harvest sweet wine made from 100% Petit Manseng.

New Paths that are Actuality Old (Suedtirol Wein - Vino Alto Adige)

One of the largest estate wineries in Alto Adige is run strictly biodynamically

With 50 hectares of grape growing areas, the Manincor Estate Winery in Caldaro is one of the largest in all of Alto Adige. And also one with some of the richest traditions: grapes have been grown here for more than four hundred years, a tradition which Count Michael Goëss-Enzenberg continues – along new paths that are actuality old.

Count Goëss-Enzenberg, who is himself a trained oenologist, has focused on biodynamic cultivation in his estate winery since 2005, and that means: the revitalization of the soil with compost, special sowing of greenery, allowing chickens, sheep, and bees in the vineyard, and last but not least creating herbal teas with which the grapevines are treated. Chamomile helps the plants to overcome situations of stress, stinging nettle tea gives them energy, and horsetail herb supports the healing of injuries.

But as old as the knowledge about cultivation is at the Manincor Estate Winery in Kaltern, that’s how modern the winery is, which was built underground three stories below the vineyards. In the end, the grapes from a half million vines are brought together here, and a total of fifteen different grape varieties are made into wine here. But in spite of the size, the work in the winery is still always work by hand – with a particular attention to small scale: “Also trying and doing our best possible work even down to the smallest detail is our path to the highest natural quality,” says Count Goëss-Enzenberg. Because, “For me, wine is the greatest sensory expression of agricultural culture.”

And at the Manincor Estate Winery in Caldaro, they know their way around with focus on the senses, with passion, with authenticity, and with heart. For more than four hundred years. After all, a free translation of Manincor is “hand on heart. ” 
 
Arriving 
 




Tasting
 


Above the Winery
 













Postings

Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025  

Lake Como 

At Villa Almana in Cernobbio at Lake Como - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025 

Bolgheri 

Dinner at La Tana del Pirata in Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Winery Tour and Tasting at Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Florentine Steak - Dario Cecchini Selection - for Lunch at Osteria Magona in Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Running into Marco Balsimelli, Production Director, Ornellaia and Masseto, at Osteria Magona, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at La Macchiole, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Visiting Vigna Lodovico and Tasting Lodovico Antinori's Cult Wines Lodovico and Il Nicchio with his Assistant at Locanda dell' Aioncino - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025 

Dinner at Locanda dell' Aioncino, Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Tasting the Wines of Tenuta di Biserno and Staying at Relais di Biserno, Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia): Barrel Cellar Tour and Tasting - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Bistecca alla Fiorentina for Lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Guido (Sassicaia), Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Dinner at La Pineta, with Chef/ Co-owner Daniele Zazzeri, a Michelin Starred Seafood Restaurant, at Marina die Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025 

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Grattamacco, a Benchmark Producer in Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Lunch at La Tana del Pirata in Marina di Castagneto Carducci/ Bolgheri/ Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
Bolgheri Turning into an Open Air Restaurant - "Cena in Strada" Dinner 2025: Al Fresco Dinner in the Streets of Bolgheri, Tuscany, with Hundreds of other Wine Lovers - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
Chianti Classico 
 
3 Days at Fattoria e Villa di Rignana in the Chianti Classico Region (Tuscany) - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
 
Returning to Badia a Coltibuono in Chianti Classico: 2025 and 2012 - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
 
At Isole et Olena Winery, a Major Force behind the Chianti Renaissance in the 1970s - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
At Fattoria Nittardi in Chianti Classico, Tuscany: Art and Wine - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
Sunset Dinner at Locanda Poggio al Sole (Hill in the Sun Inn) in Chianti Classico - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
(Brunello di) Montalcino and (Vino Nobile di) Montepulciano
 
 
 
At Argiano, one of the Oldest and most Prestigious Wineries in Montalcino - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
At Castello Banfi, a Renowned Winery and a Luxury Boutique Hotel, in Montalcino, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
A Brunello di Montalcino for Dinner in Montalcino at La Sosta Bistro Wine Bar - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
Dinner at Taverna del Grappolo Blu - Traditional Tavern, Michelin Bib Gourmand, Extensive Brunello di Montalcino Wine List - in Montalcino, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
At Cantina Contucci, a Winery Located in the Heart of Montepulciano, just off the Main Square - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
Wine Cellar and Vineyard Tour at Poderi Boscarelli, a Renowned Family-run Winery of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, with Owner Luca de Ferrari - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
At Poliziano, a Leading Producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, in Montepulciano, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025 
 
Trentino - Alto Adige
 
3 Nights at Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn in Lana, near Merano, in Alto Adige - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
An Afternoon in the Mountains of Merano, Alto Adige: Pavicolo and Monte San Vigilio - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
 
 
 
Toma by Lisa: Our To-go-to Wine Bar in Bolzano, Alto Adige - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

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