Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Woman's International Trophy: Dagmar Ehrlich, Food and Wine Journalist and Event Organizer, Becomes Honorary President 2025

 


Woman's International Trophy: Dagmar Ehrlich, food and wine journalist and event organizer, becomes honorary president 2025. 馃専 
 
The "Woman's International Trophy" is a wine and spirits competition which takes place each year in June to award the world's best products. The jury consists exclusively of female tasters.

"After several internships in viticulture in Germany and abroad, as well as training as a consultant sommelier at the Universit茅 du Vin in Suze-la-Rousse, I completed my studies in viticulture and oenology at the prestigious University of Geisenheim. In 1981, I founded Ehrlich's Weinkontor, a wine import and sales company with a bistro in Karlsruhe, which quickly became a popular meeting place for gourmets and wine lovers.

After selling this business in 1988, I joined the management of Hawesko, Germany's largest mail-order wine retailer. Then, in 1991, I was asked to oversee the monthly wine tastings for Feinschmecker magazine, before taking over the wine section of Wein Gourmet magazine a short while later. My list of the ‘100 best wines available in the world’ caught the attention of gourmets from around the globe.
I enjoy organising trips and events for the readers of Feinschmecker as well as for the Jaguar Club Deutschland and Promo Golf Europ茅en.

I also write for well-known publications such as Spiegel, Handelsblatt and international trade press, and have published best-selling books with Gr盲fer und Unzer and Hallwag Verlag. "
 
See also: A New, Very Useful Wine Book: Dagmar Ehrlich’s “Rebsorten ABC”  


schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Wine Tours in Europe by ombiasy with Annette Schiller 2025

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, W眉rttemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

Guided Visit of Ch芒teau Chenonceau, Residence of Diana de Poitier and of Katharina de Medici, Mistress (the Former) and Wife (the Latter) of King Henry II - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

K茅kfrankos - Blaufr盲nkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller

schiller-wine Blog of Christian Schiller Top Washington DC Alcohol Blog (December, 2024)

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Masterclass - The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference March 2024 

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Shifting from the Sugar Level at Harvest to the Wine's Geographic Origin

Dinner at JAN in Munich, Germany, with Jan Hartwig, one of the ten German 3-star Michelin Chefs (September 2024) 

 
2025 Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner in New York City, Sky Loft, 32nd Floor of 50 Hudson Yard, with 15 #worldclass Winemakers from Germany + Austria and Estimated 300 Wines, many 20, 30, 40 Years old, many Larger Format and almost all Ultra-premium
 
German Wine Society (Capital Chapter) Membership Meeting 2025: Carl Willner Re-elected President and Christian Schiller Re-elected Vice-president, USA/ Germany
 


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Monday, March 24, 2025

Bottling and Tasting at Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s in Lirac, with Owner/ Winemaker Henri de Lanzac - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours








Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours led by Annette Schiller took place from October 13 - October 23. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pap/ Avignon. There were 8 of us including Annette and me. 

The Rh么ne Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in France, and the second largest after Bordeaux. The Greeks introduced viticulture in the 4th century BC. Later the Romans came and brought viticulture to a different level. Since then the world has discovered Rh么ne wines and some of the most famous wines come from the Rh么ne Valley. The vineyards are located on both sides of the river. The Rh么ne Valley is divided into two distinctively different regions: the Northern Rh么ne and the Southern Rh么ne. 

For an overview see: Overview: Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings 

This was the second of 2 full days in Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape. 
 
We checked out from our hotel in Avignon and drove to Lirac where we visited @Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s, which Robert Parker called "a super value treasure trove in the Southern Rh么ne. Owner/ Winemaker Henri de Lanzac was our host. The wines are available in the USA through Kysela P猫re et Fils. 

Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s in Lirac

Lirac is the oldest recorded wine producing area in the Southern Rh么ne. Wine hasbeen produced here well before the Romans came. In the 1700 hundreds, the production was very high and these wines were among the favorites of the aristocrats and the Popes when they lived in Avignon. As in all of Europe wine production suffered tremendously when phylloxera hit in the late 19th century. In the mid 20th century Count Henri de R茅gis started to revive this region by improving the quality of the wines. He worked relentlessly and his efforts were rewarded when Lirac received the “Cru” status of the C么te du Rh么ne appellation in 1945. In 1947 it became its AOP status. 

Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s has 145 acres of vineyards divided in these appellations: Lirac Rouge, Lirac Blanc, Tavel, C么te du Rh么ne, and Clos de l’Hermitage. 

Robert Parker called Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s, “a supervalue treasure trove in the Southern Rhone” whose “wines continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Arriving








 
Cellar Tour 




Bottling






 
Tasting
 






 
Bye-bye
 






Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours - Postings on schiller-wine (Published and Forthcoming):
 

Arriving in Lyon: Saucisson Sec, Saint-Marcellin Cheese and a Bottle of Rh么ne Rouge at Le Broc'Bar for Dinner - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Sunday Morning Stroll on the St. Antoine Market on the Banks of the Soane River Market in Lyon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Meet&Greet (+ Introduction to the Rh么ne Valley Region) at Grand H么tel des Terreaux in Lyon and Guided Sightseeing Tour of Lyon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

"Menu Tradition" at Grand Caf茅 des N茅gociants - Created in 1864 - in Lyon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Foot of the Hermitage Hill and Tasting at Maison M. Chapoutier in Tain l’Hermitage - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with a View of the Hermitage Hill at Brasserie Route N7 in Tain l’Hermitage - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Quick Stop at Valrhona, the Famous Chocolate Producer, in Tain l’Hermitage - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Philippe & Vincent Jaboulet, Croze-Hermitage, with Philippe & Vincent Jaboulet - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course Dinner at Restaurant Le Quai in Tain L’Hermitage - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Caveau Ferraton P猫re & Fils in Tain L’Heremitage, with Jerome Nuss - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Yves Cuilleron in Chavanay, Northern Rh么ne, with Thibaut Jager - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Next to Maison Guigal: Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour at Maison Guigal and Guigal Tasting at Ch芒teau d’Ampuis, with Kim Conley - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Focus on "Natural Wine": Meeting Alice Feiring at Le Moderne Wine Bar of Romane Vallon in Toulon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Cellar at Cave S茅bastien Blachon in Saint-Jean de Muzols, Northern Rh么ne, with S茅bastien Blachon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting from Barrel and from Bottle at Domaine Alain Graillot in Pont-de-l’Is猫re, Northern Rh么ne, with Maxime Graillot - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Wine Pairing Lunch at La Grand Table Maison Chabran, with Chef Louis Chabran and Legend Michel Chabran - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Tasting at Paul Jaboulet A卯n茅 in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rh么ne - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Alary in Cairanne, Southern Rh么ne, with Jean Etienne Alary and Senior Boss Denis Alary - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Domaine Chaume-Arnaud in Vinsobres, Southern Rh么ne, with Val茅rie Chaume-Arnaud and Virginia Fr茅guin - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mesclun in S茅guret, with Artist Chef Christophe Bonzi - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Domaine Saint Gayan in Gigondas, Southern Rh么ne, with Owner/ Winemaker Christian-Yves Carr茅 de Lusan莽ay - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Domaine de Cabasse, S茅guret - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rh么ne, with Jean Claude, Philippe and Perrin Lambert - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Front-yard at Domaine La Ligi猫re in Beaumes-de-Venise - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course Lunch at Restaurant Auberge Saint Roch in Beaumes-de-Venise, with the Husband and Wife Team Johann and Isabelle from Corsica - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Cellar at Domaine La Martinelle in Lafare, Ventoux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Faravel - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Charcuterie and Cheese Dinner with Ros茅 Wines at H么tel Le Mas de l’Oulivi茅, Les Baux de Provence - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Olive Trees Tour, Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Mas de Gourgonnier in Mouri猫s, Alpilles, with Owner/ Winemaker Eve Cartier - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

3-course Lunch at Le Mas Teuli猫re in Maussane-les-Alpilles - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Van Gogh and the Romans: Sightseeing in Arles - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch with a View at Restaurant Les Terrasses at the Pont du Gard - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Avignon - Town of the Popes: Guided Tour of the Palace of the Popes and of Pont Saint-B茅n茅zet - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineToursLight 

Light Dinner at Restaurant Le Carr茅 du Palais near the Palais des Papes in Avignon - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du P猫gau in Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence F茅raud and Winemaker Andreas Lenzenw枚ger (from Austria) - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Wine Pairing Lunch at Vignobles Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur in Courth茅zon, Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape, with H茅l猫ne Jaume and Chef Axel Thomas - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Berthet-Rayne in Courth茅zon, Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laure Berthet-Rayne (Laure Capeau) - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Dinner in the old part of Avignon near "Les Halles", the Central Food Market - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Bottling and Tasting at Ch芒teau de S茅gri猫s in Lirac, with Owner/ Winemaker Henri de Lanzac - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Ch芒teau de Beaucastel Wines at Boutique Famille Perrin in the Village of Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at La Mule du Pape in the Center of  Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Ch芒teau Gigognan in Sorgues, Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape, with Head Winemaker Jenna Le Lay - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Michelin-star level Wine-pairing Dinner at H么tellerie du Ch芒teau des Fines Roches in Ch芒teauneuf-du-Pape, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet - Rh么ne Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

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Sunday, March 23, 2025

Weinfeder Honors Monika Reule with the “Wine Personality of the Year Award” and the German Wine Institute (DWI) with the “German Wine Critics’ Award" at ProWein 2025

      
      

Pictures: Weinfeder e.V.

The Weinfeder, the association of German wine journalists, honored Monika Reule with the “Wine Personality of the Year Award” and the German Wine Institute (DWI) with the “German Wine Critics’ Award.” 

Weinfeder e.V. Honors Monika Reule as “Wine Personality of the Year 2025”

At ProWein 2025, renowned sports journalist and television presenter Holger Wienpahl delivered the keynote speech honoring Monika Reule as “Wine Personality of the Year.” Presented by the Association of German Wine Journalists (Weinfeder e.V.), this award recognizes her extraordinary contributions to German wine and her outstanding leadership as Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (DWI). Below is a summary of his speech:

Having accompanied Monika Reule for 18 years during the selection of the German Wine Queen, Holger Wienpahl highlighted her tireless passion for German wine in his speech. With professionalism, foresight, and diplomatic skill, she has played a key role in shaping the positive development and global reputation of German wine. Her ability to lead effectively while remaining approachable sets her apart—always demonstrating expertise, perseverance, and a keen understanding of the industry.

In his tribute, Holger Wienpahl emphasized three key characteristics that define Monika Reule:

Her Humor and Approachability

Monika Reule is known for her sharp sense of humor and her ability to laugh at herself—whether it was her accidentally purple-tinted hair (a mishap at the hairdresser’s) at an internal celebration or her self-ironic entrance at a “White Event” dressed in black, wearing a top emblazoned with the phrase “There’s always one black sheep.“ These qualities make her a respected leader who fosters connections and builds relationships with those around her.

Her Patience and Diplomatic Skills

For many years, Monika Reule has overseen the German Wine Queen election, always with a listening ear and a steady hand. She has a unique ability to balance diverse interests and guide even complex, drawn-out processes to successful resolutions. Her unwavering dedication was instrumental in securing the future of the DWI when its existence was legally challenged.

Her Solution-Oriented Leadership and Determination

From crisis management to strategic decisions like the purchase of the DWI headquarters (opting for ownership instead of continuous rental costs), Monika Reule has demonstrated vision and pragmatism. She has successfully secured millions in funding for German wine, ensuring the DWI’s financial and structural sustainability for the future. With hard work, perseverance, and immense dedication, she has left a lasting mark on the industry.

A Unique Wine Personality

With a touch of humor, Holger Wienpahl compared her to a one-of-a-kind cuv茅e:
“Powerful like a Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant like a Pinot Noir, and resilient like a Regent. You are a rare blend—like a Grand Cru: harmonious, refined, and with a long-lasting finish.”

The Weinfeder Award for “Wine Personality of the Year” was presented to Monika Reule in recognition of her exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the German wine industry. With this honor, Weinfeder e.V. acknowledges her extraordinary achievements and enduring influence in the world of wine.

Weinfeder e.V. Honors 75 Years of Dedication to German Wine

At ProWein 2025, the German Wine Institute (DWI) was honored with the “German Wine Critics’ Award.” This prestigious recognition celebrates institutions that have made sustainable contributions to promoting German wine. The keynote speech was delivered by Werner Eckert, longtime Weinfeder member and former SWR editor. Below is a summary of his speech:

75 Years of Commitment to German Wine

The DWI serves as the central marketing and communication platform for the German wine industry. Since its foundation, it has successfully enhanced the sales, quality, and reputation of German wines:

  • 2 million website visits daily highlight the global reach of German wine.
  • International marketing efforts have put German wines back in the spotlight of the professional wine world.
  • Collaborations with sommeliers, journalists, and influencers have strengthened the perception of German wines as premium products.

Yet, this success was anything but easy. The industry faced challenging times—from overproduction in the 1960s-80s and the antifreeze scandal to the image problem caused by “cheap and sweet” wines. Thanks to the efforts of the DWI, German wine was able to rebuild its reputation in the long term.

From Advertising Slogans to Image Building

While traditional advertising was once the main focus, today, the DWI prioritizes targeted image building through modern strategies:

  • Generation Riesling connects young winemakers with new consumers.
  • Wine events and social media campaigns position wine as an experience.
  • Market analysis and research provide valuable insights for the industry.

Despite limited financial resources—the budget has remained unchanged since 1994—the DWI has expanded its influence through efficiency, creativity, and EU funding programs.

Challenges and Future Perspectives

The success of German wine cannot be taken for granted. The industry faces new challenges:

  • Global overproduction and price pressure
  • Changing consumer behavior and increasing health debates
  • The need to position wine as a cultural asset and a source of joy

Conclusion: A Well-Deserved Honor for the DWI

With this award, Weinfeder e.V. recognizes an institution that has elevated German wine to a world-class level. The DWI remains indispensable in ensuring that German wine continues to be successfully positioned on the global stage in the future.

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Wine Tours in Europe by ombiasy with Annette Schiller 2025

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, W眉rttemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

Guided Visit of Ch芒teau Chenonceau, Residence of Diana de Poitier and of Katharina de Medici, Mistress (the Former) and Wife (the Latter) of King Henry II - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

K茅kfrankos - Blaufr盲nkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller

schiller-wine Blog of Christian Schiller Top Washington DC Alcohol Blog (December, 2024)

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Masterclass - The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference March 2024 

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Shifting from the Sugar Level at Harvest to the Wine's Geographic Origin

Dinner at JAN in Munich, Germany, with Jan Hartwig, one of the ten German 3-star Michelin Chefs (September 2024) 

 
2025 Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner in New York City, Sky Loft, 32nd Floor of 50 Hudson Yard, with 15 #worldclass Winemakers from Germany + Austria and Estimated 300 Wines, many 20, 30, 40 Years old, many Larger Format and almost all Ultra-premium
 
German Wine Society (Capital Chapter) Membership Meeting 2025: Carl Willner Re-elected President and Christian Schiller Re-elected Vice-president, USA/ Germany
 


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