Three German wines from Lebenshilfe, which is much more than just a winery
As German wines enjoy their time in the sun, we look at a winery that believes in making a difference to the lives of special-needs children
In case you haven’t noticed, German wines have undergone a dramatic transformation in the past 15 years. Before 2000, isolationism prevailed and there was little communication between wine producers or across the generations.
“Every man was in it for himself,” says Stuart Pigott, a British wine critic and an expert on German wine.
Now, however, German wines have acquired something of an edgy image, with an increasing number of women joining the industry.
“The young winemakers of today gather at rock concerts,” says Pigott. “Wine is part of pop culture. There is a free exchange of information, and they are experimenting. This is a dynamo for the jump in quality.”
Epitomising this approach is Generation Riesling, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In 2006, the German Wine Institute launched a programme to revitalise the image of the country’s wines by providing producers aged 35 and under with a global platform. The programme started with 25 winemakers showcasing their produce in London, Britain, and has grown to number more than 500 members. Innovation in the vineyard and cellar and international work experience have led to an improvement in quality.