Germany's sommeliers on the Ahr

BAD NEUENAHR-AHRWEILER. "We Ahr open" is the motto of the Ahr wine region, which is still struggling with the consequences three years after the flood. This is why the German Sommelier Union decided to hold its annual general meeting and Sommelier Campus in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler and set an example for the region. After the event, Yvonne Heistermann, President of the Sommelier Union, emphasised the aim of bringing more Ahr wines onto Germany's wine lists.

During the two-day event, the winegrowers of the VDP.Ahr presented their wines. They were very well received by the members of the Sommelier Union in attendance. "I see a lot of potential for Ahr wines in the catering trade and in the specialist trade," says Yvonne Heistermann. "As expected, the red Burgundy grape varieties from Germany's largest contiguous red wine-growing region were particularly impressive."

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a donation cheque from the Sommelier Union in the amount of EUR 5,000 to Sascha Neudorf from Hoffnungswerk e.V.. The organisation supports people living through disasters and strokes of fate and provides valuable help in the Ahr valley. Sascha Neudorf expressed his sincere thanks and assured that the donation will provide much-needed support. The evening event took place at the Brogsitter family's Gasthaus Sanct Peter. The restaurant and the associated hotel are shining in new splendour after the flood and are looking forward to welcoming guests from near and far.

"We are taking away many emotional and beautiful moments from the last few days. It is admirable how positively people in the Ahr Valley are looking to the future. We were able to experience an inspiring spirit of optimism and taste some wonderful wines," says Yvonne Heistermann. "My appeal to everyone: visit the Ahr, buy the wonderful wines and enjoy the hospitality in the hotels and restaurants in one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in Germany. They Ahr open!"

The Sommelier-Union Deutschland would like to thank the speakers and partners of this year's Sommelier Campus: VDP.Ahr, Junta de Castilla y León, California Wines Europe, Wines from Georgia, Vins Alsace, Wines from Moravia and Wines from Bohemia, Spiegelau, Selters, Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Franciacorta.