As announced by the Association of German Sparkling Wine Producers (Verband Deutscher Sektkellereien, VDS) and the Federal Association of Wine and Spirits International (Bundesverband Wein und Spirituosen International, BWSI), the associations opened a capital city office on April 1, 2025, in the Berlin premises of the German Raiffeisen Association (Deutscher Raiffeisenverband, DRV). This significantly expands the presence of the wine and spirits industry in Berlin, it is stated.
Sheryl Webersberger will head the office. She was most recently the Head of Product Policy and Capital City Representative of the Federal Association of the Glass Industry. Dr. Alexander Tacer, Managing Director of the Association of German Sparkling Wine Producers (VDS) and the Federal Association of Wine and Spirits International (BWSI) since 2017, and also Managing Director of the Brewers' Association of Hesse/Rhineland-Palatinate since November 2024, is pleased to have such a "highly qualified and well-connected individual" as the head. "From now on, we can address our industry concerns even more strongly in the immediate vicinity of political decision-makers," says Tacer.
According to VDS/BWSI, the focus will be on the topics of alcohol policy, sustainability, environmental regulations, and economic policy. "In times of steadily declining wine sales, increasing activities of the anti-alcohol lobby, and changing consumer habits, it is important that the industry stands closely together and speaks with one voice," say the representatives of VDS/BWSI DRV. "The joint office will further intensify our already very good cooperation in the interest of our members. Due to the similar and constantly growing political challenges, it is important to make our common concerns heard as effectively as possible in politics," emphasizes DRV Managing Director Dr. Christian Weseloh. In addition to DRV, VDS, and BWSI, the Federal Association of German Wine Cellars (Bundesverband der Deutschen Weinkellereien) also belongs to the association forum.
