Germany: Restaurant Sales Remain Niche for German Wines

For the first time, a representative study by Geisenheim University, commissioned by the German Wine Institute (DWI), reveals where wines are sold in the domestic market, volumes and revenues. How important is the restaurant sector?

Reading time: 2m

Hendrik Thoma: "The Industry Needs More Sex Appeal"

A conversation with German Master Sommelier Hendrik Thoma about audience-driven social media communication and the importance of proper storytelling.

Reading time: 6m

Grand Crus Worth Over a Million Euros Missing

At the Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant La Tour d'Argent, an inventory check reportedly revealed the absence of more than 80 wine bottles valued at over €1.5m.

Reading time: 1m 15s

The Global Wine Industry Grapples with Labour Shortages

It's not just a hospitality problem. Other sectors within the wine industry are also lamenting a lack of workers.

Reading time: 2m

Devil's Advocate - People Enjoy Wine More in Restaurants. Are you Really Surprised?

The wine industry focuses a lot of attention on the way wine performs in blind tastings and less on the way it is perceived by the people who actually drink it - and why. Top researchers are conducting studies but Robert Joseph impudently wonders if they are asking the right questions.

Reading time: 4m 45s

After ProWein: Insider Tips for Going Out

For many visitors, the day spent manning stands or visiting them and taking part in the actual events at the fair is only half the attraction of ProWein. There is plenty on offer in Düsseldorf in the evenings - from French fries with cool wines to Korean-inspired dishes with Champagne and Altbier. Wolfgang Fassbender has put together exciting evening events. 

Reading time: 7m 30s

Mixologists Compete for Big Money in Netflix's New Series, 'Drink Masters'

The format is familiar: A group of contestants face specific challenges in front of a jury until one remains at the end. In the Netflix series "Drink Masters," there are twelve bartenders mixing for a $100,000 prize. Will Sommeliers be next? Commentary by Stefan Adrian of our sister publication Mixology.

Reading time: 3m 30s

Devil's Advocate - Will Young Sommeliers be the Influencers of Tomorrow?

In recent years, traditional wine critics have been increasingly supplanted by young influencers on Instagram and YouTube. Freshly returned from a 'Sommelier Bootcamp'  Robert Joseph wonders if that new breed of communicators might be about to face a challenge of their own.

Reading time: 4m 45s

Wine by Glass Sales Thriving with Luxury Pours and To-Go Sales

As diners flock back to restaurants in the U.S., wine by-the-glass service has been invigorated by changes brought on my new technology and those wrought by Covid lockdowns. Roger Morris reports. 

Reading time: 5 minutes