Future meets tradition in Germany’s wine capital

Demeter viticulture consultant and winemaker Hannes Hoffmann declares. He speaks on behalf of more than 110 German wineries who have joined the biodynamic non-profit Demeter and cultivate their vineyards biodynamically amid a changing climate. 

Wine & knowledge 

The Biodynamic Wine Fair is an event for professionals, aimed at specialist wine trade, importers, sommeliers and the press. Numerous big names such as Bianka & Daniel Schmitt, Dominikanerweingut Nell-Breuning, Gustavshof, Alexander Gysler, Rieger, roterfaden, Schönhals, Eymann and Alois Lageder are represented, as are young and up-and-coming wineries. In addition, the organisers have secured Zalto Denk’Art as their exclusive glass partner.

Wine capital Mainz  

It is no coincidence that the Biodynamic Wine Fair is being held in Mainz on 27 and 28 April. Other wine events, notably the renowned VDP. Weinbörse fair in the Rheingoldhalle, within walking distance of the Biodynamic Wine Fair’s location at the Alte Postlager, are taking place on the same dates. Mainz will therefore be the capital not only of the German but the international wine scene for two days, living up to its name as the Great Wine Capital.  

Conscious lifestyle

Sustainability, biodiversity and respect for resources have also taken on a whole new meaning on the consumer side. Young people, above all Generations Y and Z, are placing greater value on fair and resource-conserving food production. Demeter certification is highly trusted by consumers – they voted Demeter the most sustainable brand in Germany in a representative study commissioned by the respected Stern magazine. It is little surprise that biodynamic wineries are enjoying growing popularity, particularly among younger target groups, which is reflected in the recent increase in demand from specialist retailers and the catering trade. 

In addition to Demeter, the international biodynamic association Biodyvin also committed itself to this philosophy and will be represented at the wine fair in Mainz. The organisers have secured Zalto Denk'Art as their exclusive glass partner.  

In addition to tasting the wines and getting to know the winemakers, guests can also attend specialist presentations: 

• Dr. Georg Meissner – born in Germany, is a luminary of biodynamics, teaches at Geisenheim University, supervises numerous wineries on their path to biodynamic cultivation and produces wine himself in Roussillon. Georg Meissner will share his latest findings in a lecture at the wine fair. 

• What does biodynamics look like in practice? Jo Pfisterer, oenologist at Alois Lageder winery, combines creativity with structure, inspired by German artist and theorist Joseph Beuys' “social sculpture”, and implements innovative approaches in winemaking. He will talk about this in his masterclass.  

• Marianus von Hörsten – a former winner of the ‘Global Young Chefs Challenge’ has turned his back on star gastronomy and is focussing on sustainable cuisine with his Hamburg restaurant ‘Klinker’. Insights into his philosophy will be provided in a lecture.  

• A major topic in biodynamic cultivation is the preparations used to strengthen and protect vines. Johannes Bastek from the biodynamic research centre in Darmstadt in southwest Germany responsible for biodynamic fertiliser preparations and spraying techniques. He will present the practical applications with stirring barrels. 

About the associations:  

• Demeter e.V.: The oldest organic association in the world represents 1,400 wineries and 110 biodynamic wineries in Germany. 

• Biodyvin: An international association with over 160 members that combines biodynamic viticulture with innovation and tradition.