Five Finalists Announced for the 75th German Wine Queen Election

After a preliminary decision, five of the twelve candidates for the German Wine Crown made it into the final of the election for the 75th German Wine Queen on September 23rd in Neustadt/Weinstrasse.

Jessica Himmelsbach from Baden, Eva Brockmann from Franconia, Sarah Röhl from the Moselle, Lea Baßler from the Palatinate, and Katja Föhr from the Rheingau were the ones who most impressed the jury of around 70 people with their profound specialist knowledge and confident demeanor. They are now looking forward to the big election gala on September 29th in the Neustadter Saalbau.

In the preliminary decision, which takes place every year German Wine Institute (DWI) The young specialists had to answer challenging technical questions about winemaking, wine marketing and handling wine competently and succinctly in German and English.

The audience helps determine the course of the game

In addition, team tasks awaited the candidates, in which, for example, three of them had to recognize and describe a wine. For the first time, viewers of the online stream and in the hall were able to influence the game design and vote digitally as to which of the four available wines should be tasted by the groups of three.

As in previous years, SWR presenter Holger Wienpahl moderated the event and supported the candidates during their stage appearances.

Convincing and competent

Jessica Himmelsbach from the Baden wine-growing region very convincingly explained the advantages of the eLabel (QR code) for nutritional information on labels. She also eloquently described the term “steep position” in English.

Eva Brockmann from the Franconian wine-growing region clearly explained how one can raise awareness of the value of wine. She was also able to explain the concept of origin and the importance of the location for the quality of the wine in a safe and understandable way.

Sarah Röhl from the Moselle initially convincingly made the connection between music and the enjoyment of wine. She also excelled in describing future challenges in viticulture. such as climate change, plant protection and changing drinking habits.

Lea Bassler, from the Palatinate, impressed with her spontaneous, approachable manner and confident knowledge of English when she was asked to explain the term terroir. The jury was also impressed by their knowledge of how to cope with drought phases.

The six-lingual Katja Föhr from the Rheingau growing region was well informed about fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWI), skillfully explained spontaneous fermentation and the requirements for a successful ice wine harvest (at least -7 degrees Celsius).

Master jurors impressed by the candidates’ specialist knowledge

The three master jurors Dr. Simone Loose, professor at Geisenheim University, the Dutch wine expert and Master Vini Lars Daniëls and Master Sommelier Hendrik Thoma paid attention to the correctness of the answers. At the end, they praised the applicants’ great knowledge of wine: “All twelve candidates performed at a very high professional level,” the master jurors agreed.

It was correspondingly challenging for the jury to select the five finalists. She followed the event online and voted digitally. After the jury’s vote had been decided, DWI managing director Monika Reule announced the names of the finalists, each time triggering frenetic cheers from the fans in the hall.

“All applicants gave their best and presented their extensive wine knowledge confidently and in an impressive manner. Now we can look forward to an exciting election evening with the five finalists,” summarized Monika Reule.

The decision will be made on September 29th

Who the reigning German wine queen Katrin Lang will pass on the crown to will be decided at the final election gala next Friday, September 29th, from 8:15 p.m. in the Neustädter Saalbau.

The farewell speeches and the farewell to Katrin Lang and the two German wine princesses Luise Böhme and Juliane Schäfer can be seen from 7:25 p.m www.deutscheweine.de can be followed before the live stream of the gala follows at 8:15 p.m., which will also be broadcast live on SWR television.

For the second time in the history of the German Wine Queen, the spectators in front of the screens and in the hall can also have a say in who should wear the highest German wine crown. The audience vote can be carried out via mobile phone, tablet or laptop via the “meinSWR” dialogue forum.